The F-22 Stealth Fighters in Korea were technically deployed, but have not yet actually started flying.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , North Korea declared a state of war against South Korea last week . North Korea’s official statement also promised nuclear war against the United States .
In response to the threat of North Korea nukes , the USS Fitzgerald was deployed since it is capable of intercepting and destroying a missile. On Sunday, the United States announced the intention to send F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to South Korea as part of ongoing military exercises with South Korea that occur every year. These F-22 stealth fighters in Korea would join the B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth bombers that were already sent to South Korea.
The U.S. military command in South Korea said in a statement that North Korea should restrain itself:
“(North Korea) will achieve nothing by threats or provocations, which will only further isolate North Korea and undermine international efforts to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”
But now the Pentagon has clarified that the F-22 stealth fighter in Korea have not actually flown yet. Although not intended as an April Fool’s joke on Kim Jong-Un, the two F-22 Raptors are on “static display” at the Osan air base south of Seoul.
The Raptors were previously scheduled to join the Foal Eagle exercise, but so far the only flying they’ve seen was on Sunday when they came from Japan’s Kadena air base. In the event of an actual conflict with North Korea, the F-22 stealth fighters in Korea could escort the bombers or open fire on the North’s air defense stations.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said the presence of F-22 stealth fighters in Korea was “all about alliance assurance” to South Korea and Japan:
“The North Koreans have a choice. They can continue to engage in provocations, with bellicose, overheated, irresponsible rhetoric, or they can pursue the path of peace. They’ve been pursuing the path of provocation, and we think it’s time for them to switch lanes.”
What do you think about the F-22 stealth fighters in Korea not actually flying?