South Korean military seeks US surveillance support after fatal navy aircraft crash

South Korea’s military has entered discussions with the United States to receive surveillance assistance, following the grounding of around a dozen naval patrol aircraft after a deadly crash last week.

On May 29, a Navy P-3CK maritime patrol plane crashed into a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang, approximately 270 kilometers from Seoul, during a routine training mission. All four officers on board were killed. In response, the Navy grounded all P-3 patrol aircraft for safety inspections, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“Our military is strengthening surveillance by operating alternative assets such as warships and naval operation helicopters,” said Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a regular press briefing. “We are getting support from Coast Guard surveillance aircraft and talks are also under way with the U.S. military on receiving surveillance aircraft support from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. 

As part of long-term plans to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, the Navy is scheduled to deploy P-8A Poseidon aircraft in July, Col. Lee added.

Meanwhile, the Navy has launched a joint investigation committee involving military officials, civilian experts, and government representatives to determine the cause of the crash. A damaged flight voice recorder was recovered from the crash site and is currently being examined for any useful data. According to the Navy, the final communication between the aircraft and the control tower took place just one minute before the crash, with no signs of an emergency, fueling speculation of a sudden mechanical failure.

In a related move, the Defence Ministry convened a meeting of key officials earlier on June 1 to review readiness protocols, training systems, and operational procedures in the wake of the incident.

By Sabina Mammadli