South Korean KF-16 fighter jet damaged during Alaska drills

ISTANBUL

A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet was damaged while taking part in combined air drills with the US in Alaska, Yonhap news reported Wednesday, citing the country's military.

The incident occurred during takeoff from the Eielson Air Force Base as part of the Red Flag Alaska drills, and the extent of the damage was not immediately disclosed.

The two pilots on board were confirmed safe after ejecting themselves from the double-seat fighter jet due to the emergency situation at 9.02 a.m. South Korean time (0002 GMT).

"The two pilots are safe and are being transferred to a nearby hospital," the East Asian nation's Air Force said in a notice.

An investigation into the precise cause of the incident will be held in cooperation with the US.

Seoul sent 11 aircraft for the Red Flag-Alaska drills this year.

A South Korean navy surveillance plane crashed in the country on May 29, killing all four uniformed personnel onboard.