Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

F-15K and F-16 fighters, aerial refueling tankers

More than 110 warplanes participated in a ‘perfect operation’

On April 21, the ROK and US forces participating in a large-scale joint air exercise conduct a combined formation flight on the East Sea. Provided by ROKAF

Combined operation and wartime mission performance capabilities were enhanced by Large-scale combined air drill 2023 by ROK Air Force and US Air Force that began on April 17.

The ROK Air Force announced that a combined formation flight was conducted on the East Sea on April 21, the fifth day of the exercise. It involved ROKAF F-15K, KF-16, and F-35A fighters, USAF F-16 fighters and a KC-135 tanker, and US Marine FA-18 and F-35B fighters.

Korean and American pilots gathered for a task briefing prior to the exercise. ROK and US Air Forces will continue the exercise until April 28, with the participation of more than 110 planes and over 1,400 troops. During the exercise, various training exercises such as strike packages, defensive counter air (DCA), X-interdiction (X-INT), and close air support (CAS) will take place.

ROKAF has deployed 60 aircrafts including F-35A, F-15K, and KF-16 fighters, FA-50 light fighters, and KC-330 MRTT for the combined exercise with 40 US airplanes such as F-16, F-35B, and FA-18 fighters, A-10 attack aircrafts, and a KC-135 tanker.

ROKAF aims to enhance the interoperability and integrated operational capability of both fourth- and fifth-generation fighters operated by Korea and the United States to develop an airtight combined defense posture and reaffirm a solid ROK-US alliance.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>