[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence photo] The Latest US-ROK Fighter Jets Gathered on the Korean Peninsula

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] South Korea and the United States conducted joint exercises near the Korean Peninsula using the latest military aircraft. This is analyzed as a direct response to North Korea's military provocations, including the disclosure of a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for developing a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and a test launch of a military reconnaissance satellite.

The F-22 stealth fighter, considered the world's most powerful combat aircraft from the U.S., was deployed to South Korea for the first time in four years since participating in the May 2018 South Korea-U.S. joint air exercise "Max Thunder." Additionally, the B-52H strategic bomber was deployed near the Korean Peninsula for joint exercises. The F-22 stealth fighter, which is stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, landed at Gunsan Air Base in Jeonbuk on the 20th.

On this occasion, not only the F-22 but also the U.S. strategic bomber B-52H were deployed near the Korean Peninsula to conduct joint air force exercises with South Korea’s F-35A and F-15K fighters over the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) southwest of Jeju Island. Photos and videos provided by the Ministry of National Defense after the exercise identified three F-22s, two B-52Hs, and one C-17 transport aircraft.

The F-22 has been temporarily stationed since last month following the retirement of the existing U.S. F-15 fighters at Kadena Air Base. The F-22 is a stealth fighter that reduces the possibility of detection by the enemy, equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capable of precisely detecting and tracking multiple targets at long range, and outfitted with state-of-the-art electronic warfare equipment, making it regarded as the most advanced fighter currently in service. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.4 (2.4 times the speed of sound), it can strike Pyongyang in about seven minutes when taking off from Osan.

The B-52 "Stratofortress," which first flew in 1952, is the oldest U.S. strategic bomber but is still active and capable of carrying nuclear weapons. It is a long-range bomber that can carry up to 31 tons of bombs, including air-to-ground nuclear missiles with a range of 200 km, fly over 6,400 km to bomb targets, and return. The B-52 was deployed over Osan Air Base in January 2016, shortly after North Korea's fourth nuclear test.