Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising as the U.S. military stationed in South Korea publicly showcased the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft on Monday (June 24), highlighting the strong alliance between South Korea and the United States and the commitment to jointly ensuring security and defense on the Korean Peninsula.
The U.S. military stationed in South Korea displayed the AC-130J at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, emphasizing that they send personnel to South Korea for routine training every year to ensure the AC-130J can be deployed at any time when needed. “These trainings enable us to maintain a deterrent defense posture against the enemy, prevent conflicts, and instill confidence in our ability to succeed,” a military official said.
The AC-130J arrived at the Osan Air Base on June 12 and has been participating in joint training with South Korean special forces and the South Korean Air Force. However, the U.S. military in South Korea stressed that the deployment of the AC-130J in South Korea is not in response to recent actions by Russia and North Korea.
The AC-130J is a modified version of the large transport aircraft C-130J, designed for conducting ground support missions during combat. The aircraft is equipped with cannons on the left side of its fuselage, capable of carrying various weapons such as AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, and has the ability for long-duration flights and aerial refueling to provide sustained firepower support in combat zones.
According to reports from the South Korean news agency, the AC-130J is expected to leave the Korean Peninsula this week and may participate in the first-ever multinational joint military exercise called “Freedom Edge” involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
The tension on the Korean Peninsula has escalated rapidly in recent days, following a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea, where he signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, including military cooperation. This move has drawn condemnation from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, with the three nations issuing a joint statement on Monday expressing “strong condemnation” towards the strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Discussions between the deputy foreign ministers of the U.S. and South Korea also touched on possible responses to any military provocations.
Meanwhile, North Korea criticized the U.S. aircraft carrier entering the port of Busan to participate in the “Freedom Edge” military exercise through official media channels on Monday, warning that they do not rule out engaging in any overwhelming new round of demonstrations.
(Source: Central News Agency)