Seoul: South Korea and the United States have initiated a joint large-scale air exercise, as announced by South Korea's Air Force, to enhance their interoperability and combined readiness against North Korean threats.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the semiannual Freedom Flag exercise involves approximately 1,100 troops and 90 aircraft from both nations and is scheduled to run through May 2. The exercise includes South Korea's F-35A, F-15K, and KF-16 fighter jets, alongside the U.S. F-16 and F-35 B fighters, as well as MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones.
During the two-week period, participants will engage in essential air operations training such as air interdiction, defensive counter air, combat search and rescue, and close air support exercises. Notably, stealth fighter jets like the F-35 will assume the role of "red air" opposition forces for the first time, aimed at enhancing pilots' practical combat skills.
The drills will also incorporate unmanned aerial vehicles, including the MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones, to improve proficiency in the integrated operation of manned and unmanned air assets. The U.S. Seventh Air Force highlighted the intention to advance combined airpower capabilities by executing missions that mirror the evolving operational environment of modern warfare, including international developments in airpower and integrated missions.
The Freedom Flag initiative was introduced last year, replacing previous large-scale air exercises between the allies known as Korea Flying Training and Vigilant Defense.