New joint air drills with Seoul involve US nuclear-armed B-52 bombers in a projection of power against North Korea, as part of deterring Pyongyang from testing nuclear weapons.

The South Korean Defence Ministry announced that B-52 bombers are participating in joint air exercises with US and South Korean fighter jets over the Korean peninsula.

The statement said that it was the first deployment of US B-52 bombers over the peninsula in a month and that the drills demonstrate Seoul and Washington’s strong determination and readiness to respond quickly and substantially to any provocation from North Korea.

Specifically, the US sent the B-52H strategic bomber, which can carry nuclear weapons, to participate in the exercises, demonstrating the credibility of the “extended deterrence”.

The term refers to the US commitment to use the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its close ally South Korea. A US aircraft carrier is also participating in the new aeronautical drills in the Yellow Sea.

Pyongyang perceives such drills as provocations, indicating the enemy’s intention to attack North Korea, and accuses the US of bringing the region to the brink of nuclear war.

Tensions continue to rise in the region, with North Korea increasing its tests of ballistic missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and the US and South Korea continuing their military projection of power.

A day after the last flight of B-52 bombers over the peninsula on March 6, Kim Yo-yong, sister to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, warned that her country was ready to take swift and far-reaching action against the United States and South Korea.

With information from: CNN Greece

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