Seoul: U.S. F-35 fighter jets have been deployed to the Korean Peninsula to join the ongoing summertime combined exercise between South Korea and the U.S., an official at U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Monday. The deployment includes approximately 10 F-35 variants as part of the allies' annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which is scheduled to last 11 days and conclude on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, both the F-35A and F-35B, assigned to the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps respectively, have been temporarily stationed at Kunsan Air Base. The U.S. fighter jets are set to collaborate with South Korean counterparts, concentrating on defensive counterair maneuvers and strengthening integrity to enhance combined readiness and deter potential threats in the region.

The F-35A and F-35B are considered key U.S. air assets. The F-35A operates from traditional runways, offering greater range and payload for strike and air superiority. In contrast, the F-35B is designed for flexible operations from ships or austere bases due to its short takeoff and vertical landing capability.

The temporary deployment is perceived as an effort to bolster the allies' combined defense posture. USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson recently commented on the role of rotational deployment of fifth-generation fighter jets in addressing gaps caused by the relocation of U.S. Patriot batteries to the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on Aug. 8, Brunson highlighted the importance of prioritizing capabilities over numbers, indicating a need for a shift in the USFK force posture.

On the subject of permanent or regular rotational deployment of the F-35 variants in South Korea, the USFK official stated that the force is continuously assessing this capability-focused approach. Any changes to the force posture will be announced through appropriate channels.