Precision weapons would last 3-10 days

The Air Force’s current stockpile of precision-guided weapons would run out in just three to 10 days should a war break out, a ruling party lawmaker has recently said, spawning concerns over the country’s capacity for wartime aerial operations.

Its stock of weapons including GBU-24 bunker busters, Korea GPS-guided bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions will run out before the end of the 30-day minimum duration, Rep. Kim Jang-soo of the ruling Grand National Party said.

Kim made the analysis based on a parliamentary inspection report from the Air Force.

Kim also pointed out that even though the country’s mid-term defense procurement plan proceeds as scheduled, its stockpile of precision weapons will also fall short of the target requirement.

“There has been some discrepancy here. While focusing on high-end fighter jets, the government is not paying due attention to securing precision weapons (to be mounted on them),” he said.

Last week, Kim also argued that the Air Force will face a serious staff shortage as fighter pilots increasingly apply for early retirement to join commercial airlines for much higher salaries.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)