[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] First Public Display of F-35 Aerial Refueling

North Korea's Show of Force Following 'Airfield Devastation' Remarks

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The military has revealed for the first time the aerial refueling scene of the cutting-edge 5th generation stealth fighter F-35A. This was to demonstrate countermeasures in response to North Korea's recent high-intensity threat of "total destruction of South Korean airfields."

Photos released by the Air Force on the 21st show the F-35A receiving aerial refueling from the multi-purpose aerial refueling transport aircraft KC-330. Although the F-35A, which was commissioned in December 2019, has regularly conducted aerial refueling training, this is the first time such scenes have been made public.

The F-35A is equipped with an integrated avionics system including advanced stealth capabilities and electronic warfare performance, with a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1.6 times the speed of sound) and a combat radius exceeding 1000 km. It is reported that aerial refueling increases operational time by more than one hour.

With stealth capabilities that prevent detection by enemy radar, the F-35A can covertly infiltrate enemy territory and strike critical targets. It is a key asset in the Korean-style "Kill Chain" preemptive strike system and is considered the most feared force by North Korea.

The disclosure of the F-35A aerial refueling scene came shortly after North Korea boldly claimed it could attack South Korean airbases with nuclear warhead-equipped missiles.

Korean Central News Agency reported the firing of two 600mm-class super-large multiple rocket launchers, classified as short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM), emphasizing that they are "tactical nuclear attack means boasting formidable power, allocating one launcher and four rockets per enemy operational airfield." It further explained the power of the rocket launchers, stating, "With the explosive power of four rockets, it can paralyze the function of enemy operational airfields and completely destroy them."

This implies that North Korea has fixedly deployed one super-large multiple rocket launcher and four missiles per South Korean airbase, ready to neutralize South Korean air power at any time.

In particular, the missiles launched the previous day were detected flying approximately 390 km and 340 km, respectively, from the launch point in Sukchon, South Pyongan Province. At those distances lie Cheongju Air Base and Gunsan Air Base. Cheongju Air Base is where the South Korean Air Force operates the F-35A, and Gunsan is where the U.S. Air Force is stationed, with F-22s deployed in Japan in case of emergency.

Although North Korea claims the missiles flew to the unmanned island "Alseom" off Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, which is often used as an SRBM target, the flight distances matching the major targets are considered intentional.

In response, by revealing the F-35A aerial refueling training, the Air Force is interpreted as warning that even if North Korea neutralizes bases like Cheongju, as long as the F-35A is airborne first, it can extend its loitering time through aerial refueling and respond to North Korea as needed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.