The Buddy Squadron exercise is a squadron-level combined air drill in which South Korean and U.S. fighter units take turns training together at air bases across the country.
The exercise began in 1991 under the name “Friendship Training” to enhance combined operational capabilities by allowing pilots from both countries to train jointly and familiarize themselves with the latest tactics, techniques and procedures. It was renamed the Buddy Squadron exercise in 1997.
Under a revised training framework this year, the two air forces plan to more than double the number of participating aircraft and significantly increase the number of training sorties per exercise, while reducing the annual number of iterations from eight to four.
The current 26-1 iteration involves KF-16 fighters from the South Korean Air Force and F-16s from the U.S. Air Force. South Korea’s F-35A stealth fighters and FA-50 light attack aircraft will also participate to support integrated operations between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.
After completing their deployment to Osan on Monday, South Korean pilots will undergo local base procedures as well as safety and security briefings. They will then conduct joint training with U.S. pilots, including air-to-air tactical exchanges and integrated fourth- and fifth-generation fighter operations. The exercise incorporates realistic scenarios that reflect lessons learned from modern warfare.
During the drills, South Korean and U.S. forces will alternate between friendly and opposing roles and form mixed formations through a variety of tactical training methods.
Capt. Lee Seung-hyun, a KF-16 pilot participating in the exercise, said the training would “serve as an opportunity for South Korean and U.S. pilots to share the latest tactics, fly together and strengthen interoperability.”
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