US sends long-range bombers to participate in exercises with South Korea and Japan

(CLO) The South Korean military said the U.S. deployed a long-range bomber to participate in a trilateral exercise with South Korea and Japan on November 3 in response to North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile test.

On November 3, the United States deployed B-1B bombers for training with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets near the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating the three countries' firm resolve and readiness to respond to North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile programs, according to a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The statement said the trilateral air exercise was the second joint exercise between South Korea, the United States, and Japan this year.

The US deployed B-1B nuclear bombers in joint exercises with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets following North Korea's missile test. Photo: AFP

Seoul's military said the exercise involved U.S. B-1B nuclear bombers, South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japanese F-2 fighters.

During the air exercise, South Korean and Japanese fighter jets escorted U.S. strategic bombers to a designated location in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, "demonstrating overwhelming capability in rapidly and accurately striking simulated targets," the report added.

According to the South Korean military, the U.S. has sent B-1B bombers to fly over or near the Korean Peninsula four times this year. A single B-1B is capable of carrying a large payload of conventional weapons.

Earlier on October 31, North Korea tested the newly developed Hwasong-19 ICBM, which flew higher and stayed airborne longer than any other missile the country had ever launched. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called it an "appropriate military action" to counter external security threats.

The Hwasong-19 test was North Korea's first ICBM test in nearly a year, demonstrating progress in North Korea's missile program.

The United States typically responds to major North Korean missile tests by temporarily deploying powerful military weapons such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines near the Korean Peninsula.

Hoai Phuong (according to AP, SCMP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-dieu-may-bay-nem-bom-tam-xa-tham-gia-tap-tran-voi-han-quoc-nhat-ban-post319776.html