The South Korean defense ministry said the military held exercises along with US B-52 bomber aircraft. The latest drills were a demonstration of their readiness at a time when North Korea continues to pose threats.
The South Korean defense ministry said on Wednesday that its military exercises were joined by US F-35B and US F-16 fighter aircraft as well as South Korean F-35 jets. This marks the first time a B-52 bomber was deployed since March 6. The ministry said the participation of the B-52 strategic bomber would boost US extended deterrence as North Korea ramps up its nuclear and missile programs.
“Through combined air exercises linked to the deployment of US strategic assets with increased frequency and intensity, the allies demonstrated their strong will and perfect posture to respond quickly and overwhelmingly to any provocations by North Korea,” said South Korea’s Air Force Operations Command chief Park Ha-sik in a statement.
The two allies have been carrying out drills since March, including air and sea drills with a US aircraft carrier and B-1B bombers, as well as their first large-scale amphibious landing exercises in five years. North Korea has criticized the drills, describing the exercises as a rehearsal for military conflict.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told aides during a policy meeting that the regional security situation was “more serious than ever” due to North Korea’s weapons program and continued provocation. Yoon called for strengthening extended deterrence and ensuring the readiness and capabilities of the country’s military with effective training.
North Korea has ramped up its military activities, having launched a record number of missiles with concerns that Pyongyang was gearing up for its first nuclear test in years.
North Korea has accused the US and South Korea of escalating tensions in the region, according to state media KCNA on Thursday, pledging to respond with “offensive action.”
Pyongyang said the exercises were “a trigger for driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the point of explosion,” according to the outlet.
“The reckless military confrontational hysteria of the US and its followers against the DPRK is driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to an irreversible catastrophe…to the brink of a nuclear war,” said KCNA, referring to North Korea by the initials of its formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.