5 main weapons the US Air Force can use to deal with North Korea

The situation on the Korean Peninsula has been calm during the Winter Olympics, but many experts fear that tensions could return at any time as Pyongyang refuses to give up its nuclear and missile programs. The US has also persisted in its policy of diplomatic pressure but has not given up on military options if necessary.

In the event that tensions on the peninsula continue to escalate and break out into conflict, the US Air Force is tasked with eliminating North Korea’s ballistic missile launchers and aircraft, neutralizing its command and air defense systems, and then switching to supporting ground forces. The Pentagon needs to use five major air force weapons to fulfill this responsibility, according toNational Interest.

B-2 Spirit stealth bomber

North Korea has a dense air defense network, with long-range interception capabilities based on the S-200 Vega and KN-06 missile systems, a domestic system with capabilities equivalent to the Russian S-300. Although most of Pyongyang's air defense equipment is outdated, Washington still has to be cautious when deploying its air force, especially after the downing of a modern Israeli F-16I fighter jet by an old Syrian anti-aircraft missile.

With its stealth capabilities, large payload capacity, and long range, the B-2 Spirit bomber is the best choice for preemptive strikes. It can suddenly penetrate North Korean airspace, destroy long-range air defense systems, destroy ballistic missile launchers, and assassinate the North Korean leadership.

The main weapon for this operation will be the GBU-57 MOP super-explosive bomb, capable of penetrating 60 m thick reinforced concrete, before activating a 2.4 ton explosive to destroy all targets inside.

According to military experts, the power of the GBU-57 makes it the top choice for the US's preemptive strike against North Korea. B-2 bombers can use the GBU-57 to attack North Korea's fortified underground tunnel system, neutralizing the leadership and the ability to respond with ballistic missiles. Underground nuclear weapons depots and fortified facilities can also become targets of the GBU-57 bomb.

In addition, each B-2 can also carry out high-precision strikes, based on its ability to carry 16-80 guided bombs of various types, or AGM-154 JSOW and AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles.

C-130J Hercules transport aircraft

US defense officials have said that only by invading North Korea can the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs be completely eliminated. Washington needs to seize key airfields in Pyongyang to create a landing point and establish forward bases. In wartime, these sites are vulnerable to destruction and difficult to use until they can be repaired by engineers.

The C-130J Hercules’ ability to take off and land on short, rough runways makes it ideal for landing troops on enemy airfields. The latest J variant of the transport aircraft can carry 18 tons of cargo, 128 infantrymen or 92 paratroopers, and 74 stretchers for evacuating wounded.

KC-135 Stratotanker

The distance between North Korea and the main US air bases in Okinawa and Guam is quite long, requiring Washington to deploy tankers to extend the range of its fighter jets. The KC-135 is a multi-role tanker that can simultaneously support the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and the Republic of Korea Air Force, which all use different refueling methods.

Each KC-135 can carry nearly 91 tons of fuel, and is capable of refueling two aircraft at the same time. This helps ensure a long-term combat radius for US and South Korean aircraft squadrons. However, its particularly important role makes the KC-135 an easy target for attack by the North Korean air force, requiring the US to deploy fighter escorts or move the Stratotanker squadron away from the combat area.

F-16 fighter

The US needs to deploy multi-role fighters capable of providing close air support and cutting off the enemy. Since Pyongyang lacks a modern air defense system, Washington does not necessarily need to use stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. The lightweight multi-role F-16C fighter will likely play a major role in the fight, replacing the heavy F-15.

The US Air Force currently has nearly 100 F-16 fighters stationed in South Korea and Japan, including two Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) squadrons. These F-16s are equipped with laser- and satellite-guided smart bombs for ground targets, and AGM-88 HARM missiles to destroy radar stations. They are also equipped with short- and medium-range air-to-air missiles to shoot down enemy aircraft.

RQ-4 Global Hawk drone

The RQ-4 can operate continuously for more than 30 hours, performing reconnaissance missions on Pyongyang's military equipment and strategic facilities, especially missile bases and submarines. This type of aircraft is capable of detecting missile launchers hidden in underground tunnels and mountains, before transmitting target data to other forces.

The Global Hawk can take off from remote airfields on Guam, spend half a day in North Korean airspace before returning to base, relieving the burden on the front lines. It can also serve as an airborne field communications station (BACN), maintaining and securing communications between ground troops and close air support aircraft.