How to Transport the Ultimate Missile [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Photo]

Air Force Missile Defense Command Conducts Air Transport Procedure Training

The Air Force Missile Defense Command conducted an air transport procedure training exercise involving the transportation of Patriot and Cheongung guided missiles to other bases via transport aircraft. The Air Force Missile Defense Command is a key unit of the ‘Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD)’ system.

According to the Air Force on the 22nd, this training, linked with the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, was conducted using dummy missiles in a scenario where guided missiles needed to be resupplied to the missile defense unit. The dummy missiles are stored and transported in ‘Canisters,’ which serve as both missile launchers and transport storage containers.

Soldiers from the 601st Comprehensive Transport Support Battalion under the Air Force Logistics Command stacked and secured the Cheongung and Patriot guided missiles on cargo pallets for loading onto the transport aircraft. Then, using a Cargo Loader, the cargo pallets carrying the Patriot and Cheongung dummy missiles were safely loaded onto a C-130J transport aircraft.

The Patriot missile measures approximately 6 meters in length and weighs nearly 2 tons. The Cheongung missile is about 5 meters long and weighs around 1 ton.

The C-130J transport aircraft took off from Daegu Base carrying three Cheongung dummy missiles and headed to its destination, Gimhae Base. The training concluded after unloading the guided missiles upon landing. Actual air transport was conducted only with the Cheongung dummy missiles.

Through this training, the Missile Defense Command verified and mastered the procedures for air transport of multiple guided missiles via transport aircraft during wartime. Depending on the type of transport aircraft, up to 4 to 8 Patriot missiles and up to 6 Cheongung missiles can be loaded.