미공군, 오산공군기지에서 A-10C 철수

[위종민]

미공군이 내년 1월부터 2025 회계년도 말인 2025년 9월 30일(기사상의 2024년 9월 30일은 오타인 듯 합니다.)까지 A-10C이 배치돼 있는 마지막 해외 주둔 공군기지인 오산공군기지에서 A-10C를 철수할 예정입니다. F-15EX나 F-35가 대체 기종인 듯 한데, 어떤 기종이 배치될 지는 기사상엔 밝히지 않았습니다. 

그 외 한국에 배치된 F-16은 AN/APG-83 레이다 등을 장착하는 PoBIT(Post Block Integration Team)  업그레이드를 계속 받을 예정이네요. 

US Air Force transitioning from A-10s to cutting-edge upgrades in Korea > Pacific Air Forces > Article Display

US Air Force transitioning from A-10s to cutting-edge upgrades in Korea

• Published Nov. 12, 2024
• Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --  

The U.S. Air Force is set to complete a significant phase of its modernization strategy in fiscal year 2025. In key regions, including South Korea, it will transition away from its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in favor of advancing fourth-generation fighter jet upgrades and enhancing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft integration.

The modernization effort seeks to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean peninsula, through state-of-the-art aircraft. The strategy bolsters deterrence against North Korea and reaffirms the ironclad U.S. security commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance by strengthening South Korean and U.S. combined defense. Throughout this transition, the U.S. Air Force will continue to enhance interoperability through close cooperation with the Republic of Korea Air Force.

This change represents a pivotal upgrade in U.S. Air Force capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining an overwhelming force posture in the region and adapting to evolving global threats.

Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, underscored the transformative nature of this transition.

By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater.”

Seventh Air Force Commander and U.S. Forces Korea Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. David Iverson

Starting in January 2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base will begin a phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 aircraft, with completion expected by the end of fiscal year 2025. Additionally, Seventh Air Force F-16s are undergoing a series of avionics system upgrades, bringing the aircraft closer to fifth-generation capabilities as they increase both the survivability and accuracy of the weapon system.

This is a deliberate shift towards integrating next-generation aircraft that will significantly enhance operational effectiveness and U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

The F-16s, with their upgraded systems, will continue to deliver reliable and flexible combat capabilities. Within the region, the F-35, with its stealth capabilities and advanced sensors, will provide a significant edge in situational awareness and strike precision. The F-15EX, known for its advanced avionics and payload capacity, will enhance air-to-air and air-to-ground combat effectiveness.

Iverson further emphasized, “These aircraft bring unparalleled multi-role versatility, advanced stealth features, and superior operational range, positioning us to effectively counter modern threats and support our regional allies.”

The U.S. Air Force remains committed to providing comprehensive and advanced air capabilities to safeguard South Korea. This modernization effort underscores a strategic shift towards more capable and agile platforms, reflecting an enduring commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance and regional stability.

“The advancement of our F-16 upgrades and innovation through our ongoing super squadron test at Osan (AB) show our dedication to evolving and adapting our forces to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Iverson concluded. “We will continue to deliver overwhelming, unmatched combat airpower, ensuring that our defenses remain effective in safeguarding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/usaf-withdraw-a-10-korea-2025/

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off for a Buddy Squadron 25-1 flight at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 17, 2024. Buddy Squadron is a semi-annual event for each fighter squadron stationed in Korea where joint training missions are planned and executed between the collaborating units increasing capability and familiarization of flying tactics. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley N. Mikaio

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USAF Will Withdraw A-10s from Final Overseas Base in Korea in 2025

Nov. 13, 2024 | By Greg Hadley

The U.S. Air Force will start withdrawing its A-10 aircraft from Osan Air Base, South Korea, the Thunderbolt II’s last overseas location, starting in January.

In a Nov. 12 release, the 7th Air Force said all 24 A-10s will depart Osan by the end of fiscal 2025—Sept. 30, 2024. 

Meanwhile, the USAF F-16s on the peninsula will continue to receive avionics upgrades as part of the Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT) program.

The moves continue the Air Force’s push to tweak its force structure in Korea and the broader Pacific. In July, the 7th Air Force shifted F-16s from Kunsan Air Base to Osan to create a “super squadron” for a yearlong test on how to maximize combat effectiveness. 

That month, the Pentagon also said the Air Force would bring in F-35 fighters to Misawa Air Base, Japan, and F-15EX fighters to Kadena Air Base, Japan. It will be the first time either fighter type will be based overseas in the Pacific. 

“By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded F-16s along with F-35s and F-15EXs in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater,” 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson said in a statement. 

Iverson did not say if the USAF would bring in new fighters to Korea to match the A-10s being phased out. 

The U.S. has been flying A-10s in Korea since 1982, and the current iteration of the 25th Fighter Squadron stood up in 1993. In recent years, however, the Air Force has moved to retire its fleet of Warthogs, saying the legendary close air support aircraft is not suited for a potential high-end fight against adversaries like China or Russia. 

Leaders have suggested every A-10 could be divested before the end of the decade, and the service has started identifying new missions for units and bases that host the A-10—the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing will transition to cyberspace operations, Moody Air Force Base in Georgia will get F-35s, and the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing will move to F-16s. One of the service’s main A-10 hubs, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., is gaining the 492nd Special Operations Wing. 

The retirements at Osan will end the A-10’s permanent presence in the Indo-Pacific region, and it marks the second Pacific USAF base to move on from older fighter/attack aircraft—Kadena is also phasing out its older C and D models of the F-15. 

