USA’s show of force demonstration revealed in pics of B-52 bombers and F-22 fighters in South Korea for joint drill
THE U.S. Airforce has joined South Korea's in joint air drills showing off various defensive aircraft in an act of force amid threats from North Korea.
A United States Air force B-52 strategic bomber and C-17 aircraft, which are both reportedly nuclear-capable, joined South Korea's Airforce in the drills this morning.
South Korean F-35A and F-15K fighters also participated in the joint drills which were held in South Korea’s air defense identification zone.
The zone the drills were held in is southwest of South Korea's southern island named Jeju, according to a statement by Seoul’s Ministry of National Defense.
The joint drill is part of a protest of US "extended deterrence" against North Korea, said South Korea’s military, reported.
It is South Korea's most recent show of force against North Korea and, as an ally of South Korea, the US combined forces after officials agreed last month to reinforce its protection commitment to Seoul.
North Korea has strengthened its rhetoric toward the US and South Korea this year.
The country has also done a record number of missile tests this year.
The US has increased its joint military drills and made the presence of American strategic assets more regular, including long-range bombers and aircraft carriers.
South Korea’s defense ministry mentioned the protection agreement, noting that the US will "continue to strengthen the combined defense posture" of the South Korea-US alliance.
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The ministry's statement mentioned the alliance in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
North Korea launched a pair of medium-range ballistic missiles earlier this week, VOA News reported.
The missiles are said to be a part of an "important final-stage test" that will soon result in the country’s first spy satellite.