The United States and South Korea began one of their largest combined military air drills Oct. 31, with hundreds of aircraft from both sides staging daily mock attacks to increase combat readiness. Known as Vigilant Storm, it is the first U.S.-South Korea joint air drill involving U.S. F-35Bs. South Korea’s F-35As are also flying during the exercises.  

The training was to last five days, however, due to North Korea’s provocative actions this week which included an intercontinental ballistic missile launch Nov. 3, the U.S. and South Korea extended Vigilant Storm. 

The South's Air Force also mobilized around 80 fighter aircraft Nov. 4 to include its F-35As following detection of nearly 180 North aircraft in nearby locations. 

The Indo-Pacific is an important area of operation for the U.S. and its allies. In order to maintain peace, security, and prosperity, the F-35 global coalition plays a vital part of deterring aggression. 

Four F-35Bs of the U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, based in Iwakuni, Japan, arrived at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea for Vigilant Storm. South Korea is mobilizing 140 planes, including F-35As, and F-15K and KF-16 fighters. Vigilant Storm features about 240 aircraft from the Republic of Korea Air Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. That number of missions is the highest ever for this annual event.  

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