S. Korea, US field 100 aircraft in joint drill
More than 100 South Korean and U.S. warplanes have joined an annual combined defense exercise under way on the peninsula, South Korea's Air Force said Thursday.The Max Thunder training, which started on April 14 for a two-week run, also involves around 1,200 troops, including some American personnel stationed in Japan.South Korea has dispatched F-15K, KF-16, FA-50, F-4E and F-5 fighter jets, as well as C-130 cargo and E-737 airborne early warning and control aircraft.The U.S. has also sent various types of assets, including F-16s, U-2 reconnaissance aircraft from the 7th Air Force, AV-8Bs from the 12th Marine Aircraft Group and EA-18Gs from the Electronic Attack Squadron 132.In the Max Thunder operation at Kunsan Air Base, the two sides have conducted a simulation-based precision strike drill.They also staged a war game in two teams -- Blue Air and Red Air.On Friday, the air force commanders of the allies plan to fly in each other's aircraft in a symbolic goodwill gesture.Lt. Gen. Won In-chul, commander of South Korean Air Force Operations Command, will be aboard an F-16, with Lt. Ge
Apr 20, 2017