In South Korea drills, the US AC-130J gunship demonstrates precision firepower and surveillance capabilities amid regional tensions. (Shutterstock)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The U.S. Air Force AC-130J, flying over South Korea’s high-rise apartment buildings, boasts powerful cameras capable of detailed surveillance from high altitudes, as reported by CNN.
Joint Drills in South Korea
Crews aboard the Ghostrider aircraft, deployed by Air Force Special Operations Command from Florida’s Hurlburt Field, recently conducted joint drills in South Korea, showcasing its capabilities.
During live-fire exercises, the AC-130J’s 105-millimeter howitzer fired shells that hit targets 10,000 feet below, visibly shifting the 80-ton plane. Pilot Capt. John Ikenberry emphasized the aircraft’s readiness amidst heightened tensions with North Korea.
Related Story: South Korea Will Consider Supplying Arms to Ukraine After Russia and North ...
Ghostrider Known for Precision and Versatility
The AC-130J, known for its precision and versatility, maneuvers over Korea’s unique terrain, providing invaluable training alongside South Korean allies. Equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry, including a 30-millimeter cannon and precision-guided missiles, it supports ground forces with close air support capabilities.
Originating from Vietnam War-era gunship designs, AC-130 variants have played crucial roles in global conflicts, despite vulnerabilities to ground-based threats. The latest AC-130J model, introduced in 2017, emphasizes precision munitions over older gunship configurations.
Related Story: Russia and North Korea Sign Partnership Deal That Appears to Be the Strongest ...
Critics highlight operational risks near North Korea’s border, citing vulnerability to air defenses. Supporters emphasize its strategic importance in aiding allied operations.
Military officials remain confident in the effective deployment of the AC-130J, highlighting its crucial role in strategic operations on the Korean Peninsula.
Read more at CNN.
Â