Overview

• South Korea and the United States conducted a joint air exercise over the Korean Peninsula on April 15, 2025, featuring a US B-1B strategic bomber and allied fighter jets.
• The drill aimed to visibly reinforce the US extended deterrence commitment against North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile capabilities.
• This marks the second deployment of a US strategic asset to the Korean Peninsula since February 2025 under the current policy framework.
• The exercise focused on strengthening interoperability between the allied air forces, including South Korea's F-35A stealth fighters and US F-16 jets.
• The ongoing joint drills reflect a broader strategy to counter regional threats through enhanced military cooperation among the US, South Korea, and Japan.