S. Korea, U.S. conduct combined air drills featuring B-1B strategic bomber

South Korea and the U.S. conducted a joint air drill over the Korean Peninsula on Thursday, featuring a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber in a show of force against North Korea.

This marks the first deployment of a U.S. strategic asset to the Korean Peninsula since the start of the Trump administration.

The exercise also involved South Korea's F-35A stealth fighters, F-15K jets, and U.S. F-16 fighter jets.

The defense ministry stated that the drill aimed to showcase the U.S. extended deterrence capabilities in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats.

It said both sides will continue to expand joint exercises to deter and respond to Pyongyang's threats.