North Korea once more launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this week. The US subsequently dispatched B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers to the Korean peninsula. Here’s What We Know The US and South Korean air forces conducted a joint air exercise on Friday.
Besides the B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers, US and Japanese fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and South Korean fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II aircraft participated in the event. The joint air exercises occurred amidst tense relations with North Korea and China.
North Korea launched the Hwasong-18 missile, and China carried out a three-day exercise where numerous aircraft simulated strikes against Taiwan. The declarations of the B-52H training flights are not officially connected to the Chinese drills and DPRK missile activity.
However, the US Air Force states that the US and allies always maintain options for deterrence in case of contingencies. The US does not indicate the number of B-52H bombers involved or their origin.
Nevertheless, there is a chance that planes from the Andersen base on the island of Guam were flying over the Korean peninsula. Four nuclear-powered B-52H Stratofortress bombers of the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron are stationed there, having arrived from Barksdale, Louisiana.