China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Reportedly Entered South korean Airspace Undetected
SEOUL - China’s advanced J-20 stealth fighter is believed too have penetrated South Korean airspace on multiple occasions without being detected by the nation’s aging radar systems, raising concerns about Seoul’s air defence capabilities. The revelation, discussed during a parliamentary audit of the South Korean Air Force, underscores vulnerabilities in the country’s ability to monitor aerial approaches, particularly from technologically advanced aircraft.
The incidents, involving flights near the korea Strait – approximately 20 kilometers from South Korean airspace – have prompted questions from lawmakers regarding the effectiveness of the country’s radar infrastructure. While the South Korean Air force maintains there is ”no concrete evidence” to confirm the J-20’s presence, the possibility of undetected incursions highlights a critical weakness in Seoul’s defenses as regional tensions escalate.
south Korea’s long-range radar systems, described as the “eyes” of its air defense network, are facing notable challenges due to age and limitations. Some FPS-117K units were installed between 1987 and 1992, with the FPS-117E1 coming online in 2004. This year alone, the Air Force recorded 10 outages of the FPS-117K, totaling around 100 hours of downtime, and 90 hours of outage for the E1 type.
“By adjusting the sensitivity, our radar can even detect flocks of migratory birds,” a South Korean Air Force official stated, acknowledging the system’s capabilities while also admitting its limitations in handling multiple functions simultaneously. The aging infrastructure is so strained that officials have termed the current state of surveillance as relying on “myopic eyes.”
In response, the South Korean government has allocated 260.3 billion won (approximately 3.3 trillion Indonesian Rupiah,or roughly $200 million USD) for a comprehensive modernization of the radar system,slated for completion by 2029. Until the upgrades are implemented, South Korea’s ability to detect and respond to potential threats remains compromised.
People Power Party lawmaker Lim Jong-deuk questioned the air Force’s awareness of potential incursions, stating, “Even if the East Strait is not in our jurisdiction, it is indeed only about 20 kilometers from Korean airspace. Isn’t the military aware that enemy planes can enter in a minute or two?” Air Force Chief of Staff General Son Seok-rak responded that without a specific flight date, verification was unachievable.