OSAN AIR BASE, PYEONGTAEK — The U.S. 7th Air Force announced plans to significantly increase the number of F-16 fighter jets stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea as part of a new operational test to improve combat readiness.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The initiative, detailed by the 7th Air Force, involves relocating nine F-16s from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base to join the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan, located 60 kilometers south of Seoul. This strategic move will increase the total number of F-16s at Osan to 31, creating what is termed a "Super Squadron." The purpose of this yearlong plan is to assess the squadron's impact on sortie generation rates, and the required manpower, maintenance, and logistics. Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson, commander of the 7th Air Force, stated that this test aims to determine if larger squadrons can boost training effectiveness and enhance combat capabilities.