USAF B-1B bombers have flown training missions in the Pacific with South Korean and Japanese aircraft in the wake of North Korea’s latest missile test.
In response to North Korea’s recent test of a ballistic missile deemed to have intercontinental range, USAF B-1B Lancer bombers have flown high-profile training missions in the Pacific.
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam conducted a 10-hour sequenced bilateral mission with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets on 7th July.
The B-1Bs flew to the Korean Peninsula where they were joined by South Korean F-15 fighter jets and U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets. The B-1Bs practiced attack capabilities by releasing inert weapons at the Pilsung Range.
En route back to Guam, the B-1Bs flew and integrated with Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) F-2 fighter jets over the East China Sea.
In a separate operation, U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force units sharpened their combat skills during a bilateral mission over the East China Sea on 6th July.
Using Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as a power projection platform, two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew a mission over the East China Sea with their Japanese counterparts. The mission marked the first time U.S. Pacific Command-directed B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF fighters at night.
On conclusion of the bilateral operations, the B-1Bs proceeded to the South China Sea before returning to Andersen Air Force Base.