South Korea Grounds All Aircraft Following KF-16’s Accidental Bombing of Village

The South Korean Air Force has grounded nearly all aircraft after KF-16 fighters accidentally dropped eight live bombs on a village during joint military drills, leaving 15 people injured.

The incident occurred Thursday morning when two KF-16 jets "abnormally" released MK-82 bombs outside a training range in Pocheon, about 40 km north of Seoul. The town, located 25 km from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), sustained property damage, with reports indicating that eight buildings—including homes, a warehouse, and a military chapel—were affected. Fire officials confirmed two civilians suffered serious injuries, while two soldiers and two foreign nationals were among those with minor wounds.

The fighter jets were participating in drills linked to the upcoming Freedom Shield exercise, an annual U.S.-South Korea military training event scheduled to begin March 10. The exercise, which runs through March 20, aims to enhance defense readiness amid rising tensions with North Korea. This year's training includes adaptations from recent conflicts and considers growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

Preliminary investigations suggest the bombing resulted from pilot error, with one pilot reportedly inputting incorrect target coordinates before takeoff. In response, the Air Force has suspended all live-fire training and imposed flight restrictions on most aircraft, except for reconnaissance and emergency standby missions, until a full investigation determines the cause.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su issued a formal apology and pledged stricter safety protocols, including additional pilot training. Meanwhile, authorities evacuated residents from the affected area and launched a search for any unexploded ordnance. Photographs from the site showed shattered windows, debris-covered streets, and damaged structures.