'Joint Stars' Ground Surveillance Reconnaissance Aircraft Deployed Again

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] This time, it has been revealed that the U.S. E-8C Joint STARS (J-STARS) ground surveillance reconnaissance aircraft conducted operational flights over South Korean airspace. This is the third time this month.

According to the civilian flight tracking site 'Aircraft Spot' on the 19th, the E-8C flew at an altitude of 8.8 km over South Korea on the 18th. It is observed to be monitoring North Korea's missile bases and ground equipment movements.

The E-8C flew on the 11th, following flights on the 5th and 7th. It was also detected over South Korean airspace on the 31st of last month. This reconnaissance aircraft deliberately kept its location identification system turned on during operational flights.

Equipped with an integrated surveillance and target attack radar system, the E-8C can precisely monitor movements of North Korea's missile bases, field army maneuvers, coastal artillery, and long-range artillery bases at altitudes between 8 and 12 km. It can stay airborne for about 9 to 11 hours per flight, with a range of up to 9,270 km.

According to military officials, no unusual activity has been detected at North Korean missile bases, and the level of ongoing winter military exercises has decreased compared to previous years.

Military officials analyze that outdoor military exercises involving large numbers of troops and equipment have been scaled down to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The South Korean military is also refraining from or postponing large-scale outdoor military exercises as a preventive measure against COVID-19.