Osan: The 7th Air Force will temporarily assign 31 additional F-16 fighter jets to Osan Air Base starting October as part of its "Super Squadron" formation test aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness, the U.S. Air Force unit stationed in South Korea said Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, under the yearlong plan, the 7th Air Force will transfer the assigned F-16 fighters as well as about 1,000 airmen to the air base in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, from Kunsan Air Base, the unit said in a release. "The test examines 7th Air Force's ability to increase combat force generation and maximize capability by consolidating aircraft and personnel in a large Super Squadron," it said.

The move is expected to bring the number of F-16s at Osan Air Base to 62, following the first stage of the Super Squadron test, in which nine F-16s at Kunsan Air Base were relocated to Osan last year to form the first Super Squadron. "The past months of data reveal that we're on the right track and the consolidated, larger unit has shown some increases in readiness and combat capability, while also exposing some challenges," Lt. Gen. David Iverson, 7th Air Force commander, was quoted as saying.

"With this success we're now expanding the scope ... to further determine if the super squadron construct is the right path for future airpower generation here in Korea," Iverson said. The 7th Air Force said it remains committed to ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, stressing the test has "no impact" on its airpower ability to deter threats.