Seoul: The Air Force is set to restart the majority of its live-fire drills this week, officials announced, approximately two months after these exercises were suspended due to an accidental bombing incident in March involving two fighter jets.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Air Force will systematically resume live-fire drills at training ranges located along the western coast and in the inner mountain regions of Gangwon Province. This decision follows a notice sent to reporters, highlighting the resumption of drills aimed at enhancing military readiness.
The suspension occurred on March 6 when two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly released eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training range in Pocheon, roughly 40 kilometers north of Seoul. The incident resulted in injuries to 52 people and led to the immediate halt of all live-fire exercises by the Air Force.
The Air Force has since conducted thorough safety evaluations at the relevant training facilities before proceeding with the resumption of exercises. However, the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon will remain inactive for live-fire drills as its status undergoes further review.
Both the Air Force and the defense ministry have attributed the unprecedented bombing of a civilian area to pilot error. The pilots are believed to have incorrectly entered target coordinates prior to the commencement of the live-fire drills, an error that led to the unfortunate incident.
The involved pilots face charges of professional negligence resulting in injury and damage to military facilities. Additionally, they have been suspended from air duty for a period of one year.