An Kyubaek Conducts Command Flight on New Year's Day
Boards E-737 Airborne Warning and Control System... Escorted by Six Fighter Jets
First Deployment of Domestically Produced Fighter Jets for Escort Mission
On the first day of the New Year, Defense Minister An Kyubaek conducted a command flight over the Korean Peninsula to inspect military readiness, accompanied and escorted by domestically produced fighter jets.
According to the Ministry of National Defense on January 1, Minister An boarded the Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (E-737) and carried out a command flight. Six Air Force fighter jets, including domestically produced KF-21, FA-50, and TA-50 aircraft, participated in the escort mission. This marks the first time that domestically produced fighter jets have been deployed for an escort mission during a command flight.
Minister An stated, "Sustainable peace is only possible when we possess the strength to defend ourselves," adding, "Our military must proactively prepare for the future security environment based on our self-reliant defense capabilities."
On the first day of the New Year of the Byeongo year, January 1st, Defense Minister An Kyu-baek boarded the Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (E-737), known as the "Command Post in the Sky," to inspect military readiness and encourage the pilots. Provided by the Ministry of National Defense. Photo by Yonhap News.
During the flight, the Minister held command calls in succession with field commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, including the captain of the Navy's Gwanggaeto the Great destroyer operating in the East Sea, the Air Force flight squadron leader responsible for aerial patrol and escort, the battalion commander of the Marine Corps 6th Brigade stationed at the front-line contact area, and the commander of the Army's 22nd Division Guard Post. He received reports on the current state of military readiness from each of them. In a subsequent command call with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he emphasized the importance of maintaining robust military readiness and flawless operational posture.
Minister An said, "Thanks to your dedication, our people are able to welcome a peaceful New Year," and urged, "With the grand ambition and spirit of Bungjeongmanri, let us maintain an impeccable state of readiness throughout the year."
Afterward, Minister An shared breakfast and engaged in conversation with the E-737 crew members who had completed their airspace defense readiness mission. He remarked, "The E-737 is a 'command and control headquarters in the sky,' and each one of you operating it is a core asset of our military and the eyes of the sky." He continued, "In the Byeongo year, let us unite our hearts and dedication with the spirit of Nojeokseonghae, and strive for a new leap forward for our military."
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