The United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted a joint military drill involving a B-1B bomber following North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile test.
At a Glance
- North Korea tested the Hwasong-19 ICBM, reaching an altitude of 7,000 kilometers.
- The U.S. deployed a B-1B bomber for training with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets.
- Kim Jong Un claimed the test demonstrated North Korea’s irreversible nuclear capabilities.
- The trilateral drill was the second such exercise in 2023.
- Experts suggest North Korea’s missile program is advancing but still faces challenges.
North Korea’s Hwasong-19 ICBM Test
North Korea recently conducted a test of its Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, marking a significant development in its weapons program. The missile flew higher and stayed airborne longer than previous models, reaching an altitude of 7,000 kilometers and remaining in flight for 87 minutes. This test has raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community about North Korea’s advancing missile capabilities.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the missile test as “an appropriate military action” in response to external security threats. He further emphasized the significance of this test, stating:
“The new-type ICBM proved before the world that the hegemonic position we have secured in the development and manufacture of nuclear delivery means of the same kind is absolutely irreversible.”
While North Korea claims this test demonstrates its irreversible nuclear capabilities, experts suggest that the country’s missile program, though advancing, still faces technological challenges for effective ICBM deployment.
South Korea, Japan, and the United States on Sunday conducted a joint air drill involving a heavy bomber, Seoul's military said, in response to North Korea's latest long-range missile test. https://t.co/3LMq95wLIc
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) November 3, 2024
US, South Korea, and Japan’s Joint Drill
Following North Korea’s ICBM test, the United States conducted a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan. This exercise involved a long-range B-1B bomber, showcasing the allies’ readiness to counter North Korea’s missile programs. The bomber was deployed for training with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets near the Korean Peninsula.
This trilateral aerial training was the second such exercise by South Korea, the US, and Japan in 2023, demonstrating their commitment to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements. The B-1B bomber has been flown over or near the Korean Peninsula four times this year alone, underscoring the US’s strategic presence in the region.
Implications and International Reactions
The missile launch drew condemnation from the US, South Korea, and Japan, amid growing concerns over North Korea’s military activities. There are also reports of North Korea providing military support to Russia, with up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers allegedly deployed to Russia, some expected to engage in combat.
The timing of the Hwasong-19 ICBM test may have been intended to attract US attention ahead of the presidential election and respond to criticism over North Korea’s alleged military support to Russia. As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains vigilant about North Korea’s missile program and its potential impact on regional and global security.
Sources
- North Korea’s long-range missile test signals its improved, potential capability to attack US
- US Holds Trilateral Drill With South Korea, Japan After North Korea Launches Missile Test
- US flies long-range bomber in drill with South Korea, Japan in reaction to the North’s missile test
