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This week will see 230 warplanes, from both the US and South Korean Air Forces, fly over eight US and South Korean military bases.
null (Associated Press)
The US and South Korea’s annual air drills — known as Vigilant Ace — are underway in the Korean Peninsula.
This week will see 230 warplanes, from both the US and South Korean Air Forces, fly over eight US and South Korean military bases.
The drill will also involve two dozen stealth jets — a sign that the US and South Korea are forces to be reckoned with.
The show of force involves 12,000 personnel and some of the most advanced aerial weaponry in service. The drill comes as North Korea has recently become increasingly aggressive with its most recent ICBM test and rhetoric.
See the best shots from the drill so far:
F-15s, the king of the skies for 3 decades, are participating in the drill in large numbers
F-15s, the king of the skies for 3 decades, are participating in the drill in large numbers
(U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airmnan Jessica H. Smith)
F-35s and F-16s line up together to get into the air.
F-35s and F-16s line up together to get into the air.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colby L. Hardin)
Six F-22s, rarely seen outside the US or Japan, add more stealth power to the exercise.
Six F-22s, rarely seen outside the US or Japan, add more stealth power to the exercise.
(U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airmnan Jessica H. Smith)
18 F-35s in total are in South Korea.
18 F-35s in total are in South Korea.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Rosales)
B-1 bombers are also being used in the drills.
B-1 bombers are also being used in the drills. (Associated Press)
Here a B-1 is accompanied by two F-16s, two F-15s, and 4 F-35s.
Here a B-1 is accompanied by two F-16s, two F-15s, and 4 F-35s.
(Associated Press)
While the drills will be held over US and South Korean Air Force bases, civilians will be able to see military jets do an occasional fly by
While the drills will be held over US and South Korean Air Force bases, civilians will be able to see military jets do an occasional fly by
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Josh Rosales)
Here, two F-16s from the US Air Force prepare for landing.
Here, two F-16s from the US Air Force prepare for landing. (Associated Press)
Electronic warfare capabilities, demonstrated by the EA-18G Growler, are also involved.
Electronic warfare capabilities, demonstrated by the EA-18G Growler, are also involved.
(Associated Press)
Vigilant Ace will be a great chance to study how the F-35 will is able to perform with non-stealth aircraft, like these F-16s.
playVigilant Ace will be a great chance to study how the F-35 will is able to perform with non-stealth aircraft, like these F-16s.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Josh Rosales)
There’s a lot of F-16s at the drill.
playThere’s a lot of F-16s at the drill.
(U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Handout via REUTERS)
The drills, of course, are not just limited to the ground. Here, South Korean soldiers load up on a vehicle during their shift change at Osan Air Base.
The drills, of course, are not just limited to the ground. Here, South Korean soldiers load up on a vehicle during their shift change at Osan Air Base.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
The massive amount of airpower, however, is where most of the attention is going.
The massive amount of airpower, however, is where most of the attention is going.
(Associated Press)
