In response to North Korea’s recent test of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, designed to reach the U.S., the United States conducted a joint drill with South Korea and Japan on Sunday, deploying a B-1B bomber near the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the missile launch, calling it a necessary defense move.

This missile flew higher and longer than previous launches, highlighting advances in North Korea’s missile program, though experts believe it still faces technical challenges, CBS News has reported.

The trilateral drill underscored the three nations’ readiness to counter North Korea’s military advancements.

Written by B.C. Begley