As part of what it calls the continuing demonstration of the US commitment to its allies, two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted a 10-hour sequenced bilateral mission yesterday with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets.
The mission, they say, is in response to a series of increasingly escalatory actions by North Korea, including the July the 3rd launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
According to a Pacific Air Forces news release:
“North Korea’s actions are a threat to our allies, partners and homeland.
Let me be clear, if called upon we are trained, equipped and ready to unleash the full lethal capability of our allied air forces.”
Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson, US Forces Korea deputy commander said:
“U.S. bombers and Republic of Korea fighters are just two of many lethal military options at our disposal.
The mission clearly demonstrates that the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains prepared to use the full range of capabilities to defend and to preserve the security of the Korean Peninsula and region.”
The B-1B’s flew to the Korean Peninsula, where they were joined by South Korean F-15 fighter jets and U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters. The B-1B’s practised attack capabilities by releasing inert weapons at the Pilsung Range.
