South Korea and the United States today began the massive eight-day air defense drills aimed at bolstering their operational capabilities.Dubbed “Max Thunder”, some 50 fighter jets including F-15Ks from South Korea and F- 16 from the United States with 250 pilots are taking part in the exercises in the western part of the South Korean airspace. Led by the South Korean air force, the exercises include a hypothetical air battle and defeating a possible provocation by the North Korea. The two allies have engaged in several joint military maneuvers since the fatal March sinking of a South Korean warship,blamed on the North Korea.