Seoul: South Korea and the United States on Tuesday conducted joint air exercises involving US B-1B bombers over the Korean Peninsula, aimed at countering North Korean military threats. The drills were intended to showcase the allies' readiness and capabilities in dealing with North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile programs.

According to Qatar News Agency, the exercise also included South Korean F-35A and F-16 fighter jets, along with US F-16s. The Korean Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of these exercises in demonstrating the combined strength of the South Korea-US alliance. The ministry stated, "In order to deter and respond to North Korea's threats, South Korea and the US will continue to expand combined exercises and strengthen the level of cooperation of the South Korea-US alliance," as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

This joint exercise was the second of its kind this year, following similar drills conducted on February 20. Additionally, South Korea and the United States conducted trilateral air drills with Japan in January, which also involved the conventional bomber.