South Korea and US Launch Joint Large-Scale Air Exercise
South Korea and the United States have commenced a significant joint air exercise, aimed at enhancing readiness against potential threats from North Korea, as announced by the South Korean Air Force on Thursday.
The 12-day Freedom Flag exercise began earlier this week, mobilizing approximately 110 aircraft across various air bases in South Korea. This includes South Korea’s F-35A stealth fighters and F-15Ks, as well as US F-35Bs, F-16s, and MQ-9 drones, according to Yonhap news agency.
The Royal Australian Air Force is also participating, contributing a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft.
During the initial week, the focus will be on aircraft deployment and tactical planning, leading into flight drills next week that will cover defensive counter-air maneuvers and close air support, the Air Force noted.
For the first time, the exercise will involve joint flights between fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles, designed to simulate real combat scenarios based on recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the Australian tanker will conduct aerial refueling drills with a South Korean F-35A fighter for the first time.
Freedom Flag replaces the previous large-scale air exercises between South Korea and the US, which were known as Korea Flying Training in the first half of the year and Vigilant Defense in the latter half.
