South Korea sends fighter jets to intercept Chinese aircraft

South Korean fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a squadron of Chinese aircraft accused of violating Seoul's Air Defense Identification Zone.

Chinese fighter jets during a drill. Photo: Xinhua.

The South Korean military today ordered F-15K and F-16 fighters to take off in an emergency to intercept Chinese fighter jets flying into the country's Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ), according to Yonhap.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Beijing's aircraft squadron, including two bombers, two fighters and a reconnaissance aircraft, was detected entering the KADIZ from the southwest area of ​​Ieo Island at around 10:10 a.m.

According to the JCS, South Korean fighter jets took "normal tactical measures" until the Chinese aircraft group left the area at 1:47 p.m.

"We contacted the Chinese side via hotline. They said the activity was just part of a regular training. We are investigating their true purpose," a JCS official said.

The KADIZ near Ieo Island overlaps with the Air Defense Identification Zones unilaterally established by China and Japan.

Location of Ieo Island. Graphics: Atlantic.

According to VNE