Chairman’s Visit to Assess Air Defense Operations
North Korean Drone Incident and Sustained Alert Status
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Admiral Kim Myung Soo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Seoul’s Army Capital Defense Command and an affiliated air defense position on December 5. He reviewed the comprehensive defense and air defense operational stances during his visit. He stressed the importance of readiness, stating, “In the event of another drone provocation by North Korea, we must complete our mission with unwavering resolve to track and shoot down the target without fail.”
Chairman Kim’s on-site inspection took place nearly a year after the incident on December 26 last year, when a North Korean drone breached the airspace over Seoul and its surrounding region. This visit is perceived as an initiative to evaluate the response operations to North Korean drone activities personally. Also, to uplift soldiers’ spirits, who were increasingly exhausted by the prolonged heightened alert status,
He visited the air defense position and inspected the operation status, equipment operation status, and operation execution procedures. He encouraged the soldiers to maintain a flawless air defense operation posture, emphasizing, “You must be aware that the enemy will certainly come before me.”
In addition, Chairman Kim said, “The success or failure of air defense operations is determined within a few seconds, so immediate response is the key to victory,” and urged, “Perform your duties flawlessly with a sense of responsibility.”
Strategic Directions: Analyzing Enemy Threats and Integrated Defense
Previously, Chairman Kim, during his visit to the Capital Defense Command, provided instructions. He advised them to meticulously analyze and assess potential enemy threats that could arise in Seoul, the core of South Korea, and to make comprehensive preparations with an integrated defense perspective in mind.
Specifically, Chairman Kim emphasized the importance of collaboration for effective defense operations, stating, “Close cooperation among civilians, government, military, and police – the pillars of national defense – is crucial for successful operations.” He also directed that regular coordination and training with relevant agencies be maintained and outlined detailed procedures for integrated defense operations, starting from the initial response stage.
Furthermore, Chairman Kim added, “Thoroughly prepare with the pride and responsibility of defending Seoul, and the spirit of ‘always ready, victory in battle.'”
A Joint Chiefs of Staff official said, “This ‘operation field inspection’ by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was conducted to intensively inspect the substantial readiness posture focused on the field, considering the increasing enemy provocation threat, and to encourage soldiers who are devoted to establishing readiness posture in their respective positions.”
By. Lee Seok Jong
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