South Korean Air Force Executes Emergency Snow Removal Operations to Ensure Runway Readiness

Amid heavy snowfall in the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions of South Korea, the Air Force launched emergency snow removal operations to maintain a seamless air defense posture.

The Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing (1st FW) announced last Thursday that it had been conducting snow removal operations on the base runway since Wednesday. The 1st FW stated that it had already established a snow removal command center to proactively prepare for severe winter weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall. The command center commenced operations immediately when snow began to fall.

The operation involved deploying specialized snow removal vehicles, including the SE-88 and snow plows, and over 30 personnel. The SE-88, equipped with a decommissioned fighter jet engine, effectively cleared snow from the runway by spraying high-temperature exhaust gas. The personnel also worked tirelessly to ensure the runway, a crucial element of air operations, was snow-free. Additionally, they carefully cleared nearby roads and other areas prone to accidents.

The Air Force’s 20th Fighter Wing (20th FW) also deployed seven SE-88 vehicles and personnel to conduct emergency snow removal operations starting Wednesday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the area surrounding the 20th FW in South Chungcheong Province received over 10 cm of snow. Heavy snow warnings remain in effect across South Chungcheong, South Jeolla, and the west coast regions.

Major Huh Sang Young, head of the 1st FW’s Engineering Battalion, emphasized, “Runways are critical to air operations and must remain operational even in severe weather conditions. We will maintain an impeccable air defense posture through flawless snow removal operations.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jin Lee Hu Bum of the 20th FW’s Engineering Battalion added, “The 20th Fighter Wing is a key unit in defending South Korea’s airspace. We are committed to maintaining optimal runway conditions to ensure that fighter jets can take off under any circumstances, supporting perfect air operations.”