|
As the North Korean nuclear dispute shows no sign of an early resolution, 15 U.S. F-117 stealth fighter-bombers will be sent to Korea for a few days of exercises.
The U.S. Forces in Korea said the aircraft were being deployed as part of routine training to familiarize crew with operations on the Korean Peninsula and the local terrain. The bombers arrive amid rumors of an impending North Korean nuclear test.
This is the fifth time stealth bombers have been sent to Korea since 1993 and the biggest contingent ever. The U.S. military has only 55 stealth F-117 fighter-bombers, meaning it is sending 25 percent of its inventory here.
"Sometime next week, U.S. F-117 stealth fighter-bombers and about 250 support personnel will be sent to Korea from New Mexico's Holloman Air Force Base,ˇ± a Korean Defense Ministry official said. ˇ°They will stay a short time while they conduct drills." He did not say how short.
The F-117 Nighthawk is equipped with technology making it virtually undetectable by enemy radar. In the event of an emergency on the Peninsula, it would be used to bomb strategic targets such as North Korean leadership, command and control facilities, nuclear facilities like those at Yongbyon and missile bases.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
