[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence photo] The Might of ROK-US Strategic Assets

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air exercise over the Korean Peninsula involving strategic assets. The training was held in response to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) provocations.

The exercise was carried out by escorting a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber entering the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) with South Korean Air Force F-35A and F-15K fighters and U.S. Air Force F-16s, conducting joint formation flights. About 10 aircraft participated in the training, reportedly moving from the West Sea to the East Sea while passing through the southern regions.

The B-1B can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.25 and has a maximum range of 11,998 km. When forward-deployed to Guam in the Pacific, it can be deployed to the Korean Peninsula within two hours. Although it does not carry nuclear weapons, it can carry up to 57 tons of armaments, boasting a superior payload compared to other strategic bombers such as the B-2 (22 tons) and B-52 (31 tons).

The F-35A has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a maximum flight range of 2,200 km. It can carry up to 8 tons of armaments, and to maximize stealth performance, weapons are mounted only in internal bays. It is a state-of-the-art fighter equipped with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar capable of detection and electronic attack, a helmet-mounted display (HMD) that projects fire control information in front of the pilot's helmet, and an electro-optical system capable of infrared forward-looking surveillance, detection, and tracking.

While the B-1B carpet bombs enemy territory with overwhelming armament, the F-35A can preemptively neutralize enemy air forces.

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