The trilateral exercise involved the deployment of a US B-1B Lancer long-range bomber, South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japanese F-2 jets. The joint aerial maneuver aimed to demonstrate the allies' commitment to integrated extended deterrence in the face of North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.

North Korea's recent ICBM test, the Hwasong-19, showcased significant advancements in its missile program, with the missile capable of reaching the US mainland. Pyongyang justified the test as a necessary response to perceived security threats from its adversaries.

The US has frequently responded to North Korea's missile tests by deploying strategic military assets to the Korean Peninsula. This latest joint drill reinforces the US-South Korea alliance and the trilateral security cooperation with Japan.

North Korea is expected to react strongly to this show of force, potentially leading to further missile tests or other provocations. (ILKHA)