Assemblyman Seo Samsuk Criticizes Forest Service for Budget Waste in Using Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Korea Forest Service - Air Force Coordination Fails... A Typical Case of Irresponsibility in Wildfire Suppression Plans

29 Korea Forest Service Wildfire Suppression Helicopters Unavailable for Operation in 2026

The Korea Forest Service's 29 wildfire suppression helicopters are expected to become inoperable by 2026, and the agency's alternative plan to use the Air Force's 'fixed-wing aircraft,' which has not been agreed upon, has been criticized as a waste of budget.

Due to difficulties in procuring Russian-made parts amid the prolonged Ukraine war, the Korea Forest Service plans to borrow Air Force transport planes and introduce fixed-wing aircraft water tanks for wildfire suppression as one of the countermeasures. The 2024 budget proposal includes 8 billion KRW for the 'introduction of fixed-wing aircraft tanks.'

Democratic Party of Korea Assemblyman Seo Sam-seok (Yeongam, Muan, Sinan)
[Photo by Seo Sam-seok's Office]

According to the 'Status of Consultation on the Introduction of Fixed-Wing Aircraft' document submitted by the Korea Forest Service to Seo Samsuk, a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee from the Democratic Party (Yeongam-Muan-Shinan), it was stated that 'consultations with the Air Force are ongoing' and 'wildfire suppression is possible without modifying existing aircraft.'

However, the Air Force expressed a contrasting position. Regarding the use of fixed-wing aircraft (C-130H), they stated, 'No consultations have been made with the Korea Forest Service,' 'lower suppression rate compared to wildfire helicopters,' and 'a budget of 18 billion KRW for aircraft modification requires review in terms of suitability,' expressing concerns.

Despite requests during last year's national audit for plans and services related to the procurement of parts for Russian-made Kamov helicopters, discussions were limited to parts procurement only.

Regarding the seven 'leased helicopters for spring 2024 wildfire suppression' proposed as an alternative to the inoperable Korea Forest Service helicopters along with fixed-wing aircraft, it was revealed that the 2023 contingency budget will be used due to insufficient funds, indicating a makeshift approach.

Assemblyman Seo Samsuk pointed out, "Last year, I highlighted the need for thorough management of wildfire suppression helicopter parts in preparation for the Russia-Ukraine war," and questioned the Korea Forest Service's efforts to introduce wildfire helicopters since the 2022 national audit.

He added, "The Korea Forest Service is irresponsible for allocating 8 billion KRW for the introduction of fixed-wing aircraft without completing consultations with the Air Force," and emphasized, "It is urgent to prepare more realistic alternatives such as securing large wildfire suppression helicopters and parts procurement."

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