The 10-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has been cut to five days, with some live-training events cancelled or replaced by simulations following Washington’s request.

The United States and South Korea have shortened their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise by half following a request from Washington, days after US President Donald Trump called for a reduction in the drills.

The 10-day exercise, which began on Monday, will now conclude on Friday, August 21, according to the US and South Korean militaries.

A Pentagon official said the adjustment was made under the direction of Trump and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, with some live-training events cancelled or replaced with computer-based simulations.

South Korea’s military confirmed that the decision to reduce the duration and scale of the exercise was made at the request of the United States.

The Pentagon, however, said the changes would preserve the allies’ essential readiness and training objectives without compromising US military capabilities.

Trump had called for the reduction, citing what he described as his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He argued that the exercises could send an inappropriate and hostile signal to Pyongyang.

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The US president also criticised the cost of the exercises and questioned South Korea’s level of support during the war involving Iran.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills are designed to strengthen the US and South Korean militaries’ ability to respond to potential threats from North Korea, whose nuclear and conventional military capabilities have continued to expand.

This year’s exercise was also scheduled to include training focused on emerging threats such as drone attacks, GPS disruptions and cyberattacks. At least 18,000 South Korean troops were expected to participate.

North Korea has repeatedly condemned the US-South Korea military exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion and a threat to its security.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, however, has defended the drills as defensive exercises intended to maintain peace and protect lives.

Despite the shortened programme, Seoul said it would continue working closely with Washington to maintain a strong combined defence posture and ensure the allies remain prepared to respond to security threats on the Korean Peninsula.