B-52 bomber conducts a deterrence mission to show North Korea U.S. intent to defend South Korea. Once again.

January 11, 2016 Military Aviation, North Korea, Troubled Areas

Dario Leone

The U.S. are ready to defend South Korea after the umpteenth provocative action by North Korea .

On Jan. 10, 2016 in response to the North Korea’s recent nuclear test, a U.S. Air Force B-52 from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, performed a low-level flight over Osan Air Base, South Korea.

A Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle and a U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon joined the BUFF in the flypast.

According to Gen. Curtis M. Scaparotti, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea commander, the flight showed that the United States and the Republic of Korea are able to respond at any time to those who threaten stability and security in the region.

The Stratofortress returned to Guam after having completed the flight over South Korea.

Notewothy, B-52 Stratofortress (and occasionallly B-2 Spirit) bombers take part in the so-called Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP), the U.S. Air Force task aimed to ensure battle-ready bombers at Andersen Air Force Base.

Thanks to this commitment the U.S. are able to protect their allies as well as to avoid dangerous crisis escalations in a region where both North Korea and China are enlarging their military role.