The United States, Japan, and South Korea held joint air drills just days after North Korea launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to the South Korean military.

The exercise took place on Sunday in airspace north of Jeju Island in South Korea. This trilateral training involved fighter jets from Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, South Korean F-15s, and a US Air Force B-1B strategic bomber, aimed at reinforcing their combined defense capabilities.

Pyongyang recently launched the Hwasong-19 ICBM into the East Sea, marking its first long-range missile test of the year. This missile is reportedly capable of reaching the US mainland, adding to security concerns across the region.

The military drill was conducted in waters where the air defense identification zones of South Korea and Japan overlap. During the exercise, the B-1B bomber simulated an attack on a target, demonstrating what the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff described as its "overwhelming" capability. The exact number of B-1Bs involved in the drill was not disclosed.

In response to the recent ICBM test, the Joint Chiefs of Staff released a statement underscoring the importance of enhanced security cooperation among the three nations. The statement emphasized the commitment to strengthening joint deterrence and response capabilities against potential threats from North Korea.

Tensions have been rising on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea continues to advance its missile and nuclear programs. North Korean state media reported that the missile tested on Thursday was the Hwasong-19, a newly developed ICBM. Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, reportedly expressed satisfaction with the test and referred to the missile as the "ultimate version" of an ICBM, solidifying the country's stance on nuclear development.

Kim reaffirmed his nation's commitment to bolstering its nuclear forces, declaring that North Korea's position in nuclear capabilities is "absolutely irreversible."

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