The U.S. B-1B strategic bomber took part in a joint air exercise with South Korea and Japan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced Nov. 3. The exercise was held over the overlapping area of the South Korea-Japan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) east of Jeju Island, and included South Korea’s F-15K and KF-16 fighters, U.S. Air Force F-16s, and Japan’s F-2 jets.
During the drill, the B-1B bomber, escorted by allied fighter jets, moved to the designated training zone and executed simulated strikes on a virtual target. The B-1B, known for its supersonic speed, can reach Mach 1.25 (1,530 km/h) and has a range of up to 12,000 kilometers, enabling it to reach the Korean Peninsula from Guam in about two hours. Although it is not equipped with nuclear weapons, the B-1B can carry up to 57 tons of armaments, surpassing other U.S. bombers like the B-2 (22 tons) and the B-52 (31 tons).
This marks the fourth U.S. strategic bomber deployment to the Korean Peninsula this year and the second joint air exercise among the three countries in 2024, the JCS said.
The joint drill was in response to North Korea’s recent test launch of its Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). “This exercise reflects the three countries’ response to North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile launch on Oct. 31,” the JCS said. “It demonstrates the combined strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance’s extended deterrence and the resolve and capabilities of U.S.-South Korea-Japan security cooperation to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile threats.”
The JCS added that the three countries would continue to enhance their cooperation to deter North Korean threats and respond collectively, expanding trilateral security efforts through close coordination.
