The United States flew a long-range bomber in a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan on Sunday, responding to North Korea’s recent test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) aimed at the U.S. mainland.
North Korea tested the newly developed Hwasong-19 ICBM on Thursday, achieving a flight trajectory that surpassed all previous missiles in altitude and duration. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un labeled the launch as necessary to address external security threats posed by adversaries.
The U.S. deployed the B-1B bomber to fly alongside South Korean and Japanese fighter jets near the Korean Peninsula, showcasing a united front and readiness to counter North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities, according to a statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. This drill marks the second joint aerial exercise between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan this year.
In response to significant North Korean missile launches, the U.S. frequently mobilizes its military assets, including long-range bombers, aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines in the region. North Korea has historically reacted with anger to these maneuvers, perceiving them as part of a U.S.-led scheme to invade.
According to South Korea’s military, the B-1B bomber has flown over or near the Korean Peninsula four times this year, demonstrating its capabilities to carry substantial conventional weapons.
Thursday’s Hwasong-19 launch was North Korea’s first ICBM test in nearly a year, reflecting advancements in their missile development program. However, experts warn that North Korea still faces technical challenges in achieving a functional ICBM capable of delivering nuclear strikes on the U.S. mainland. Some analysts assert that the Hwasong-19’s size, as depicted in state media, may hinder its effectiveness in combat.
Observers believe this ICBM test was intended to draw attention from the U.S. ahead of the upcoming presidential election, as well as to respond to international backlash regarding North Korea’s reported dispatch of troops to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Credit: ABC News
