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Military to probe Air Force over lax discipline following pilot error-caused accidents

Published: 29 Apr. 2025, 10:57 Updated: 29 Apr. 2025, 18:27

Investigators examine the site of an accidental fighter jet bombing of a village in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, in this file photo taken March 7, one day after the Air Force's two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly released eight MK-82 air-to-surface bombs outside a training range. [YONHAP]

The military will conduct an inspection of the Air Force over its operational discipline and readiness posture this week, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday, following an accidental bombing of a civilian town and a mistaken release of gun pods from an aircraft.

The on-site inspection will begin later in the day, the JCS said in a notice to reporters, without providing further details.

A JCS official said the inspection of Air Force fighter wings is set to run through Friday and may be extended when deemed necessary.

The move follows a series of accidents caused by Air Force assets in March and April that have raised concerns over lax discipline within the armed service.

On March 6, two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a training range in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, during live-fire drills, injuring 52 people, including 38 civilians.

Earlier this month, a KA-1 light attack aircraft taking part in nighttime drills over Pyeongchang, Gangwon, accidentally dropped two gun pods and empty fuel tanks. No casualties or property damage have been reported.

The Air Force pointed to pilot errors as the reason for both incidents and apologized to the public over causing concerns, vowing to come up with practical measures to prevent similar accidents.

Yonhap