The US Air Force (USAF) has deployed four F-22 Raptors to South Korea to demonstrate the alliance’s air combat capabilities in response to a recent satellite launch by North Korea.
South Korea Air Force Operations Command commander lieutenant general Lee Wang-keon said: "The ROK and US combined air forces remain ready to deter North Korean threats, and are postured to defeat them with the strength of our combined air combat capability."
The F-22 Raptors were deployed alongside South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and the USAF’s F-16 Fighting Falcons during the flyover that demonstrated the high level of integration and interoperability between the two air forces.
UN Command Korea and US Forces Korea deputy commander and US 7th Air Force commander lieutenant general Terrence O’Shaughnessy said: "The F-22 Raptor is the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and it represents one of many capabilities available for the defence of this great nation.
"The US maintains an ironclad commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea (ROK)."
Powered by two F119-100 Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, the F-22A Raptor is a fifth generation, supersonic, tactical dual fighter jet, designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but can also be configured to conduct ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence missions.
Last week, North Korea launched an earth observation satellite amidst international criticism.
The countries including the US, South Korea and Japan have requested a strong UN resolution against North Korea.
Image: A USAF F-22 Raptor is flanked by an F-16 Fighting Falcon and a South Korean air force F-15K Slam Eagle at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm.
