[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence photo] What Are the Army and Air Force Retaliation Measures During North Korean Provocations?

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The South Korean and U.S. military authorities conducted a joint surface-to-surface missile firing into the East Sea in response to North Korea's intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) provocation. In the joint surface-to-surface missile firing, the South Korean military launched two Hyunmoo-2 missiles, and the U.S. Forces Korea fired two ATACMS missiles into the East Sea, precisely striking simulated targets.

Until now, the South Korean military has only responded with Hyunmoo-2 missiles when North Korea launched intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as their range and destructive power are similar. However, this time, despite North Korea launching an IRBM with a shorter range than an ICBM, the South Korean military also fired Hyunmoo-2 missiles.

Accordingly, evaluations suggest that the intensity of the South Korea-U.S. counterresponse has been further elevated. The number of response firings involving U.S. forces has also increased. During the Moon Jae-in administration, there was only one instance (July 5, 2017), but under the current administration, all response firings have included U.S. forces. This is interpreted as a determination to conduct response firings every time North Korea provokes with missile launches.

The day before, the South Korea-U.S. authorities conducted precision bombing training along with joint attack formation flights. In this joint attack formation flight, four F-15K fighter jets from the Republic of Korea Air Force and four F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force in Korea participated respectively.

In particular, the ROK Air Force's F-15K conducted precision bombing training by firing two Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) toward simulated targets set at the Jikdo firing range off the coast of Gunsan, Jeonbuk Province. This occurred just 10 hours after North Korea's IRBM launch.

JDAM is a precision-guided bomb that transforms conventional bombs by attaching guidance systems and wing kits, turning them into smart weapons. Using GPS (Global Positioning System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) guidance methods, it enables precise bombing day and night. With a range of 24 km, its margin of error is only 13 meters. Since it flies toward pre-programmed targets, it can annihilate underground bases, long-range artillery inside caves, and coastal artillery bases.