Overview
- The South Korean C-130 en route to a U.S.-led exercise in Guam diverted on July 13 to Kadena Air Base after encountering bad weather and unexpectedly high fuel consumption.
- The unannounced deviation led the transport plane into Japan’s air defense identification zone, prompting the Self-Defence Forces to launch fighter jets for interception.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi on July 25 described the scramble as regretful and formally asked South Korea to implement stricter clearance procedures.
- South Korea’s Defense Ministry has initiated an audit of its air force protocols, acknowledging flaws in ADIZ clearance processes and vowing mandatory cross-checks.
- Both nations have agreed to review coordination protocols during ongoing joint defense activities, reaffirming their security partnership.