Defense chief visits Gwangju air base amid planned relocation for chip project

Seoul, October 14 - Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul inspected the Gwangju Air Base on Wednesday, ahead of plans to move the key Air Force unit there to bolster a major semiconductor cluster project, according to the defense office. The base, located in Gwangju city, approximately 270 kilometers south of Seoul, is home to the Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing.

The visit aimed to encourage troops to cooperate in completing the strategic policy while maintaining a high readiness posture. The base is set to be relocated to nearby Muan County. Kang emphasized the need for close coordination between the military and the defense ministry to ensure a smooth temporary rearrangement of the 1st Fighter Wing and the eventual relocation of the Gwangju Air Base, all while maintaining a strong aerial defense posture.

The government intends to temporarily move three squadrons of the 1st Fighter Wing to air bases in Yecheon, Seosan, and Chungju, respectively, to reduce disruptions to their operational capabilities. Initially, the relocation of the fighter wing was scheduled for mid-2028, but President Lee Jae Myung urged officials to expedite the process last month, stating that regulations may need to be revised as necessary.