(MENAFN) According to the Associated Press report, two days following the first missile trial of North Korea in two months, a major joint air force drill was launched Monday by the United States and South Korea.

It was reported that F-22 stealth fighters and F-35 aircraft will be included in the exercise which is recognized as "Vigilant Ace" and is to run through Friday.

Figures who are to take part in the exercise will consist of approximately 12,000 U.S. personnel from the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy as well as 230 aircraft.

According to the paper, the purpose of the drill as explained by the defense ministry of South Korea is to develop wartime competence of the two nations.

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