US, SKorea planes in missile interception tests
SEOUL: South Korea and the United States flew advanced stealth fighters in a joint missile-interception drill Friday over the Korean Peninsula, South Korea’s air force said, an apparent response to a spate of weapons tests this year by rival North Korea.
North Korea has conducted six rounds of tests, most of them reportedly involving cruise missiles that fly at a low altitude to overcome opponents’ missile defenses.
Analysts say that in the event of a conflict, North Korea aims to use cruise missiles to strike US aircraft carriers as well as US military bases in Japan.
South Korea’s air force said the drill on Friday involved fight generation stealth F-35A fighter jets from both countries and other aircraft from South Korea.
US F-35As were deployed in South Korea on Wednesday from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
North Korea has ramped up its weapons tests since 2022 in what experts call an attempt to increase its leverage in future diplomacy.
It is also expected to step up its testing activities and belligerent rhetoric as both the US and South Korea head into elections.
North Korea is likely seeking international recognition as a nuclear state, a status that experts say the North thinks would help it receive relief from US-led economic sanctions.
North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal has likely emboldened its stance, and there are concerns that the North may launch a limited military provocation against the South.
Observers say a full-scale attack is unlikely as the North is outgunned by more superior US and South Korean forces.
US and South Korean officials have repeatedly warned that any nuclear attack by North Korea against them would spell the end of the North’s government, led by Kim Jong Un.