The US Air Force has confirmed a crash involving an F-16 fighter jet in South Korea. South Korean news agency Yonhap reported the event, citing American air command officials.
According to the report, the F-16 belonged to the 8th Fighter Wing and had departed from Gunsan Air Base, situated roughly 180 kilometers south of Seoul. An in-flight emergency over the Yellow Sea led to the aircraft crashing into the sea at about 08:40 local time. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was soon found by rescue teams. Initial assessments indicate the pilot is in stable condition after being pulled from the water.
Immediate search and rescue operations were activated by both U.S. and South Korean authorities, with responders locating the pilot approximately 50 minutes after the incident. The teams provided medical care and transported the pilot to safety. A formal investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, with both nations coordinating the inquiry.
Yonhap noted that American F-16s have crashed in South Korea on three occasions since May of the previous year, drawing attention to ongoing safety and compliance considerations within joint operations.
Earlier reports mentioned joint exercises and alerts between the United States and South Korea, highlighting the high level of readiness and constant collaboration between the two allies.