South Korea and the United States conducted a joint missile-interception drill over the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea’s six rounds of missile tests this year.
The drill involved fifth-generation stealth F-35A fighter jets from both countries and other fighter jets from South Korea, with the U.S. F-35As deployed from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
In response to North Korea’s increased weapons tests, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan agreed to strengthen their joint response capability against North Korea’s nuclear threats and block the North’s financing of its nuclear program.
North Korea is expected to increase testing activities and rhetoric as the U.S. and South Korea head into elections, seeking international recognition as a nuclear state for relief from economic sanctions.
Despite North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal, concerns of military provocation remain, but a full-scale attack is unlikely given the superior forces of the U.S. and South Korea.
U.S. and South Korean officials have warned that any nuclear attack by North Korea would result in the end of the North’s government under Kim Jong Un.
