On October 1, South Korea’s Armed Forces Day, the U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bomber is scheduled to make an appearance during the event, marking the first time a U.S. strategic bomber has participated in the ceremony.
The U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer is one of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s most feared military assets. Capable of carrying up to 60 tons of bombs, including nuclear weapons, the B-1B can penetrate enemy airspace at low altitudes and high speed.
In 2017, it reportedly flew undetected across the Northern Limit Line near Punggye-ri, North Korea’s nuclear test site.
According to TV Chosun on September 24, the B-1B will perform a “low-altitude flyover” at around 150 meters with its wings extended, allowing South Korean spectators a clear view during the event.
Currently, U.S. and South Korean military officials are in discussions about the fighter jets that will escort the B-1B Lancer during the flyover. The B-1B, one of three U.S. Air Force strategic bombers, is the only one capable of supersonic flight and can reach Seoul from Guam in just two hours.
Back in 2017, two B-1Bs flew north of the Northern Limit Line to within 130 km of North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site, but the North was unaware of the incursion.
This year’s appearance of the U.S. strategic bomber is seen as a strong warning to North Korea, which has been hinting at the possibility of a seventh nuclear test ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.
Meanwhile, the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine USS Vermont arrived in Busan on September 23, sparking backlash from North Korea. Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un, declared that North Korea will continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities without “limit” in response.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
