01. Entrance to Osan APD 2025 was via Morin Gate, with shuttle buses provided for visitors from nearby Seojeongri Station and Godeok Parking Lot.
After a six-year hiatus, the 51st Fighter Wing (51 FW) once again played host to more than 48,000 attendees for Osan Air Power Days (APD) 2025, a two-day aerial spectacle that stood firm on the message of partnership, legacy, and regional stability.
Held 10 to 11 May 2025, this year’s APD was themed “Respect the Past, Forge the Future,” honouring decades of U.S.-ROK military cooperation while heralding a new chapter of innovation in regional defence.
Osan Air Base
Located approximately 60km south of Seoul, near Songtan in the city of Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Osan Air Base (Osan AB) is one of only two major U.S. Air Force installations under the jurisdiction of U.S. Forces Korea, with the other being Kunsan Air Base.
The base was planned and built from the ground-up by the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. An area southwest of Osan-Ni was chosen, but the name was retained for practical reasons, being the only village shown on military maps of the time. Additionally, the base was referred to by its “K-55” airfield designation, which is still used to this day. Aviation engineers completed construction of base facilities and the runway in less than a year, with the first squadrons arriving by December 1952.
Over the years, Osan AB played a crucial role in major regional conflicts. The 1968 Pubelo crisis and 1969 EC-121 shootdown incident set the stage for permanent-assigned fighter units to the ROK and Osan. This period also coincided with the U.S. Air Force’s involvement in, and subsequent withdrawal from, the Vietnam War. As a result, the host unit, the 51st Air Base Wing, was activated at Osan AB in November 1971 (renamed the 51st Fighter Wing in 1993) to accommodate squadrons repositioned from South Vietnam and Thailand.
The Seventh Air Force Headquarters was activated at Osan AB in September 1986. This was followed by the introduction of the F-16 in 1988 through the 36th Fighter Squadron (36 FS), while the 25th Fighter Squadron (25 FS) would arrive with A/OA-10s in October 1993. Meanwhile, the U-2 had been present at Osan AB as early as 1976, under Detachment 2, 9th Reconnaissance Wing (9 RW). In October 1994, Detachment 2 was deactivated and redesignated as the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron (5 RS), a Geographically Separated Unit of the 9 RW. These changes were largely driven by the threat posed by North Korea and provided room for the evolution of the Combined Forces Command (CFC) mission in South Korea.
From the late 20th century into the 2000s, base upgrades were funded by PACAF, and the maturity of the ROK military led to a realignment of roles, giving South Korea greater responsibility for the protection of its own sovereignty.
More recently, in 2022, the U.S. Space Forces – Korea headquarters was activated at Osan AB, enhancing its capability to synchronize operations across all domains under an evolving geopolitical landscape. In April 2025, the ‘Super Squadron’ concept was extended by the Seventh Air Force for a second year, with an ongoing transfer of aircraft and airmen from Kunsan AB to Osan AB. This represents a continuing effort to reassess operational posture by experimenting with consolidation to increase combat force generation and maximise capability.
Air Power Days
Initially an invite-only event, the first air show hosted by Osan AB took place in 2000. From 2008 onwards, it became an biennial event, inviting the public to experience the base’s mission firsthand and interact with servicemen and women. The pandemic forced a pause in the tradition after the last APD in 2019, which finally returned in 2025 with a renewed commitment.
The value of Osan APD as a channel for community engagement cannot be understated. “We are a United States (U.S.) military base in an allied country. We have a responsibility to be ambassadors, good neighbours, and put our best foot forward representing the United States,” said Maj. Kippun Sumner, Chief of Public Affairs for the 51st Fighter Wing. “We want to show our neighbours what we do, how we do it, and why we do it—together with our ROKAF counterparts.”
Additionally, the air show served as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the local Korean community, many of whom live within earshot of Osan’s daily operations. “The air show is a big ‘Thank You’ for their hospitality and support,” added Maj. Sumner.
Respect the Past, Forge the Future
For many, the highlight of the weekend was a bittersweet farewell: the final public appearance of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in South Korea. The venerable aircraft, known for its close air support (CAS) role and distinctive silhouette —earning it the nickname “Warthog”— has been a linchpin of Korean defence for decades. The 25th Fighter Squadron under the 51st Fighter Wing is the last overseas unit operating the A-10, with planned retirement by the end of fiscal year 2025.
“The A-10 has a significant history supporting the defence of many nations, but the 25th Fighter Squadron uniquely focused on missions specific to Korea,” said Lt. Col. Justin Davis, commander of the 25 Fighter Squadron. “We have a very deep passion and pride in the mission of defending South Korea and are very proud to have served alongside our ROKAF counterparts so long.”
Also on its final runs was the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) F-16 Demonstration Team, which dazzled crowds with precision flying in Osan’s own F-16 Fighting Falcons. Over a span of 30 years, the PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team performed at approximately 400 air shows, reaching an estimated 24.7 million attendees. Osan APD marked the penultimate public show for the team before its scheduled deactivation on 16 June 2025. The deactivation was necessitated by the impending drawdown of F-16s from its home 35th Fighter Wing, in preparation for the rotation of F-35s — closing another chapter of air power in the Indo-Pacific.
Beyond honouring legacy, Osan Air Power Days 2025 celebrated a deeper purpose: reinforcing the strength of the U.S.–ROK ‘ironclad’ alliance. With close coordination between both nations’ forces, the show featured over 20 static displays. The aerial display lineup was completed by the premier ROKAF Black Eagles aerobatics team, as well as a fly-over by the fifth-generation F-35B from VMFA-214.
“Osan Air Base has a pivotal role here in South Korea, but also in the Pacific Theater,” said U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibben, 51st Fighter Wing commander. Concluding, he said this event is a celebration of the enduring commitment, where “for the last several decades, Team Osan has stood watch over the peninsula, working relentlessly with our Korean wingmen to maintain peace and stability.”
