ALBAWABA - In the latest round of joint military drills, several South Korean and US fighter planes are scheduled to fly around the clock for five days this week, in what would mark the largest number of sorties flown in training by the partners, South Korea's air force announced on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the drills are part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which aim to improve the combined readiness of the South Korean and US forces against threats from North Korea.
According to the report, aircraft on defensive patrol flights are being redirected to air combat situations as part of simulated training including pretend enemy aircraft interception and cruise missile defense.
The air force asserted that aircraft from two US fighter wings located in South Korea are taking part. The United States stationed 28,500 troops in the South to provide unified defense against nuclear-armed North Korea.
North Korea habitually denounces the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which began on Monday and will continue until August 29, for escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, labeling them rehearsals for a nuclear war.
The North is facing difficulties in introducing modern aircraft and depends heavily on aged and outdated combat aircraft, including several vintage Soviet MiG fighters launched in the 1950s.
Pyongyang has increased its tactical warfare capabilities, including short-range missiles and heavy artillery geared at targeting the South, following significant breakthroughs in longer-range ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
