Seoul: The United States has deployed F-35 fighter jets to the Korean Peninsula as part of the ongoing summertime combined military exercises with South Korea, a US Forces Korea (USFK) official confirmed Monday.
Reports indicate that around 10 F-35 jets, including both the F-35A and F-35B variants, have temporarily arrived at Kunsan Air Base to participate in the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which is scheduled to run for 11 days, concluding Thursday.
During the deployment, the US jets are expected to conduct joint training with South Korean forces, focusing on defensive counterair operations, enhancing combined readiness, and deterring potential regional threats.
The F-35A, primarily assigned to the US Air Force, operates from conventional runways and offers extended range and payload for strike missions and air superiority. Meanwhile, the F-35B, used by the US Marine Corps, features short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing flexible operations from ships and austere airfields, according to Yonhap news agency.
This temporary deployment is viewed as part of efforts to strengthen the allies’ combined defense posture, with USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson highlighting how the rotational deployment of fifth-generation fighter jets can help offset gaps created by the relocation of US Patriot missile batteries to the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters on August 8, Gen. Brunson emphasized the importance of prioritizing “capabilities” over “numbers” in shaping the USFK’s evolving force posture.
Regarding the potential permanent or regular rotational deployment of F-35 jets in South Korea, the USFK official stated that the force is continuously assessing a capability-focused approach, and any changes to force posture will be announced through official channels.
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