North Korea once more launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this week. Subsequently, the US dispatched B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers to the Korean peninsula. Here’s What We Understand The US and South Korean air forces conducted a joint air exercise on Friday.
Alongside 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 fired the Hwasong-18 missile, and China carried out a three-day exercise where dozens of aircraft simulated strikes against Taiwan.
The announcements of the B-52H training flights have not been formally connected to the Chinese exercises and DPRK missile activities. Nevertheless, the US Air Force states that the US and its allies always maintain options for deterrence in the event of emergencies.
The US does not provide specifics regarding the number of B-52H bombers involved or their origin. However, 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 from the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron are stationed there, having arrived from Barksdale, Louisiana.