SEOUL, June 9 (UPI) -- A South Korean F-15K fighter has disappeared while on a routine nighttime training mission in the East Sea.
The fate of the two pilots on the new aircraft was unknown.
Chosun Ilbo reported on June 8 that the F-15K, which left a Daegu air base at 7:45 p.m., suddenly disappeared from the radar at around 8:20 p.m.
HH-60 helicopters have been dispatched to waters off Pohang on a search and rescue mission.
The F-15K is one of only four Boeing F-15Ks currently serving with the South Korean Air Force. Seoul is buying 40 F-15Ks by 2008 for $100 million each.
The F-15K can reach Mach 2.5 and has a maximum combat radius without refueling of 1,1200 miles. The F-15K can carry over 10 tons of ordnance.
Beginning in 2009 the South Korean Defense Ministry wants to buy another 20 F-15Ks.
