Air Force Resumes Flights at Gunsan Base... Two Pilots Undergo Qualification Review on 21st

Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Youngsoo Inspects Gunsan Air Base Ahead of Flight Resumption
Pilots Involved in KF-16 Incident to Undergo Qualification Review on June 21

The Air Force announced on the 18th that it will resume flights at Gunsan Air Base, which had been suspended due to the KF-16 fighter jet friendly fire accident that occurred in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, starting from the 19th.

During the joint US-ROK military exercises held at Pocheon Promotion Training Center, a shell fell on a residential area causing casualties. On March 7, 2025, the joint investigation team conducted an on-site inspection at a residence in Nogok-ri, Idong-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

According to the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Lee Young-soo visited Gunsan Air Base in the afternoon of the same day to inspect overall flight operations and command management ahead of the flight resumption.

Meanwhile, the air duty qualification review process for the two pilots involved in the accident is scheduled to take place at the Air Force Headquarters on the afternoon of the 21st. During the Air Duty Qualification Review Committee meeting, it will be determined whether the pilots can maintain their pilot qualifications and continue their missions, with possible decisions including suspension of qualifications, dismissal, or aircraft type reassignment.