Overview
- The weeklong exercise runs Feb. 9–13 at Osan Air Base with South Korea’s KF-16s and FA-50s training alongside U.S. F-16s and F-35As.
- Annual Buddy Squadron iterations drop to four in 2026 from eight last year, with participating aircraft per session and total sorties more than doubling.
- South Korean Air Force units include the 121st and 111th Squadrons, joined by U.S. F-16s from the 35th Fighter Squadron.
- Officials say the adjustment was set through allied consultations following the U.S. retirement of A-10s and a reorganization of assets, including F-16 units at Osan.
- Training features integrated fourth- and fifth-generation operations, realistic scenarios, safety briefings, and alternating aggressor and defender roles to strengthen interoperability.