S. Korea, U.S. to skip combined Vigilant Ace exercise: sources
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are expected to skip a combined wintertime air exercise just as they did last year to support ongoing diplomacy for the denuclearization of North Korea, sources said Sunday.
Military authorities of the two countries "shared the understanding" on the postponement of the Vigilant Ace air exercise that usually takes place around December, a source said, adding that a final decision will be made when the two countries hold annual defense ministers talks later this month.
"Instead, the two sides are considering conducting their own air drills in December," he added.
Seoul and Washington have canceled several combined exercises since last year amid peace efforts involving North Korea to avoid provoking Pyongyang with maneuvers it has condemned as a rehearsal for a war of invasion.
Launched in 2015 under the name of Pen-ORE (Peninsula Operational Readiness Exercise), Vigilant Ace was held annually until 2017 by mobilizing a large fleet of aircraft from the allies.
During the 2017 exercise, the allies mobilized around 270 aircraft, including radar-evading fighter jets such as F-22s, F-35As and F-35Bs in a show of force against North Korea, which had launched a series of nuclear and missile provocations.
"The suspension of the exercise will be one of the items defense ministers from the two countries will discuss during their planned meeting in mid-November," another source added.
Efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula have been under way, though negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea on the latter's nuclear weapons program have not made much progress for months.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(Yonhap Interview) Samsung has substantial upside potential on sound fundamentals: chief analyst
-
BTS vows full support for Busan's World Expo bid
-
(6th LD) S. Korea successfully launches homegrown space rocket in second attempt
-
VIVIZ to drop 2nd EP next month
-
BTS' Jungkook drops collaborative single with U.S. singer-songwriter
-
(Yonhap Interview) Samsung has substantial upside potential on sound fundamentals: chief analyst
-
S. Korea prepares to launch homegrown space rocket after failed attempt last year
-
(LEAD) On Korean War anniversary, S. Korea vows stern response to N. Korean provocations
-
(2nd LD) Yoon suggests disclosing more information on fisheries official's death
-
(6th LD) S. Korea successfully launches homegrown space rocket in second attempt
-
(LEAD) On Korean War anniversary, S. Korea vows stern response to N. Korean provocations
-
N. Korea looks set for 'fire and fury' provocations: U.S. expert
-
New COVID-19 cases drop below 7,000 amid slowdown in omicron spread
-
New U.S. ambassador to S. Korea to arrive in Seoul on July 10
-
(LEAD) New COVID-19 cases drop below 7,000 amid slowdown in omicron spread