[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] U.S. Troop Reduction Rumors in South Korea - ③ U.S. Military Movements Around the Korean Peninsula

[Image source=Yonhap News] F-35B Stealth Fighter and B-1B Deployed over the Korean Peninsula (Seoul=Yonhap News) In response to North Korea's 6th nuclear test and the launch of the medium-range ballistic missile (IRBM) Hwasong-12, the U.S. F-35B stealth fighter, B-1B strategic bomber, and South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter conducted a simulated bombing drill over the Korean Peninsula on the morning of the 18th. 2017.9.18 [Provided by the Air Force=Yonhap News] photo@yna.co.kr (End)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] The United States recently deployed B-52H long-range bombers and B-1B strategic bombers from the mainland to the South China Sea and conducted training exercises alongside aircraft carriers. According to the dynamic force employment (DFE) concept, U.S. aircraft carriers operate irregularly in three-month intervals, breaking the usual seven-month deployment cycle.

In April, the U.S. deployed one B-1B from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota near Japan for joint U.S.-Japan exercises, stating that it was demonstrating the U.S. Air Force's DFE concept. Recently, three B-52Hs that completed joint U.S.-Japan exercises were stationed at the Alaska Air Force Base. The deployment of B-52Hs at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska marks the first time in three years since the Red Flag exercises in July-August 2017. This is interpreted as an indirect expression of the willingness to carry out missions such as shows of force near the Korean Peninsula in case of emergency.

Actively implementing the DFE concept by the U.S. involves enormous costs. The relocation of five B-52Hs deployed in Guam, Pacific, back to the mainland in April also incurred significant expenses for maintenance and operation. There are claims that President Trump’s frequent mentions of expanding alliance roles and contributions, along with pressure to increase defense cost-sharing, should be viewed in this context.

According to a report by U.S. CBS News, the U.S. Air Force calculated the operating cost per flight hour (OCPFH) as $95,758 (about 107 million KRW) for the B-1B, $122,311 for the B-2A, and $48,880 for the B-52H. CBS reported that if these three strategic assets each flew a 13-hour round trip, the total cost would amount to $3,470,337. The 13 hours presumably include round-trip flight time from Guam base to the Korean Peninsula and operational time around the Korean Peninsula.

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