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http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21038033-1702,00.html


US sends stealth planes to South Korea

From correspondents in Seoul

January 10, 2007 01:45pm
Article from: Reuters

THE US is sending a squadron of stealth fighters to South Korea, a US military spokesman said today amid speculation that North Korea may be ready to test a second nuclear device.

The US is sending 15-20 of its F-117A Nighthawk fighters to South Korea, the spokesman for U.S. Forces Korea said.

"This is a routine deployment," said Kim Yong-kyu. "It is a regular operational matter.

The US military has sent the radar-evading fighters regularly to South Korea for stays of a few months over the past few years.

North Korea has criticised previous deployments as preparations for invasion and nuclear war.

Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, where the squadron is stationed, said in a web posting that the fighters left earlier this week for South Korea.

Up to 300 air crew were sent to South Korea for previous deployments.

"This precision-strike aircraft penetrates high-threat airspace and uses laser-guided weapons against critical targets," the US air force said in a web posting.

North Korea conducted its first test of a nuclear device on October 9.

The US television network ABC cited US officials last week as saying North Korea was preparing for another test. However, both US and South Korean officials have publicly said that there was no evidence a test was imminent.

[Ya-ta Boy]