North Korea has sharply condemned the United States for sending a B-1B strategic bomber to participate in a recent joint military exercise with South Korea, labeling the action as an “open threat” to its national security.
A spokesperson from North Korea‘s Ministry of Defence expressed strong disapproval, stating that the ongoing deployment of US bombers in the region had become a regular, almost routine, military maneuver. The spokesperson further criticized this as “reckless bluffing” aimed at intimidating Pyongyang.
According to Seoul’s Ministry of Defence, the B-1B bomber joined fighter jets in a joint drill between the US and South Korea on the 15th of April, 2025.
In response, Defence Ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-kyu dismissed North Korea’s criticism, stressing that the military exercises were purely defensive in nature.
READ ALSO: Thousands Evacuate Homes as South Korea Wildfires Rage
Reports indicate that the B-1B bomber has frequently been part of these joint drills in recent years, with North Korea consistently decrying them as provocative rehearsals for war.
On the other hand, Seoul has maintained that these drills are focused on defensive strategies.
“The recent military move of the U.S. and the ROK is an open threat to the security of our state,” North Korea’s state media, KCNA, quoted the Ministry of Defence as saying.
In addition, the Ministry announced that South Korea and the US will begin a two-week joint exercise, “Freedom Flag,” on Thursday. During this training, fifth-generation stealth fighter jets will simulate an enemy force, further intensifying the display of military might.