The United States Air Force (USAF) has initiated a pilot program to test the effectiveness of a larger fighter squadron in South Korea. As part of this initiative, the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base will receive nine F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, creating a temporary “Super Squadron” with a total of 31 aircraft.
This year-long experiment aims to evaluate the impact of a larger squadron on various aspects of combat readiness. The USAF will assess factors like sortie generation – the number of missions flown – maintenance efficiency, manpower utilization, and logistical requirements. Ultimately, the program seeks to identify the optimal squadron size for maximizing combat effectiveness.
Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson, Commander of 7th Air Force and Deputy Commander of US Forces Korea, acknowledged the potential challenges associated with the program. “This test allows us to gauge if larger squadrons improve training effectiveness and combat capability in the event deterrence fails,” he stated. “We recognize that these changes may create temporary difficulties for our Airmen and their families. We are actively addressing these concerns while simultaneously enhancing our readiness and warfighting capacity.”
The transfer of aircraft includes approximately 150 aircrew and support personnel. The remaining F-16s at Kunsan Air Base will maintain their regular training schedule, fostering interoperability and bolstering the combined readiness of both US and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces.
The 7th Air Force reiterates its commitment to upholding peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. This pilot program serves as a testament to the ongoing collaboration between the US and ROK in deterring potential threats.