The joint exercise involved at least one US B-52H strategic bomber, according to Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff. North Korea's state media confirmed the launch of the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM on Wednesday, heightening tensions further.

The drills saw South Korea deploy F-15K fighters, while the US contributed F-16 jets. The exact location of the exercise on the peninsula was not specified by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In a statement, the JCS highlighted that the joint exercise aimed to enhance combined operational capabilities between South Korea and the United States, particularly through the timely deployment of the US extended deterrence asset. (ILKHA)