US air forces launch major drill

US air forces launch major drill

SEOUL: South Korea and the United States on Monday launched a main dual air work out to discourage North Korean provocation in the center of high cross-border tension, official said.

The annual tool called "Max Thunder" will run through May 18 and this year involves about 60 planes including jet fighters, KC-135 refueling jet and AWACS observation plane, the South's air force said in a declaration.

The allies will show their keenness and joint air weapons in war situations, it said, adding together US and South Korean pilots would prepare for "precision strikes on the beginning of provocations by the adversary".

"This year's drill is the major of its kind because Max boom began in 2008," an air power lecturer told.