US and South Korea launch joint Korea Flying Training exercise with fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters

The Republic of Korea and the United States have begun the next phase of a joint military exercise, Korea Flying Training. The event comes about six months after Vigilant Storm ended.

Here's What We Know

In early January 2023, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the US and the Republic of Korea would conduct more frequent military exercises. The Pentagon chief hinted at increased use of air assets, including fifth-generation fighters and strategic bombers.

Since then, B-52H and B-1 strategic jets have flown over the Korean peninsula. Stratofortresses are in the region as part of the deployment of the task force at US Air Force Base Andersen on the island of Guam.

The event, called Korea Flying Training, is being held at Gwangju Base, according to the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defence. According to media reports, the exercise will run until 28 April 2023. More than 100 aircraft will take part.

On April 14, B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers accompanied by U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and South Korean F-35A Lightning II fighters flew over the country. Also pictured were the US Air Force's F-35A Lightning II and the US Marine Corps' F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Source: DVIDS