Japan, US conduct joint Air Force drill on N. Korea’s foundation day

September 9, 2017

TOKYO- The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and the US Air Force conducted a joint exercise over the East China Sea on Saturday as North Korea celebrated its 69th national foundation day.

In the exercise, two Japanese F-15 fighters from the ASDF's Naha base in Okinawa Prefecture and two US B-1 bombers from the US Pacific territory of Guam carried out a formation flight, according to the ASDF.

"It's very important for the security of Japan that Japan and the United States exhibit their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties," Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said.

The move came amid concerns that North Korea may conduct a further provocative act, such as a ballistic missile launch, on the memorial day.

Following North Korea's firing of an intermediate ballistic missile on Aug. 29, Japan and the United States conducted joint air force drills over the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan on Aug. 31, joined by four F-35 stealth fighters of the US Marine Corps, as well as two Japanese F-15 fighters and two US B-1 bombers. Jiji Press