Listen to the news

Fighters of the American and Japanese armed forces conducted a joint flight over the Sea of ​​Japan in a demonstration of force, Reuters reports.

This came after North Korea fired three missiles into the waters separating Japan and the Korean Peninsula.

The purpose of the exercise was "to show combined capabilities to deter and counter regional threats," the U.S. military said in a statement.

Japan and the United States wanted to show their common determination after North Korea's latest missile tests, two US officials said on condition of anonymity.

The DPRK sparked new tensions in East Asia yesterday, firing three missiles into the Sea of ​​Japan just hours after US President Joe Biden left Tokyo after meeting with leaders of Japan, India and Australia.

Japan expects new provocations from North Korea

One of the missiles, according to South Korean officials, appears to be Pyongyang's largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with an approximate range of about 15,000 kilometers - enough to reach the United States.

The joint flight of eight fighter jets from military bases in Japan included four American F-16s and four Japanese F-15s, according to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. 

Pyongyang recently stepped up weapons tests, resuming long-range missile launches for the first time since 2017 in March.

Seoul and Washington fear the country may be preparing for a new round of nuclear tests.

fighters

Sea of ​​Japan