By Deutsche Welle
30 Oct 2023, 09:32 AM EDT
The Air Forces of South Korea and the US began large air maneuvers this Monday (10/30/2023) in which some 130 aircraft from both countries participate with the aim of strengthening joint capabilities against North Korea.
The Vigilant Defense 24 exercise, which will last until next Friday (11/03/2023), involves the mobilization of South Korean F-35A stealth fighters, as well as Airbus KC-330 tankers or E-737 early warning aircraft, according to a statement from the South Korean Air Force.
The drills also involve the deployment of American F-35A, F-35B and FA-18 fighters, as well as the participation of an Australian Air Force tanker aircraft, the letter adds.
During the exercises, which will be carried out uninterruptedly, allies will carry out air interdiction drills and support operations, in order to improve the interoperability of the advanced combat aircraft of both countries.
The US Air Force has already announced that this is a “defensive” exercise that does not seek to provoke North Korea, which usually considers these maneuvers as rehearsals to invade its territory. In fact, Pyongyang responded last year to these same aerial exercises by launching more than twenty missiles of different types in a single day.
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