US, Australian and South Korean aircraft took part in Vigilant Defense 24 exercise

Asia-Pacific, News, US November 4, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S., South Korean, and Australian air forces took part in different operations during the Vigilant Defense 24 exercise. More than 25 various types of aircraft including fighter jets, cargo planes, tankers, and reconnaissance aircraft conducted flight missions.

The U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force conducted training flights with South Korean forces across the Korean peninsula from October 30 to November 3, 2023.

The annual training exercise was aimed at strengthening the U.S. Air Force and ROK Air Force Alliance. During the exercise, the Fighter Wing assets integrated with different aircraft and practiced tactics and procedures.

According to the U.S. Air Force statement, “Vigilant Defense is designed to enhance combined training and to ensure Airmen remain safe in the sky and on the ground by air traffic controllers”.

.@PACAF aircraft conduct flight operations during #VigilantDefense24, enabling #FriendsPartnersAllies to conduct combined training while developing tactics and operational #Readiness to support a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

📍: #SouthKorea

📸: SSgt Samuel Earick pic.twitter.com/1RPA4jn2N8
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) November 1, 2023

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Gary of the 8th Operations Support Squadron said, “As air traffic controllers, we have to be proficient at coordinating all airframes from fighter to cargo, military or civilian. We’re always prepared for whatever may come our way, including an increase in air traffic operations during a contingency operation because for us it would be nothing more than practicing how we play.”

Gary explained that it is essential to work together with partners to perform Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations. He highlighted that “Controllers provide pilots with their flight and landing information along with weather reports all while deconflicting landing and air space congestion within their zone of responsibility.”

According to the 8th Operations Group Commander Col. Michael G. McCarthy, While the training we do year-round keeps us sharp, opportunities like this to integrate our operations with international partners are truly invaluable to refining the necessary tactics, techniques, and procedures that ensure the combined force can operate as one cohesive unit should we ever be called upon.”

F-16 Fighting Falcon jets at Kunsan Air Base — ^{80th Fighter Generation Squadron Airmen observe an F-16 Fighting Falcon while conducting preflight systems inspections on F-16 Fighting Falcons during Vigilant Defense at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, on October 28, 2023. (Image Credit: U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Karla Parra)}

McCarthy further highlighted that “We participate in these types of events regularly, but each one is a unique opportunity to develop our partnership and improve our ability to work together. This continuous improvement I think speaks volumes about our ability and commitment to protect the peace, stability, and prosperity of this region.”

The U.S. Air Force statement underscored that Vigilant Defense 24 is designed to enhance combined and joint training and is entirely defensive in nature. The statement added that the exercise is not related to any current real-world threats or situations, and it is not intended to be threatening or provocative toward any other country.