Taking the New Fighter Out for a Spin

Jan. 5, 2006

The South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Kim Sung-il, took one of his country’s new F-15K fighters for a test ride recently. A fairly standard procedure for an Air Force leader, right? Unfortunately, the ability of the advanced F-15K to sustain aerial combat for about an hour gave the general an opportunity to make a “symbolic” flight over the Dokdo islets, reports the Chosun Ilbo. Seoul believes Dokdo is its territory, but Tokyo claims the islets for Japan. Tokyo has asked for an explanation.

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