The South Korean government has decided to establish a semiconductor cluster in the Gwangju Air Base, which serves as a U.S.-South Korea Collocated Operating Base (COB). Attention is now focused on how discussions regarding the re-designation of the joint operating base will proceed.
According to U.S. and South Korean military authorities on July 10, Gwangju Air Base is one of five U.S.-South Korea joint operating bases in the country. While U.S. Air Force operational units are not permanently stationed there during peacetime, the base is designated for deployment of U.S. air power in times of crisis.
Facilities and areas are maintained for U.S. military use in emergencies, and it is reported that land has been allocated to the U.S. under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
As a result, military insiders suggest that discussions between the U.S. and South Korea based on SOFA will be necessary for the relocation of Gwangju Air Base and the re-designation of the joint operating base.
A Defense Ministry official stated regarding the negotiations with the U.S., "We will promptly discuss measures to align specific timelines to utilize the Gwangju Air Base effectively." The official also noted, "We will explore various options to vacate the Gwangju Air Base as early as possible, ensuring that there is no security gap."
According to Yonhap News, U.S. Air Force 7th Air Force spokesperson Major Laura Hayden responded to inquiries about the relocation of Gwangju Air Base, stating, "The 7th Air Force has significant military interests in the Gwangju base and will continue to work closely with the Republic of Korea Air Force to meet all requirements and maintain a strong combined readiness posture."
The Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing operates T-50 advanced trainers and has been responsible for high-level flight training for pilots. Some have suggested that before conditions are established for relocation to Muan, the functions of the 1st Fighter Wing stationed at Gwangju Air Base could be dispersed to other domestic bases.
Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Office's Policy Office, appeared on YTN Radio on July 6 and stated, "Can we disperse the training needs currently being conducted at the existing airport to other Air Force bases? If we coordinate a dispersal plan with the Air Force, we can utilize this site without waiting for the construction of a new airport in Muan."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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