South Korea, Japan and the United States plan to conduct their first joint air drill near the Korean Peninsula this weekend, Yonhap news agency reported on October 18, citing a source, as the three countries step up security cooperation against what they say is a threat from North Korea.
The trilateral air exercise is scheduled to take place on October 22, involving B-52 strategic bombers that the US is deploying in South Korea as well as fighter jets from the three countries, according to the source.
South Korea's Dong-a Ilbo newspaper also quoted a government source as saying the three countries are likely to conduct the exercise on October 22 and are coordinating locations.
US B-52 bombers participate in air drills with South Korean F-35A fighter jets over the Korean Peninsula on October 17.
KOREA AIR FORCE/YONHAP
Nuclear-capable B-52 bombers landed in South Korea for the first time on October 17, after making a rare flight to a defense trade show in the country and participating in joint exercises with South Korean stealth fighters.
Although B-52s have previously been deployed to the Korean Peninsula to participate in joint exercises with Seoul's air force, this is the first time the US strategic bomber has landed at an air base in South Korea.
A South Korean defense ministry official declined to confirm or comment further on the U.S.-Japan-South Korea air drills. However, the official said the U.S. and its two East Asian allies are “expanding” their trilateral military exercises based on the leaders’ agreement at the Camp David summit in August.
The drills are seen as the latest in a series of moves by the three countries to strengthen ties at a time of heightened tensions with North Korea.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to arrive in Pyongyang on October 18 after two days in China. Lavrov's trip to North Korea is seen as preparation for Russian President Vladimir Putin's expected visit to the country, according to Reuters. Putin is in Beijing and is holding talks with ChinesePresident Xi Jinping on the morning of October 18.
Russia-North Korea relations have been strengthening in recent times. A month ago, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un traveled to Russia’s Far East and met with Putin. Kim also visited several Russian military production facilities during his week-long trip.
Russia's TASS news agency reported that Lavrov would likely inform the North Korean side about the results of Putin's visit to China, as well as discuss the invitation the Russian president had extended to visit Pyongyang, which leader Kim had made.
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