South Korea and US Conduct Joint Air Drills in Show of Force Against North Korean Military Threats
SEOUL, Feb 20 – South Korea and the United States (US) conducted combined air drills, involving at least one B-1B bomber, in a show of force against North Korean military threats, the South’s Defence Ministry said.
The joint drills, which marked the first such exercise between the allies this year, also involved South Korean F-35A and F-15K fighter jets and US F-16 fighters. The training was conducted to display the US extended deterrence capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and bolster the interoperability of South Korea-U.S. combined forces.
Under close coordination, the allies will seek to strengthen their cooperation by continuously expanding joint drills to deter and counter North Korean threats.
The latest exercise marked the first joint air drills between the allies, involving the B-1B bomber, following US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House last month. The two countries earlier held trilateral air drills with Japan on January 15, involving two B-1B bombers in addition to South Korean F-15K and Japanese F-2 fighter jets.
North Korea has been dialling up tensions on the Korean Peninsula this year, with multiple missile launches into waters off its coasts, including what it called sea-launched strategic cruise missiles. Just two days after the trilateral exercise, North Korea warned of taking action "more intensively" to exercise its right to self-defence, denouncing the three countries for conducting the exercise.
Conclusion
The joint air drills between South Korea and the US are a significant show of force against North Korean military threats and a demonstration of the allies’ commitment to strengthening their cooperation. As tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, it is crucial for the allies to continue to expand their joint drills and exercises to deter and counter North Korean threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of the joint air drills between South Korea and the US?
A: The training was conducted to display the US extended deterrence capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and bolster the interoperability of South Korea-U.S. combined forces.
Q: What types of aircraft were involved in the joint drills?
A: The drills involved at least one B-1B bomber, as well as South Korean F-35A and F-15K fighter jets and US F-16 fighters.
Q: How many times has South Korea and the US held joint air drills this year?
A: This was the first joint air drills between the allies this year, following a trilateral air drills with Japan in January.