Asia-Pacific

ROK, US jointly hold air defense exercises

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-15 10:55

A US AH-64 Apache helicopter fires a weapons system during an aerial gunnery training exercise at the US Army's Rodriguez Range in Pocheon, about 15 km (9 miles) south of the demilitarized zone separating the DPRK and the ROK, Oct 13, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States began Friday massive eight-day air defense drills aimed at bolstering their operational capabilities, Air Force here said.

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Some 50 fighter jets, including F-15Ks from ROK and F- 16 from the US, and 250 pilots are taking part in the exercises, dubbed "Max Thunder," in the western part of the ROK airspace.

Led by the ROK air force, the exercises include a hypothetical air battle and defeating a possible provocation by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The two allies have engaged in several joint military maneuvers since the fatal March sinking of a ROK warship, blamed on the DPRK. The DPRK denies its responsibility.