Personnel from the US Air Force (USAF), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and the Republic of Korea Air Force have participated in a bilateral training mission in a bid to improve combined capabilities and tactical skills.

USAF 613th Air Operation Center major Patrick Applegate said: “Flying and training at night with our allies in a safe, effective manner is an important capability shared between the US, Japan and Korea, and hones the tactical prowess of each nations’ aviators.

“This is a clear demonstration of our ability to conduct seamless operations with all of our allies anytime, anywhere.”

“The bilateral mission demonstrates how US military forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific are always ready to defend the American homeland.”

The training was conducted near the Sea of Japan as part of the US Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence mission.

It involved participation from two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, two JASDF F-15 Eagles, and two South Korean Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles.

The B-1Bs were deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, US, to conduct the first combined night-time training mission between US Pacific Command B-1B Lancers and Japanese and South Korean fighters.

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The bilateral mission demonstrates how US military forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific are always ready to defend the American homeland. It also illustrates how the US stands resolutely with Japan and South Korea to honour their alliance to safeguard security and stability, the USAF stated.


Image: Two USAF B-1B Lancers prepare to take off to fly sequenced bilateral missions. Photo: courtesy of the USAF photo by staff sergeant Joshua Smoot.