On March 6, 2025, a training exercise mishap led to two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets inadvertently dropping eight bombs on the village of Pocheon, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Incident Details
During a live-fire drill conducted jointly with U.S. forces near the North Korean border, the fighter jets released eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs outside the designated firing range. The South Korean Air Force attributed the error to incorrect coordinate input by one of the pilots.
Casualties and Damage
The accidental bombing injured 15 individuals, including two with serious injuries. The explosion caused significant damage to several homes, a church, and other structures in the village.
Official Response
The South Korean Air Force issued an apology, expressing regret for the incident and wishing the injured a swift recovery. They have suspended live-fire exercises pending a thorough investigation into the cause of the mishap.
Impact on Military Drills
Despite the incident, major joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as “Freedom Shield,” are scheduled to proceed as planned from March 10 to 20. These exercises aim to strengthen readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
