US and South Korea hold joint air drills to counter North Korea threat

Over 200 South Korean and U.S. fighter jets will participate in the largest joint air drills to date, flying continuous sorties for five days. These exercises, part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield, are aimed at enhancing military readiness against North Korean threats. The drills include simulated air combat and missile defense scenarios. North Korea, which relies on outdated aircraft, has criticized the drills as provocative, while advancing its own short-range missile and nuclear capabilities.