By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea and the US plan to carry their first large-scale joint live-fire demonstration in six years in 2023 amid rising navy threats from North Korea, the ministry mentioned on Thursday. of Seoul Protection.

The drills have been launched as South Korea and the US talk about preparations for his or her alliance’s seventieth anniversary subsequent 12 months, ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-gyu mentioned.

“To mark this event, we’re exploring alternative ways to showcase our navy’s presence and the alliance’s overwhelming deterrent capabilities in opposition to North Korea,” Jeon mentioned throughout a daily briefing.

“A mixed live-fire demonstration could also be one of many choices.”

The protest can be one other joint present of power to renew after a years-long hiatus underneath new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has pledged to construct navy capability and resolve to discourage the event of weapons of North Korea.

On Tuesday, the US flew its F-22 Raptor stealth fighters for joint workout routines with South Korea for the primary time since 2018, hours after North Korea criticized the 2 international locations and promised new assessments. of missiles.

In September, the allies held their first workout routines with a US plane provider since 2018.

These drills have been halted underneath Yoon’s predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who had prioritized engagement with the North, who denounced them as a rehearsal for the invasion.

North Korea has examined an unprecedented variety of missiles this 12 months, together with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) designed to strike the American mainland. It has additionally accomplished preparations for what can be its first nuclear check since 2017, officers in Seoul and Washington mentioned.