Joint Air Force Drills

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea and the U.S. kicked off their largest joint Air Force drills to date on Monday. Some observers predict that state of the art U.S. F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets may remain on the Korean Peninsula even after the exercise. This seems to back up what US national security adviser has said that the risk of war with North Korea grows each day.

[Pkg]

A U.S. F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet flies with a thunderous roar. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.5, the Raptor has superb stealth capability, enabling covert precision strikes against key enemy facilities. A total of 24 stealth fighter jets including the F-35A and the F-35B which can take off and land vertically are taking part in the latest drill. B-1B Lancer bombers will also hold a bombing exercise at the air force base in Guam. The exercise is the largest to date mobilizing about 230 aircraft from both sides including the Korean Air Force's F-15K and KF-16s. South Korean and U.S. air forces will focus on simulated precision air strikes on mock North Korean nuclear and missile bases and targets. These include long range artillery and transporter erector launchers that move missiles. Assuming a wartime scenario, the drills will be held day and night and will be aimed at striking down around 700 key North Korean targets. The two sides said the exercise is to train for an actual air battle and boost interoperability between the allies.

[Soundbite] Lt. Colonel Kim Seong-deok(Air Force) : "The exercise is to enhance operational capabilities of the S. Korean and U.S. Air Force."

In the face of strong military pressure by South Korean and US air forces, North Korea has vehemently criticized the joint air drills and threatened nuclear war.