The Republic of Korea and the United States are conducting Freedom Flag air exercises involving about 110 aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters. This was reported by the Yonhap agency with reference to the Republic of Korea Air Force. Training began on October 21 and will continue until November 1.
South Korea will use F-35A, F-15K fighters, the American side - F-35B and F-16, as well as MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles. During the first week, the US and ROK militaries will focus on drawing up mission plans, and in the second week they will practice airborne fire support and defensive air maneuvers. "For the first time," fighters and drones will fly together, Yonhap reports. An Australian KC-30A refueling transport aircraft will join the exercise.
As part of the training, it is scheduled to refuel a South Korean fighter jet in mid-air. The agency points out that the Freedom Flag exercise is being held for the first time as it “replaces under one name” the regular Korea Flying Training exercises, which took place in the first half of the year, and Vigilant Defense, which were carried out in the second.
