US F-22 stealth fighters fly over South Korea in show of force

Four U.S. F-22 stealth fighters fly over Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. Four U.S. F-22 stealth fighters, with one shown taking off (inset), flew over South Korea on Wednesday in a clear show of power against North Korea, a day after South Korea’s president warned of the North’s collapse amid a festering standoff over its nuclear and missile ambitions. AP

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — Four U.S. F-22 stealth fighters are flying over South Korea amid growing tensions following North Korea’s rocket launch.

The high-tech planes capable of sneaking past radar undetected were seen flying near a U.S. air base near Seoul on Wednesday.

READ: S. Korea’s Park: Nuclear ambitions will hasten North’s demise

Pyongyang will likely view the arrivals of the planes as a threat as they are a clear show of force against the country.

The United States often sends powerful and sophisticated warplanes to South Korea in times of tension with North Korea.

READ: US deploys more Patriot missiles in South Korea

Last month, the United States sent a powerful nuclear-capable B-52 bomber to South Korea following North Korea’s fourth nuclear test.