A US B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber conducted a live-fire training exercise with the South Korean Air Force at the Pilsung Range, marking the first time this aircraft has dropped live munitions on the Korean peninsula since 2017. The exercise involved the successful release of GBU-38, 500-pound joint direct attack munitions, striking multiple simulated targets.
The training mission, revealed by the US Air Force on Wednesday, aimed to demonstrate the bomber's precision targeting and strike capabilities in an unfamiliar location. Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th EBS commander, emphasized the significance of the partnership with South Korea in achieving national security objectives through the strategic bomber's speed, flexibility, and readiness.
Following the live-fire exercise, the Lancer joined US Marine Corps F-35Bs, US Air Force F-16s and KC-135 Stratotankers, and South Korean aircraft for air-to-air training over the western region of South Korea. The 7th Air Force highlighted this combined exercise as a "powerful deterrent to potential aggressors."
The B-1B Lancer's return to live-fire exercises in the region comes amid escalating tensions with North Korea, which has continued its illegal weapons programs and frequent missile launches since 2022. Recent provocations against South Korea, including the release of balloons filled with manure and trash, have further fueled the situation.
The 2017 deployment of B-1B Lancers to the Korean peninsula was prompted by North Korea's increased missile testing and provocations. At the time, North Korea had conducted multiple nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, raising concerns across the region and leading to heightened US-South Korean military cooperation.
