South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back conducted his first inspection of the year aboard an airborne early warning aircraft to address ongoing security worries related to North Korea. Ahn flew on the E-737 Peace Eye, accompanied by KF-21, FA-50, and TA-50 jets, which were used for the first time for such a mission, as per the defence ministry.
Ahn emphasized the importance of a nation’s self-defense capabilities for achieving sustainable peace. He highlighted the necessity for the military to proactively prepare for future security challenges through independent defense capabilities. During the inspection, Ahn engaged with various unit commanders, including those from the ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great destroyer and a Marine battalion stationed near the maritime border with North Korea.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung, on the other hand, urged troops to remain vigilant against potential enemy provocations. He emphasized the need for prompt responses aligned with established principles and standards in case of any hostile actions. Jin conducted a situation assessment meeting and held discussions with units in remote areas, underlining the importance of operational readiness and safety of deployed personnel.
