US sends B-52H nuclear bombers to the Korean peninsula after North Korea launches Hwasong-18 ICBM

North Korea again launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this week. The US then sent B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers to the Korean peninsula.

Here's What We Know

The US and South Korean air forces held a joint air exercise on Friday. In addition to the B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers, US and Japanese fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and South Korean fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II aircraft took part in the event.

The joint air exercises came amid strained relations with North Korea and China. North Korea launched the Hwasong-18 missile and China conducted a three-day exercise in which dozens of aircraft simulated strikes against Taiwan.

The announcements of the B-52H training flights are not formally linked to the Chinese drills and DPRK missile activity. That said, the US Air Force says the US and allies always have options for deterrence in case of contingencies.

The US does not specify how many B-52H bombers were involved or where they came from. But there is a possibility that planes from the Andersen base on the island of Guam were flying over the Korean peninsula. Four nuclear-powered B-52H Stratofortress bombers of the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron are stationed there, having arrived from Barksdale, Louisiana.

Source: Stripes