B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess AFB, Texas conducted a “sequenced bilateral mission” with South Korean F-15 and Japanese F-2 fighter jets this weekend, in response to “increasingly escalatory actions” by North Korea (most recently on July 3 when they launched an ICBM test).
The USAF called it, “part of the continuing demonstration of the ironclad U.S. commitment to our allies against the growing threat from North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.”
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The B-1s took off from Andersen AFB, Guam, for the 10 hour mission to practice attack capabilities and drop inert weapons in a precision strike training exercise at the Pilsung Range, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
They also flew a bilateral mission with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15’s over the East China Sea on July 6, marking the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1s have flown combined training with JASDF fighters at night.
“Bilateral training fosters increased interoperability between Japan and U.S. aircraft,” said the USAF. “Participating in bilateral training enables the operational units to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also building bilateral confidence and strong working relationships.”
Check out some of the images from their weekend below.
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