Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) personnel have engaged in a month-long integration exercise with an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft from the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Attack Wing. This training initiative took place in July and early August, focusing on joint operations and fostering collaboration between the two nations.
During the exercise, ROKAF crews were trained in utilizing surveillance data for operational planning and became acquainted with common flightline challenges faced during extended missions. A significant aspect of the training involved collaboration between the ROKAF’s 1st Fighter Wing planning division and U.S. military personnel, who worked together on critical components including launch operations, air traffic control, and ground support functions.
One notable operation highlighted in the exercise was an air refueling mission conducted by a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules, which took place over Gwangju, located in southwest South Korea. This mission demonstrated the importance of inter-service cooperation among active and reserve units, as well as the coordination in allied airspace, with the refueling operation being a culmination of extensive collaborative efforts.
According to Major Andrew Kincaide, a pilot with the 163rd Attack Squadron, the exercise aligned with the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, emphasizing flexibility, rapid deployment, and adaptability of aircraft in various operational scenarios. Kincaide noted, “The ACE concept ensures our force remains flexible, mobile, and able to launch aircraft no matter what,” highlighting the strategic benefits of integrated training with ROKAF crews.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a versatile remotely piloted aircraft, is equipped for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. With an operational range of 27 hours and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, the Reaper has the capability to cover approximately 1,150 miles. It operates with a ground control station complemented by satellite links, mission crews, and dedicated maintenance support.
In a related development, the U.S. Air Force intends to deploy MQ-9 Reapers to Gunsan Air Base on South Korea’s west coast for a three-month rotation commencing in September. This deployment will represent the first extended presence of MQ-9 Reapers in the Korean Peninsula, further reinforcing U.S.-South Korea military coordination and readiness in the region.
