U.S. Unleashes ‘Sky Battleship’ on Iraq: How the AC-130J Ghostrider Is Shaping Modern Warfare

In November, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that American forces in Iraq had conducted a retaliatory airstrike in response to a ballistic missile attack by pro-Iranian militias. This marked the first time the U.S. publicly responded to an attack on its forces in the Middle East originating from Iraqi territory.

According to Reuters, the U.S. Central Command reported that a militia group backed by Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on the Ain Al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. The attack resulted in injuries to eight personnel and damage to some base facilities. In retaliation, the U.S. carried out airstrikes targeting two facilities in Iraq. Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, confirmed in a briefing, “The U.S. military’s AC-130 aircraft conducted a retaliatory airstrike, resulting in the deaths of several militia members. This action was a direct response to attacks by Iran and Iran-backed groups against U.S. and coalition forces.”

The media highlighted the aircraft used in this retaliatory strike: the AC-130J ‘Ghostrider,’ also known as the ‘sky battleship.’ The AC-130J, a latest-generation combat aircraft, supports ground operations with its formidable arsenal, including a 30mm machine gun and a 105mm howitzer. This aircraft, modified from a C-130 transport, is renowned for its ability to deliver powerful and precise firepower from the air, operating both day and night.

On the 12th, the same model AC-130J was deployed to the Korean Peninsula for joint U.S.-South Korea special forces training. The U.S. Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing and South Korean special forces conducted training exercises at Osan Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The deployment of the AC-130J to the region is seen as a strong signal of the U.S. commitment to countering North Korean provocations, such as the dissemination of anti-South Korean leaflets and GPS signal jamming attacks. This marks the second deployment of the AC-130J to the Korean Peninsula since March of the previous year.

The recent deployment of the AC-130J to the Korean Peninsula is part of the joint U.S.-South Korea special operations training, known as Teak Knife. This training primarily focuses on enemy infiltration and hostage rescue but also includes decapitation operations, where special forces infiltrate deep into North Korea to target high-value figures, including members of the North Korean regime.

In an unusual move, U.S. Forces Korea revealed the participation of U.S. Navy and Air Force special operations personnel in the training, along with images of the AC-130J ‘Ghostrider’ in the region. This disclosure is seen as a demonstration of the strength of the U.S.-South Korea defense alliance and a warning to North Korea amid its recent provocations, such as disseminating anti-South Korean leaflets and engaging in GPS signal jamming attacks. The AC-130J’s role in supporting joint operations aimed at critical North Korean military sites is viewed as a significant deterrent.

The AC-130J, often called a gunship, is equipped to deliver devastating firepower. It can deploy 30mm machine guns, 105mm howitzers, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AGM-176 Griffin missiles, and GBU-39 (SDB) precision-guided glide bombs from altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet. This aircraft can precisely target and destroy specific locations and has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers (2485 miles). It also has the capability for air-to-air refueling, allowing for extended missions.

The AC-130J, the latest model, features advanced navigation and stealth capabilities. Its deployment to the Korean Peninsula marks only the second time this model has been sent to the region, following its previous visits for U.S.-Japan training. This move is interpreted as a more vital message from U.S.-South Korean military authorities in response to North Korea’s provocations.

Nicknamed the “sky battleship with the wings of an angel” or “angel of death,” the AC-130J can unleash a rapid and sustained barrage of shells and deploy the latest missiles and precision-guided bombs. While older versions of the AC-130 have been stationed in the Korean Peninsula several times, this is only the second deployment of the latest AC-130J model.

In February of last year, the AC-130J Ghostrider made headlines with its training exercise on the Korean Peninsula. The aircraft demonstrated its impressive firepower by launching a range of munitions, including AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin missiles and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), at the Jikdo firing range. This range has traditionally been used for force demonstrations, such as showcasing the Taurus long-range air-to-surface missile, which targets North Korea’s key facilities as part of the Kill Chain strategy.

The Hellfire missile, a staple of the U.S. military, is designed to take out enemy tanks and fortified positions from up to 8 kilometers (5 kilometers) away. It uses laser guidance for pinpoint accuracy and is also carried by the AH-64 Apache helicopter.

The Griffin missile, on the other hand, is lighter and more suited for precision attacks on ground targets like armored vehicles. It offers a shorter range but is effective for closer engagements.

The GBU-39 SDB, a precision-guided bomb, can strike targets from up to 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. This versatile weapon is also used on the F-35 and F-15K fighters.

The AC-130J Ghostrider, which first entered service in 2015, builds on the legacy of its predecessors with modernized features and enhanced stealth capabilities. The aircraft, a highly advanced version of the AC-130 gunship, is equipped to deliver devastating firepower from high altitudes.

Previously, the AC-130H Spectre was notable for its performance during the late Vietnam War. It was equipped with a 105mm cannon and was known for striking from beyond enemy anti-aircraft artillery range. The AC-130H saw action in conflicts such as Grenada, Panama, and the Gulf War. One AC-130H was tragically shot down during the Gulf War, resulting in the loss of its entire crew.

The AC-130U Spooky, introduced in 1995, improved upon the AC-130H with better performance and upgraded systems. It remains a key asset for the U.S. Air Force, continuing the legacy of its predecessors with enhanced capabilities.

The deployment of the AC-130J to the Korean Peninsula highlights its role in modern military operations and deterrence. Its advanced technology and firepower make it a significant asset in maintaining regional security and responding to emerging threats.