The United States and South Korea are poised to engage in their annual joint military exercises amidst escalating rhetoric from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who continues to flaunt his nation’s military prowess.

Known as Freedom Shield 26, this field training operation will run from March 9 to March 19, as announced by United States Forces Korea. The exercises aim to fortify the collaboration between the two allies, enhancing their joint defense posture and combat readiness through a series of large-scale live training sessions. These maneuvers are characterized as “defensive in nature,” with participation anticipated from several United Nations Command member states.

While these drills are underway, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un remains vocal about his country’s military ambitions. Demonstrating his intent to strengthen the Democratic People’s Republic’s naval forces, he recently visited a 5,000-ton destroyer and oversaw a missile test. North Korea’s state-run media outlet, KCNA, reported on Thursday that Kim is committed to bolstering his nation’s “powerful offensive capability.”

“[South Korea] and U.S. units will participate in several large-scale live training exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability, reinforcing our combined defense posture, and increasing overall combat readiness,” according to the announcement.

Meanwhile, North Korean dictator Kim is saber-rattling and boasting of his hermit nation’s “powerful offensive capability.”

He visited a 5,000-ton destroyer and conducted a missile test all while vowing to continue to beef up the Democratic People’s Republic’s naval capabilities, state-run media KCNA reported Thursday.

“Every year during the new five-year plan period, ​we must build two surface warships of this class or of a higher class,” Kim said at North Korea’s Nampho Shipyard.

The five-year plan refers to an economic and state-building initiative conceived by the ruling Workers Party of Korea at its 9th party congress in February.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to improve diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and has proposed scaling back Freedom Shield’s live field drills — but was rebuffed by the US.

North Korea has long condemned Freedom Shield as a rehearsal for an potential invasion by the US and South Korea.

At the 9th congress in February, Un called South Korea his regime’s “most hostile enemy” and said its destruction “cannot be ruled out.”

Freedom Shield will also run defense drills regarding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, US and South Korean officials said.

North Korea is estimated to have produced as many as 50 nuclear warheads and amassed enough fissile material for as many as 90, according to the US Naval Institute.

“This exercise fortifies our combined defense posture and enhances our response capabilities, reinforcing the Alliance’s role in regional peace and security,” according to the announement.

North Korea may be set to hold a large military parade to show off its latest capabilities, according to regional analysts.

With Post Wires.