South Korea’s Ministry of Defense has announced an agreement with the United States and Japan to conduct regular anti-missile and anti-submarine defense drills. The aim is to address the growing threats from North Korea and strengthen regional security cooperation. Attribution: Defense Ministry release.
The accord was reported to have been signed by deputy defense ministers, and the parties exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific region as well as ongoing challenges on the Korean Peninsula. Attribution: Defense Ministry release.
Earlier reports indicate that two B-52 bombers, four fighter aircraft, and two US Air Force transport planes participated in a joint exercise with Japan amid North Korean missile launches. According to the Pacific Command, American aircraft carried out coordinated drills with Japanese forces over the Sea of Japan to demonstrate both nations’ deterrence capabilities. Attribution: Pentagon briefing.
In a prior phase of collaboration, South Korea and the United States conducted extensive amphibious exercise preparations. Roughly 650 personnel from both sides took part, along with 30 ships, including the amphibious assault ships ROKS Dokdo and USS Makin Island. Attribution: Defense Ministry briefing.