Seoul, April 09 (QNA) – South Korea announced Thursday that it will begin large-scale air exercises with the United States this week, as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency in joint operations.

The South Korean Air Force stated in a press release that the exercises will kick off at an air base in southwestern city of Gwangju and will last for two weeks.

The maneuvers will include various training programs incorporating defensive counter air, air interception and close air support training programs.

The statement added that South Korea will mobilize an array of fighter jets, light attack aircraft, and transport planes, while aircraft from the US Air Force will also join the drills.

The South Korean Air Force confirmed that this year's exercises will be led by South Korea, as Seoul strives to meet the requirements for transferring wartime command by 2030. (QNA)