South Korea, US launch largest-ever air drill amid border tensions with the North
Enlarged airborne military exercises between South Korea and the United States involving hundreds of aircraft and thousands of troops commence amid heightened border tensions
South Korea and the United States kicked off their largest-ever joint air drill on Friday at a time of elevated military tensions with North Korea.
The so-called “Max Thunder” exercise, which is held twice a year, will last until April 25 and involve 103 aircraft and 1,400 service personnel, a South Korean air force spokesman said.
“In numerical terms, it’s the largest exercise of its kind that we’ve done,” the spokesman told reporters.
The last Max Thunder drill held in October-November last year involved 97 aircraft and some 1,000 troops.
Seoul’s F-15K jet fighters will take part along with US Air Force F-15 and F-16s and US Marines’ FA-18 and EA-18 aircraft.
“The combined air forces will strengthen their battle readiness under the current situation when tension rises over the Korean peninsula,” a South Korean air force statement said.
