The Republic of Korea and the United States are conducting Freedom Flag air exercises involving about 110 aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters. This was reported by the Yonhap agency with reference to the Air Force of the Republic of Korea, Day.Az reports with reference to TASS.
Training began on October 21 and will continue until November 1. South Korea will use F-35A, F-15K fighters, the American side – F-35B and F-16, as well as MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles. During the first week, the U.S. and ROK militaries will focus on mission planning; the second week will focus on air support and defensive air maneuvers.
“For the first time, a joint flight” of fighter jets and drones will take place, Yonhap reports. An Australian KC-30A refueling transport aircraft will join the exercise. It is planned that as part of the training, he will refuel a South Korean fighter in the air.
The agency points out that the Freedom Flag exercise is being held for the first time as it “replaces under one name” regular exercises Korea Flying Training, which took place in the first half of the year, and Vigilant Defense, which took place in the second.