South Korea-US Starts Joint Combat Jet Exercise

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO via Instagram @usnavy

JAKARTA - South Korea and the United States are starting routine joint air exercises, involving their fighter jets, along with major spring exercises between the two allies, South Korea's air force said in a statement as quoted by Yonhap.

The five-day drill called The Buddy Squadron and began at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, about 60km south of Seoul, it was part of Freedom Shield's drill which began on the same day.

Reported by ANTARA, Monday, March 4, the latest air exercise marking the first exercise in 2024 will deploy about 20 fighter jets, including South Korean and US F-16 F-15Ks, to practice air defense maneuvers.

The exercise is one of 48 field exercises planned by the two allies that took place this month in connection with Freedom Shield, which will run until March 14.

The two countries first conducted squadron-level exercises in 1991 to improve the pilot capabilities of their fighter jets, although the name of the joint exercise has changed several times.

South Korea and the US will hold eight military exercises this year.