SEOUL, South Korea – In reaction to North Korea’s recent launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) aimed at the U.S. mainland, the United States conducted a long-range bomber exercise on Sunday with South Korea and Japan, according to South Korea’s military officials.
On Thursday, North Korea successfully tested its latest Hwasong-19 ICBM, which achieved unprecedented altitude and duration compared to previous missile tests. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the launch as a necessary military response to perceived security threats from enemies.
During the joint exercise on Sunday, U.S. B-1B bombers participated alongside South Korean and Japanese fighter jets, showcasing the united front and readiness of the three nations to counter North Korea’s increasingly potent nuclear and missile capabilities, as reported by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This aerial drill marks the second trilateral training event conducted by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan this year.
In the wake of significant missile tests by North Korea, the U.S. frequently deploys some of its most formidable military resources, including long-range bombers, aircraft carriers, and nuclear submarines, to the region. Such actions are typically met with ire from North Korea, which accuses the U.S. of orchestrating schemes for invasion, often leading to further missile tests from the North.
The B-1B bomber has been deployed near or over the Korean Peninsula four times this year, reflecting the ongoing tensions. The aircraft possesses a substantial capacity for carrying conventional weapons.
The recent Hwasong-19 test, being North Korea’s first ICBM launch in nearly a year, indicates advancements in their missile development. However, many analysts believe that North Korea still faces technical hurdles before achieving operational ICBMs capable of delivering nuclear payloads to the U.S. mainland. Observers noted that the Hwasong-19, featured in North Korean media, appeared excessively large for practical military application.
Analysts view the ICBM test as a strategy by North Korea to capture U.S. attention amid the approaching presidential elections and as a way to address global condemnation regarding the alleged deployment of troops to assist Russia in its conflict in Ukraine.
