F-15K Takes Off... Simulated Target of 'North Korean Missile Launcher' Destroyed

South Korean Air Force - US Forces Korea and Japan Joint Air Power Combined Exercise

South Korea and the United States' air forces have engaged in large-scale joint exercises. Military authorities sent a warning to North Korea by showing scenes of our F-15K fighter jets destroying targets simulating North Korea's transporter erector launchers (TELs).

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the 31st that the combined air forces of South Korea and the U.S. conducted large-scale joint air exercises over the Yellow Sea and central inland airspace. More than 110 aircraft participated, including South Korea Air Force's F-35A, F-15K, KF-16, F-16, FA-50, KC-330, MC-130K, and U.S. forces stationed in Korea and Japan's F-35B, F-16, A-10, MQ-9, among others.

Large-scale joint aerial training conducted by the ROK-US Air Forces Photo by Yonhap News

Large-scale joint aerial training conducted by the ROK-US Air Forces
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the exercise and released photos showing the F-15K attacking and destroying targets simulating North Korea's TELs. This was effectively a warning message to North Korea, which launched an ICBM from a TEL that day.

The Joint Chiefs stated, "We demonstrated the combined defense capabilities and posture of South Korea and the U.S. that can overwhelm the enemy in preparation for North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," adding, "In particular, we showcased world-class response capabilities by accurately striking enemy TEL targets, covertly penetrating through simulated enemy radar networks, and swiftly and precisely targeting enemy leadership."