[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korean Fighter Jet Sorties Surge... Is the US Reconnaissance Aircraft Responding?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] It has been identified that North Korea's fighter jets have significantly increased their flight frequency recently. The increase in flight frequency of North Korea's fighter jets, despite facing fuel shortages, is interpreted as an unusual response to U.S. reconnaissance flights over the Korean Peninsula.

On the 15th, a government official stated, "Since the 19th of last month, North Korea's fighter jets and airborne maneuvering aircraft have steadily increased their flight frequency," adding, "It appears they have resumed their annual flight training, but the exact intention needs to be observed further."

The timing of North Korea's increase in fighter jet flights coincided with the visit of Stephen Biegun, the U.S. State Department's Special Representative for North Korea. On the 16th of last month, Stephen Biegun sought a meeting with the North at Panmunjom, stating, "We will not be bound by the year-end deadline." However, North Korea did not respond.

Since then, U.S. reconnaissance activities over the Korean Peninsula have continued. The assets conducting reconnaissance include more than seven types such as the U.S. Air Force Joint STARS (E-8C), Combat Sent (RC-135U) electronic reconnaissance aircraft, Rivet Joint (RC-135W), Cobra Ball, Global Hawk (RQ-4) high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, signals intelligence reconnaissance aircraft (EP-3), and anti-submarine patrol aircraft (P-3C). These flights have occurred more than 30 times.

Intelligence authorities analyze that North Korea has likely stockpiled 1.5 million tons of fuel in preparation for wartime. If North Korea has significantly increased the flight frequency of its fighter jets, it is highly probable that they have poured a substantial amount of wartime reserve fuel despite chronic economic difficulties. This indicates they are 'all-in' on responding to U.S. reconnaissance aircraft. North Korea's main aircraft include approximately 810 fighter jets, about 30 surveillance and control aircraft, airborne maneuvering aircraft (including AN-2), around 170 training aircraft, and about 290 helicopters (including naval helicopters).

Kim Dae-young, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Strategy, said, "While the increase in flight frequency appears to be part of winter training, considering the fuel shortage, there is also an intention to counter U.S. reconnaissance aircraft."