US and South Korea conduct combined air exercises to tackle the danger posed by North Korea

The air force of South Korea announced on Tuesday that around 200 fighter planes from both South Korea and the United States are scheduled to fly nonstop for five days this week, making it the most sorties the partners have flown during training.

The drills are a component of the yearly Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which aim to improve the combined preparedness of the US and South Korean forces against North Korean threats, according to the statement.

Under simulated drills including pretend enemy aircraft interdiction and cruise missile defense, aircraft on defensive patrol flights are being redirected to air combat situations, according to the statement.

According to the air force, two U.S. fighter wings stationed in South Korea are sending aircraft to participate. In order to defend itself jointly against North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons, the US has 28,500 troops stationed in the South.

The yearly Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which started on Monday and will continue through August 29, are often denounced by North Korea as preparations for a nuclear exchange and for inflaming tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Although it is making an effort to update its air force, the North finds it difficult to acquire new aircraft and is mostly dependent on outdated combat aircraft, including several Soviet MiG fighters from the 1950s.

After making significant progress in its nuclear and longer-range ballistic missile programs, Pyongyang has increased its tactical warfare capabilities, deploying heavy artillery and short-range missiles targeted against the South.