According to Reuters, the U.S. military and Japan's Self-Defense Forces stated that "fighter jets from both countries flew together over the Sea of Japan in a show of force after North Korea launched three missiles that fell into the waters separating Japan from the Korean Peninsula.
The U.S. military stated in a statement that the exercise aims to "demonstrate shared capabilities to deter and respond to regional threats." Two U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, indicated that Tokyo and Washington desire to showcase their joint resolve following North Korea's missile launches. Japan's Air Self-Defense Force noted that eight aircraft participated in the flight, which included four U.S. F-16 fighters and four Japanese E-15 fighters, all launched from bases in Japan.