The South Korean Air Force conducted the exercise on October 8 and 10, according to Yonhap News Agency. During the exercise, F-15K fighter jets launched Taurus missiles, flew 400 kilometers, and successfully hit pre-designated targets in the Yellow Sea.
An F-15K fighter jet launches a Taurus missile, in this photo provided by the Republic of Korea Air Force on October 11.
Photo: Yonhap screenshot
South Korean officials said this was the first exercise using Taurus in seven years, amid Seoul's view that North Korea "continues to make nuclear and missile threats," according to Yonhap.
In 2017, South Korea conducted a Taurus test launch in a show of force in response to North Korea's sixth nuclear test.
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Produced by Taurus Systems, a German-Swedish joint venture, the Taurus missile is 5.1m long, weighs 1,400kg and has a range of up to 500km.
The Taurus missile is capable of flying at a maximum speed of 1,163 km/h to strike key facilities across North Korea within 15 minutes when launched from an area near Seoul, according to Yonhap.
Equipped with stealth technology, the Taurus missile can carry out precision strikes and penetrate reinforced concrete walls, allowing it enough capability to attack North Korea's underground bunkers, according to Yonhap.
In 2013, South Korea ordered 170 Taurus missiles, mainly for use on F-15K fighters, and in 2018, signed a contract to purchase 90 more.
In addition to the live-fire drills, the South Korean Air Force said it conducted cruise missile interception drills involving F-35A and KF-16 fighter jets.
There is no information yet on North Korea's reaction to South Korea's new military exercises.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-dau-co-han-quoc-phong-ten-lua-co-nang-luc-pha-huy-boongke-ngam-trieu-tien-185241011151718265.htm
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