PoBIT 업그레이드 관련 기사

Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW > Air Force > Article Display

Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW

• Published April 9, 2023
• By Capt. Kaylin P. Hankerson
• 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) --  

After receiving the first phase of one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force F-16 program history, an upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon rejoined the 8th Fighter Wing, April 4.

Wolf Pack tail no. 021 returned to 8th FW operations after about seven weeks away for maintenance, where the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Post Block Integration Team project, provided the aircraft with the first wave of 22 modifications designed to improve F-16 lethality to meet the needs of current and future operations.

Piloting WP 021 for its first operational flight back with the Wolf Pack, U.S. Air Force Col. John D. Caldwell, 8th FW vice commander, experienced firsthand what the updated systems brought to the platform.

“The upgraded equipment I flew with today greatly improved my situational awareness allowing me to receive and process information at a much faster rate than other F-16s in the past,” Caldwell said. “The information was quick, reliable and presented on the new displays in a way that reduced my workload and improved effectiveness for all aspects of the flight.”

The main feature of the PoBIT upgrade is the installation of the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar with active electronically scanned array and the Center Display Unit-technology that ultimately gives the F-16 and its pilot a clearer vision of the threat picture to increase both the survivability and accuracy of the weapon system.

“The F-16 is planned to continue service into the 2040’s, so this upgrade is critical to making sure we are keeping pace with the evolving threat environment,” Caldwell said. “The main components that I interacted with today [the CDU and APG-83 SABR] are both critical pieces that work together to bring the F-16 closer to fifth-generation capabilities, which will keep the F-16 relevant to the fight.”

Other notable upgrades to the platform’s avionics from this round of PoBIT upgrades included a programmable data generator, new-generation electronic warfare capability, a communications suite upgrade and a modernized mission computer.

“The avionics upgrades allow pilots to take full advantage of the jet's advanced weapons and sensors, it is capable of providing high speed data and/or high-resolution video and ultimately aids the pilot in tactical decision making,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael C. Durham, 8th Operations Support Squadron weapons tactics officer. “The upgraded radar, specifically, allows us to track a greater number of targets at longer ranges in both cooperative and non-permissive environments while also improving the F-16’s all-weather capabilities by adding synthetic aperture radar mapping for target nomination and engagement.”

Durham, who took the lead on testing the jet’s system upgrades upon its return to the Wolf Pack fleet, said the upgrades will expand the F-16’s participation in future operations.

“These PoBIT upgrades play a large role in the future of F-16 support for combatant commanders across the area of operations,” Durham said. “The survivability and lethality improvements these modifications provide factor into determining which conflicts the F-16 will participate in and in what capacity, which greatly expands our leaders’ options in contingency planning to support national security objectives.”

The aircraft was the first 7th Air Force F-16 to return to flight operations with PoBIT upgrades and, as the rest of the fleet follows suit, the modernization effort will improve the USAF’s ability to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region and the stability of the Korean Peninsula.

“With regards to the Wolf Pack’s ‘Take the Fight North’ mission, these upgrades primarily allow us to keep pace with near-peer threats, but also have a large hand in the deterrence mission,” Caldwell said. “It will definitely be a part of the decision calculus for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, because the more lethal and survivable we can make our forces here on the peninsula, the more likely we are to deter aggression. The goal is to present a force so capable, that [the DPRK] decides, instead of pulling a trigger, to pick up the phone to talk. Of course, if deterrence breaks down, the modernization program will significantly improve our ability to defend South Korea and take the fight north, if necessary.”

PoBIT upgrades for the F-16 fleet are being conducted in various phases over the next couple of years to provide the aircraft the necessary updates while ensuring operational requirements can still be met.

[백선호]

1982년부터 있었으니 42년이나 있었네요.

[위종민]

포천, 오산에서 비행하는 모습을 자주 봤는데 이제 볼 날이 얼마 안 남았네요

[ssn688]

국방TV 보도에서도 대체기종 언급 없이 "F-16 업그레이드로 대응"이란 표현이 나오는 걸 보면, 한동안은 직접 대체 없이 공백이 있을지도 모릅니다. 미국에선 구형기종 퇴역에 따라 비행대대를 해편(deacticate)했다가 신형이 준비될 때 복귀(activate)시키는 일이 흔하기도 하고요.

[백선호]

북한 '기갑부대'가 밀고 내려오는 시나리오는 이제 좀 옛날인 것 같고 2000년 기사에 A-10의 임무는 이렇게 나왔습니다.

https://cafe.daum.net/NTDS/515G/2166

The primary mission for most of the F-16s and A-10s already in Korea is close air support of the Army. The Kunsan F-16s are basically limited to day operations, but later this year the first squadron of LANTIRN-equipped Block 40 F-16s will allow nighttime missions, said Col. Virgil Unger, commander of the 8th Fighter Wing.

The A-10s see their daytime mission as anti-armor, while at night they would attack artillery.

[백선호]

Missions after sunset are conducted by using night-vision goggles and the infrared seeker on Maverick missiles as a reconnaissance device, said Lt. Col. Ken Block, commander of the 25th Fighter Sqdn. at Osan. Another important mission for the A-10s is air strike control. To be able to carry out that mission and still remain outside the immediate threat of North Korean surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), the air controllers fire 2.75-in. marking rockets at a slant range of 30,000 ft. to within a few meters accuracy.

[위종민]

군산공군기지 F-16도 PoBIT 업그레이드 받았으면 이젠 제공전투나 종심타격에 쓰일 수 있겠네요.

A-10 빠지면 개전 초 띄운다는 2,500소티 중 CAS 소티의 상당부분을 한국공군이 받아줘야 할 텐데 그럴 수 있으려나 모르겠습니다. 지상군 전력차가 24년 전보다는 좀 더 벌어졌을 테니 필요한 소티수도 좀 줄었으려나요.