Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Speculation rises over cause of US drone crash in waters off Korea
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone prepares for takeoff at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, April. 19, 2024. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
US 8th Fighter Wing says MQ-9 flight operations will continue
Speculation is mounting over the cause of an accident involving a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone that crashed into waters off Korea's west coast during a routine mission.
The U.S. military said Tuesday MQ-9 operations will continue despite the accident, noting that all flight operations will be carried out with a heightened awareness and commitment to safety.
According to the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, the drone was involved in an incident during a routine mission at around 4:35 a.m. Monday. It went down near Mal Island, off the coast of Gunsan.
"No injuries or damage to public property are reported in relation to this incident, and it is currently under investigation," the unit said in a statement, noting that search efforts to salvage the aircraft are under way.
The incident came two months after the U.S. military permanently stationed the surveillance-and-attack drones in Korea, following the creation of an expeditionary reconnaissance squadron at Kunsan Air Base in September. The deployment of Reapers reflects USFK efforts to extend its role beyond deterring North Korea to address broader security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. military has not disclosed the cause of the drone crash or whether it has since been recovered.
"MQ-9 flight operations have not ceased. While the incident is under investigation, all flight operations will continue with a heightened awareness and commitment to safety, ensuring that any potential issues are proactively addressed," an official at the 8th Fighter Wing told The Korea Times via email.
When asked about whether the drone was intentionally brought down, the official replied, "The MQ-9 performed in accordance with safety protocols by descending to a designated ocean zone, minimizing the potential for uncontrolled impact or debris."
Multiple media reports have suggested that the Reaper experienced connectivity issues with ground control during its mission, including problems with remote operation. Even after dumping fuel, the problem appears to have remained unresolved, leading the U.S. military to intentionally bring down the drone.
While the probe into the accident is expected to take some time, the fact that it occurred less than two months after the Reaper's deployment is raising eyebrows.
Korean and U.S. military officials participate in joint exercises at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, South Jeolla Province, Feb. 7, 2023. Courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense
The Reaper is capable of intelligence collection, coordination and reconnaissance missions, with a range of roughly 1,150 miles. Developed by U.S. defense company General Atomics, it costs around 44 billion won ($31.4 million) per unit.
Although the exact number of drones stationed at Kunsan Air Base was not disclosed, analysts said they are expected not only to be used to monitor North Korea but also to gather intelligence on China, suggesting the drones’ mission could extend beyond the Korean Peninsula.
An accident involving a Korean Air Force F-35A fighter jet also occurred on the same day. The plane made an emergency landing around 6:46 p.m. at Cheongju Air Base due to a hydraulic system malfunction.
No casualties were reported, but parts of the jet were damaged. The Air Force plans to conduct a joint investigation with the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, to determine the exact cause of the accident.
"The aircraft conducted the emergency landing in accordance with procedures, but after coming to a stop on the runway, its front landing gear folded, causing part of the nose to make contact with the runway," an Air Force official said. "We are investigating the circumstances that led to the emergency landing and the cause of the front landing gear folding after the aircraft stopped."