US RC-135U Combat Sent Reconnaissance Aircraft Stays 30 Hours in South Korea

A US Air Force RC-135U Combat Sent strategic reconnaissance aircraft, one of only two such aircraft in global operation, remained in South Korea for approximately 30 hours before departing to Okinawa, Japan. Voice of America (VOA) reported on May 30 that the aircraft entered South Korean airspace via southern waters on May 26 at 7:53 AM local time, was detected near Suwon at 8:14 AM, then disappeared from tracking before reappearing near Osan approximately 30 hours later on May 27 at 2:48 PM. VOA characterized the extended ground stay as unusual, noting that US strategic reconnaissance aircraft typically depart the Korean Peninsula within hours of arrival.

RC-135U Combat Sent Tracked Over 30-Hour South Korea Stay

According to VOA, citing aviation tracking website Flightradar24, the RC-135U Combat Sent entered the Korean Peninsula via South Korea's southern waters on May 26 at 7:53 AM. The aircraft was detected near Suwon in Gyeonggi Province at 8:14 AM before its position signal disappeared. Approximately 30 hours later, on May 27 at 2:48 PM, the aircraft's track reappeared near Osan in Gyeonggi Province. The same day around 5 PM, the aircraft landed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.

VOA reported that public confirmation of a US strategic reconnaissance aircraft remaining in South Korea for more than a day is unusual. Whether the aircraft remained on the ground or conducted additional flights during the signal blackout period was not confirmed.

Aircraft Collects Electronic Intelligence From Hundreds of Kilometers Away

The RC-135U Combat Sent is an electronic intelligence reconnaissance aircraft capable of collecting and analyzing ground radar, military communications, and electronic signals from hundreds of kilometers away to detect missile launch preparations and ballistic missile flight characteristics. Only two such aircraft are operated globally.

US Reconnaissance Aircraft Typically Depart Korean Peninsula Within Hours

VOA reported that the aircraft is typically detected over the Korean Peninsula 2-3 times per year. In most previous instances, the aircraft has flown over areas near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and over the East and West Seas before returning within several hours.

FAQ

How long did the US RC-135U Combat Sent stay in South Korea?

The aircraft remained in South Korea for approximately 30 hours between May 26 and May 27. It entered South Korean airspace on May 26 at 7:53 AM and was last detected departing near Osan on May 27 at 2:48 PM before landing in Okinawa around 5 PM the same day.

What does the RC-135U Combat Sent reconnaissance aircraft do?

The RC-135U Combat Sent collects and analyzes ground radar, military communications, and electronic signals from hundreds of kilometers away. It can detect missile launch preparations and ballistic missile flight characteristics. Only two such aircraft are operated globally by the US Air Force.