S. Korean fighter jets return from 3-week joint exercise in Alaska

South Korean fighters returned from a three-week joint exercise held in Alaska to sharpen their combat skills amid growing threats from North Korea, the Air Force said Wednesday.

Six F-15K fighter jets flew to the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska early this month to join the 'Red Flag' exercise presided over by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces from Oct. 3-21, the Air Force said in a statement.

"The multinational exercise was held at a time when threats of military provocations by the North remain at their highest-ever level. The Air Force focused on improving its combat capabilities in case of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula," the statement said.

The Red Flag exercise, also attended by the air forces of the U.S., New Zealand and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), practiced for combat by simulating striking targets in enemy territory.

No doubt North Korea is one of the enemies simulated, as it has escalated its saber-rattling with its nuclear and missile development programs. This year alone, it has conducted two nuclear tests and launched a series of ballistic missiles with an aim to develop a long-range nuclear-tipped missile that could hit the U.S. mainland.

In addition to the six F-15Ks, Seoul also sent two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and 147 crew and service members to Alaska. The U.S. dispatched 50 fighter jets, New Zealand sent a transport aircraft and NATO sent two early warning aircraft.

Launched in 1976, the Red Flag exercise has mainly been intended to give pilots from the U.S., NATO and other allies the opportunity to practice and refine their skills for real combat situations.

South Korea joined the drill first in 2001 by sending its transport aircraft. But in 2013 its fighter jets began to join the maneuvers that take place three times a year, the statement said. (Yonhap)