[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence photo] How to Block North Korean Infiltration Aircraft Like This

Air Defense Support Training Conducted with Participation of 8 Air Force Flying Units

The Air Force conducted a 'Defensive Counter Air' (DCA) exercise as part of establishing combat readiness with the start of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS). Defensive counter air refers to the mission of detecting and intercepting enemy air power from a distance through organic cooperation between friendly air and ground forces during enemy air attacks or infiltrations.

In this exercise, eight flying units including the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing participated, dividing into friendly and enemy forces to carry out missions. Several air defense control battalions and missile defense battalions also took part. The exercise began with a provocation scenario where multiple aircraft, including F-4 and KF-16 fighters playing the role of enemy high-speed aircraft and HH-47 helicopters acting as low-altitude, low-speed aircraft, violated airspace.

Various air forces from flying units across the country simultaneously scrambled. About ten aircraft including F-35A, F-15K, KF-16 fighters, and FA-50 light fighters arrived in the mission airspace and engaged enemy aircraft from a distance, shooting them down. When enemy aircraft and cruise missiles were detected simultaneously, operators from the air defense control battalions and missile defense battalions moved busily. Control operators tracked the cruise missiles' paths using radar equipment, and air defense personnel tracked and intercepted enemy aircraft with air defense weapon systems such as Shingung and Cheongung. The exercise ended after the enemy aircraft disappeared from the airspace.

In the air, the exercise confirmed engagement procedures assuming a complex provocation scenario involving enemy airspace intrusion and incoming cruise missiles. On the ground, response procedures were practiced to track and intercept enemy aircraft and cruise missiles using air defense radars and weapon systems like Shingung and Cheongung.

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