US, South Korea to Hold Large-Scale Air Drills Amid North Korea’s Missile Provocations

In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, U.S. and South Korea Air Force fighter jets, including South Korea's F-35A stealth fighters and U.S. F-16 fighter jets, fly in formation during a joint drill on June, 7, 2022. South Korea Defense Ministry via AP

The United States and South Korea will hold a large-scale joint air exercise involving 240 military aircraft next week to bolster their combat readiness amid North Korea’s ongoing missile provocations.

The drill, known as the Vigilant Storm, will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 and involve major air missions such as close air support, defensive counter air, and emergency air operations, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement.