SEOUL, South Korea: In response to North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, South Korea, Japan, and the United States carried out a joint air drill involving a U.S. B-1B heavy bomber on Sunday.
AFP reports this exercise, led by Seoul’s military, took place three days after North Korea launched one of its most powerful ICBMs to date, a solid-fueled missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, according to experts.
The joint drill showcased an advanced strategic alliance among the three nations, with South Korea’s F-15K and KF-16 jets, Japan’s F-2 jets, and the U.S. B-1B bomber participating.
During the maneuver, South Korean and Japanese fighter jets escorted the bomber south of the Korean peninsula, illustrating a powerful capacity for quick, precise strikes on potential threats.
This marks the fourth deployment of the B-1B Lancer to the Korean peninsula this year, demonstrating continued vigilance against Pyongyang’s escalating military actions.
North Korea’s missile test on Thursday demonstrated unprecedented range and altitude, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressing satisfaction at the success of what his country hailed as “the world’s strongest strategic missile.”
Alongside missile testing, international scrutiny has intensified due to reports that North Korea is allegedly sending troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, raising concerns about potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in active combat.
