The South Korean and US Air Forces have conducted an annual joint aerial exercise, Max Thunder, at Kwangju Air Base in South Korea.

The week-long exercise is designed to sharpen the forces’ war-fighting skills and their ability to work together in simulated, realistic combat war situations.

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About 130 pilots and 550 types of warplane, including F-15K, F-4E and F-5E fighter jets from South Korea, will participate alongside 20 early-warning planes, including F-16CM, A-10 and F-16 fighters from the US.

The exercise training missions included simulated air battles to address air provocation from unexpected hostile forces and performing tactical firing on targets.

The two forces also practiced rescue operations to reach dismounted pilots on ground, sea or enemy sites during war.

South Korea has been conducting war drills since North Korean attacks on the South Korean Peninsula last year.

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