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Key Points

A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet experienced a critical emergency during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska, forcing two pilots to eject safely. The incident prompted an immediate grounding of KF-16 aircraft as investigators work to determine the cause. This marks the first known overseas accident involving a South Korean military aircraft. The Air Force is closely collaborating with US counterparts to understand the circumstances of the emergency.

Key Points: South Korea Grounds KF-16 Jets After Alaska Exercise Incident

  • Two pilots safely ejected during KF-16 takeoff emergency
  • Incident marks first known overseas accident for South Korean fighters
  • Air Force dispatches investigation team to Alaska
  • Red Flag exercise temporarily impacted by grounding
2 min read

South Korea: Air Force grounds KF-16 fighter jets following Alaska accident

South Korean Air Force halts KF-16 fighter operations following emergency ejection during US-led Red Flag exercise in Alaska

"The two pilots visited a US Army hospital and are currently recovering. - South Korean Air Force Statement"

Seoul, June 12

The South Korean Air Force said on Thursday that it has temporarily grounded KF-16 fighter jets following an accident involving the aircraft during the US-led multinational Red Flag air exercise in Alaska earlier this week.

On Tuesday (US time), two pilots ejected from the twin-seat fighter after an emergency situation occurred during takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base. The pilots did not suffer major injuries, but the aircraft was partially damaged due to a fire.

The Air Force has dispatched a 20-member team to Alaska to probe the accident and carry out emergency maintenance, amid efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident under close cooperation with the US side.

In a press briefing, an Air Force official said the service has yet to decide whether to participate in the air exercise that runs through June 27 as planned or call in the deployed aircrew.

In a separate statement, the US 354th Fighter Wing confirmed the incident occurred on base within the fence line of the Eielson Air Force Base, while departing the prepared surface.

The scope of the aircraft damage and the circumstances leading to the accident were not immediately known.

"The two pilots visited a US Army hospital and are currently recovering. No major injuries were reported other than minor burns and lacerations," the Air Force said in a notice.

The KF-16 fighter, which was partially damaged due to a fire, remains parked on the grass near the runway, it added.

The Air Force plans to dispatch a team to probe the accident and carry out emergency maintenance later in the day, amid efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident under close cooperation with the US side.

The incident is the first known accident involving a South Korean fighter jet overseas.

Launched in 1975, the Red Flag-Alaska exercise is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment, according to the US military.

South Korea has deployed fighter jets to the exercise since 2013. This year, the South's Air Force mobilised 11 aircraft, including the KF-16 fighter and the KC-330 transport plane, and some 100 airmen.

Earlier on April 20, the Air Force had grounded nearly all of its aircraft after a KA-1 light attack aircraft accidentally released two gun pods and empty fuel tanks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Glad the pilots are safe! But this raises serious questions about maintenance standards. India should take note while evaluating foreign fighter jets for our Air Force. Our pilots' lives are precious 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see how South Korea handles this crisis. Their defense cooperation with US is strong, but accidents happen. Hope they find the root cause soon. Meanwhile, our Tejas program is making steady progress 💪
A
Arjun S.
This is why India must focus on indigenous defense manufacturing. Relying too much on foreign equipment comes with risks. Atmanirbhar Bharat is the way forward for our armed forces!
S
Sunita R.
The pilots showed great presence of mind to eject safely 👏 Reminds me of our brave IAF pilots who handle emergencies with such professionalism. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram J.
South Korea's quick response is commendable - grounding all KF-16s immediately. Hope they share findings with other countries using similar aircraft. Safety should come before national pride in such matters.
N
Neha P.
While accidents happen, two in less than two months (including the April incident) is concerning. Maybe they need to review their entire safety protocol. Our defense forces should study this case carefully.

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