In the midst of North Korea’s busiest missile launch day ever, the U.S. and South Korean air forces held drills simulating ways to “strike and neutralize” targets, including the enemy leadership.

The allies deployed several aircraft including F-35A and F-35B fifth-generation fighters as part of the ongoing Vigilant Storm aerial exercise which began on Monday, according to a South Korean air force press release.

The drills focused on emergency air interception missions to eliminate key assets including “enemy command” and ballistic missiles within the shortest possible time as the two sides seek to test their wartime operational readiness. 

Pyongyang