Gwangju:Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul visited an air base in Gwangju to assess the readiness of a significant Air Force unit amidst government plans to relocate the base to facilitate a major semiconductor cluster project.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang toured the Gwangju Air Base, which hosts the Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing, urging troops to support the country's strategic policy while maintaining a strong readiness posture. The air base has been selected as the site for the planned chip cluster in the Honam region and is set to be relocated to Muan County.
The government intends to temporarily move three squadrons of the 1st Fighter Wing to air bases in Yecheon, Seosan, and Chungju to reduce disruptions in operational capabilities. Originally, the relocation was to be completed by mid-2028, but President Lee Jae Myung has instructed officials to expedite the process, suggesting revisions to regulations or guidelines if necessary.