Today: 1 June 2025
15 November 2023
1 min read

US Defense Secretary Reaffirms Commitment in Joint Drills with South Korea

The frequent deployments of high-profile military assets this year come amid US efforts to bolster its security commitment to South Korea against evolving nuclear and missile threats from North Korea…reports Asian Lite News

South Korea and the US staged joint air drills on Wednesday, involving two US B-52H strategic bombers, over the Yellow Sea, Seoul’s Defense Ministry said, in the latest show of force against North Korea.

South Korean F-35A, F-15K and US F-35B and F-16 fighter jets escorted the nuclear-capable bombers during the drills, the Ministry said, as the allies seek to bolster security cooperation against growing North Korean military threats.

The exercise marked the key US military asset’s return to the peninsula in less than a month after it made its first-ever landing at a South Korean air base on October 17, Yonhap news agency reported.

With the latest exercise, South Korea and the US have staged seven combined air drills, involving the B-52H bomber, over the peninsula this year. They have staged 12 such exercises this year with US strategic bombers in total, including the B-1B bomber, which is no longer nuclear-capable.

The frequent deployments of high-profile military assets this year come amid US efforts to bolster its security commitment to South Korea against evolving nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

During annual bilateral security talks on Monday, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s extended deterrence commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.

“In line with this commitment, this exercise expands the frequency and intensity of the deployment of US strategic assets to demonstrate an effect equivalent to constant deployment,” the Ministry said, describing the drills as “extended deterrence in action”.

On Monday, Austin also hailed the B-52’s first landing in South Korea as “a milestone” for the US deterrence efforts and unveiled there will be “another carrier battle group that comes soon”.

According to sources, the USS Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is expected to dock at the Busan naval base early next week.

ALSO READ-Families Urge Government to Secure Release of Hostages

Previous Story

X Removes Accounts in Swift Action Against Hate Speech

Next Story

China’s Sway in Thai Military Remains Strong

Latest from -Top News

UAE aid for Gaza in global focus

Titled Hope Remains, the documentary brings to light the UAE’s leading role in providing vital aid and support to the people of Gaza. The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out new airstrikes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, hitting a range of military targets. Syria has confirmed the commencement

Gaza truce deal hits new snag

US says Hamas’ reply to the ceasefire plan was “totally unacceptable” and accused the Palestinian group of dragging the negotiations backward. The latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has hit

IAEA flags Iran enrichment spike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in two separate but related reports, said Iran has boosted its uranium stockpile enriched up to 60% purity by nearly 50% since February. Iran has vehemently

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Workers quitting jobs in US at highest rate in decades

Citing data from the Labour Department, the report said that

Biden meets with families of American hostages

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and deputy national security adviser