SEOUL, January 01 (AJP) -South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back conducted a command flight on New Year’s Day under escort by domestically produced fighter jets in a symbolic move to demonstrate military readiness across the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.
Ahn boarded an Air Force E-737 Peace Eye airborne early warning and control aircraft before dawn for what the ministry described as an “airborne command post” operation.
Six Air Force fighter jets escorted the flight, including the KF-21, FA-50 and TA-50. It marked the first time domestically produced aircraft have been deployed to escort a command flight, the ministry said.
During the mission, Ahn held a series of command-line briefings with frontline commanders to assess operational readiness. Those briefed included the captain of the Navy’s Gwanggaeto the Great destroyer operating in the East Sea, an Air Force flight leader responsible for aerial patrol and escort missions, the battalion commander of the Marine Corps’ 6th Brigade defending a front-line contact area, and the Army commander overseeing a guard post in the 22nd Division.
Ahn later spoke by secure line with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong state of readiness and a fully prepared operational posture.
During the calls, the defense minister checked for any unusual developments along the front lines and in key operational areas. He thanked service members for their dedication, saying, “Thanks to your commitment, our people can welcome the New Year in peace,” and urged commanders to maintain a gap-free readiness posture throughout the year.
Ahn also underscored the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities, saying, “Only when we have the strength to protect ourselves can sustainable peace be possible,” adding that the military must “proactively prepare for the future security environment based on our own defense capabilities.”
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