Seoul: A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet, participating in the U.S.-led multinational Red Flag air exercise in Alaska, has sustained damage, as reported by the Air Force. The pilots involved in the incident have been confirmed safe after executing an emergency escape.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the emergency occurred at 9:02 a.m. Korean time on Wednesday during takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base. The two pilots ejected from the double-seat fighter jet and have been transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and care.

The Air Force has announced plans to investigate the precise cause of the incident in collaboration with U.S. authorities. The Red Flag-Alaska exercise, launched in 1975 by the U.S. military, is intended to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

South Korea began participating in this exercise in 2013, deploying its fighter jets annually. For this year's exercise, South Korea's Air Force has mobilized 11 aircraft, including the KF-16 fighter and the KC-330 transport plane, with approximately 100 airmen involved.