South Korea and US hold first joint aerial exercise of 2nd Trump administration

The United States deployed its B1-B bomber, joining U.S. and South Korean fighter planes.

Feb 20, 2025 - 17:00
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South Korea and US hold first joint aerial exercise of 2nd Trump administration

South Korea and the United States on Thursday conducted the first joint aerial drills of the current Trump administration, completing a “simulated precision strike,” according the U.S. Air Force.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense said that South Korean F-35 and F-15 fighter jets joined U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers and F-16 fighters, all of which took off from locations within South Korea.

Four U.S. Marine F-35s launched from Japan also joined the exercise, the Air Force said in a report published on its website.

“This training was conducted to demonstrate the extended deterrence capabilities of the United States against North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats and to strengthen the interoperability of the South Korea-U.S. combined forces,” a South Korean Defense Ministry official told Radio Free Asia.

He said that together the two countries would cooperate to deter and respond to North Korean threats.

Video: U.S.-South Korea joint air drills following North Korea's nuclear threats.

The B-1B was also part of trilateral joint exercises with the U.S.-South Korea and Japan in December.

“Advanced training like today’s event ensures we’re able to maintain the high levels of readiness necessary for our combined defense posture,” Lt. Gen. David Iverson, the U.S. Seventh Air Force commander said in the Air Force report.

“Each time our aircrew plan, execute and debrief together, we build proficiency in our tactics, techniques and procedures to defend the Alliance, if required,” he said.

South Korea and the United States have expanded military cooperation over the past few years in response to North Korean threats. Joint drills with South Korea and three way drills with Japan have recently included more advanced technology including submarines, long-range bombers, and aircraft carriers.

Edited by Eugene Whong.

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