Tensions escalate as North Korea issues a stern warning, threatening to shoot down U.S. Air Force spy planes. The nation alleges repeated intrusions into its airspace, claiming American reconnaissance aircraft have been conducting espionage over its territory. These accusations, published in North Korean state media, follow recent joint air drills conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces.

North Korea specifies that various U.S. strategic reconnaissance planes, including RC-135, U-2S, and RQ-4B, along with a reconnaissance drone, have been operating over the East and West Seas of Korea for eight consecutive days. They particularly highlight an alleged intrusion by a U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane into North Korean airspace over the East Sea.

While North Korea claims it is exercising restraint, it warns of potential consequences, suggesting the possibility of downing a U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane over the East Sea of Korea. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, further accused the U.S. of sending spy planes over the North’s exclusive economic zone. She alleges a U.S. spy plane crossed the maritime boundary and was chased off by North Korean warplanes, with a second incident prompting a strong warning from North Korea's military.

South Korea's military has refuted North Korea's claims, stating that the U.S. conducts routine reconnaissance flights in the region. In response, Kim Yo Jong criticized South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, accusing them of echoing the U.S. military's stance. She further asserted that the U.S. has been escalating its reconnaissance activities, violating North Korea's sovereignty and safety. The U.S. Forces Korea has yet to respond to these accusations.

Recent joint aerial training events between the U.S. and South Korean air forces have involved U.S. B-52H Stratofortresses, accompanied by fighter jets from both countries. These exercises are intended to enhance combined defense capabilities and demonstrate extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. also recently deployed a nuclear-powered submarine to South Korean waters, a move deemed "very dangerous" by North Korea's defense spokesman.