A-10 Close Air Support Demonstration
02. Aircrew of the A-10 return the cheers from the audience with enthusiastic hand signals.03. The A-10 performs a quiet takeoff run compared to its fighter counterparts.04. Hugging the treeline and demonstrating low-flying skills.05. Multiple low-level runs were performed to showcase the frontline CAS role in which the A-10 excels.06. These mock strafing runs were followed by an aggressive climb out of simulated enemy territory.07. The sponsons that house the A-10’s main landing gear are visible; although they do not house the gear completely, they allow the aircraft to land with minimal damage even in the event of a gear deployment failure.08. Pyrotechnics were set off during the final flat pass to simulate the effects of the A-10’s combat capabilities.09. Returning to base in a 2-ship formation.10. Demonstrating a short landing roll with fully deployed speed brakes, which double as ailerons in flight.
PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team
11. Crew chiefs salute the arrival of Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, pilot of the PACAF F-16 demonstration team.12. Capt. Smith conducts pre-start checks on the F-16.13. The crew chief disconnects the ground-to-pilot communications cable after the checks are completed.14. Capt. Smith sets up the displays of his F-16 in preparation for the demonstration.15. The PACAF F-16 demonstration team flew a 36 FS F-16, adding a touch of familiarity to the skies over Osan.16. Capt. Smit waves to the crowd during the high alpha pass, flying at 125 knots.17. Returning to wings level during the dedication pass at Mach 0.9.18. Knife-edge pass.19. Touching down on Osan AB Runway 27L.20. Capt. Smith waves to the audience as he taxis the F-16 back to the showgrounds.
USMC F-35B Fly-Over
21. F-35B (170054) from VMFA-214 demonstrates short takeoff capabilities.22. The F-35B conducts a series of afterburner passes and tight turns.
ROKAF Black Eagles Aerobatics Team
23. The Black Eagles performance begins with a highly disciplined ground show prior to startup.24. Black Eagles #1, Major Lim Seok Hun, prepares his cue for a synchronized canopy closure.25. Close-up of the helmet art as Black Eagles #4, Major Kim Gi Hyeok, prepares the aircraft for taxi.26. Testing the internal smoke-generating system.27. Black Eagles #3, Kim Jin Gun, gives his signature greeting as he taxis past the crowd.28. A massive crowd gathers to watch the undisputed highlight performance of Osan APD.29. The Black Eagles lift off in a 3-3-2 sequence to kick off their aerial display.30. The show opens to spectators’ delight with a big arrow formation flypast from the rear.31. High-adrenaline scissor pass manoeuvre.32. Blooming break with two consecutive splits of 4-ship formations.33. Black Eagles #5 punches through the wake in the ‘Goose’ manoeuvre.34. Gear-down roll, a manoeuvre used during the low show to simulate the wave pattern of the Taegeuk, the emblem of the South Korean flag.35. Level split and cross.36. A freestyle flypast by Black Eagles #7 during repositioning into downwind for landing.37. Black Eagles #7 waves to the crowd as the aircraft decelerates on the runway.38. The ROK-US flag is proudly unveiled as the aircraft shut down post-display.39. Concluding the performance with a salute to the audience.40. Black Eagles Commander, Col. Nam Ki Chae, prepares the spare jet for the ferry flight back to base on the evening of 11 May.41. Black Eagles Commander, Col. Nam Ki Chae, greets the crowd as he leads the team back to their home base.42. The Black Eagles taxi to the active runway, with the urban backdrop of Dongtan township visible in the distance.43. Black Eagles #4 gives a thumbs-up to the spectating crew chiefs as he leads the formation for takeoff.44. Delighting attendees who stayed until the end, the Black Eagles conduct a special 9-ship formation flypast over the showgrounds before their ferry flight home.
Showgrounds
45. Live musical act by South Korean-Australian singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh on 11 May 2025.46. Pilots from the 25th Fighter Squadron pose for a group photo in front of an A-10C (81-0979) decked in a special heritage livery to commemorate the type’s decades of service with the squadron.47. The distinctive profile of the A-10 is framed by the ammunition handling system at sunset.48. Ladder door art is a common Easter egg on the A-10s, meticulously prepared by crew chiefs and pilots. Here, the 25 FS emblem from WWII is recreated.49. The unique H-tail configuration of the A-10 complements its high-mounted engines and enhances survivability in the event of a single-engine failure or fin damage.50. Servicemen and women demonstrate the loading and arming of a GBU-31 during the A-10 weapons loading demonstration.51. Servicemen from the 36th Fighter Squadron and 36th Fighter Generation Squadron pose for a group photo in front of their flagship “100 years” F-16.52. F-16C (89-2043). The tail flash was applied in 2017 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 36th Fighter Squadron (36 FS), the Flying Fiends.53. F-16C (88-0531). The 36 FS is no stranger to Singapore, having visited earlier this year and in 2023 for Exercise Commando Sling.54. F-16C (89-2140). The tail showcases the standard design derived from the 51 FW’s heritage: a “stampeding mustang” atop a black checkered pattern.55. U-2S (80-1077), 5 RS, pictured with the chase car used to guide its landing run — a 2015 Dodge Charger.56. The long-range, high-altitude reconnaissance mission of the U-2 requires pilots to wear a full pressure suit and consume tube food through a nozzle on their helmets.57. F-35B (170053), U.S. Marine Corps, VMFA-214, stationed at MCAS Yuma.58. Crew from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, joined the activities at Osan APD, being based at U.S. Army’s Camp Humphreys just a short distance away.59. CH-47F (16-08215), U.S. Army, 3-2 Aviation General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB).60. AH-64E (15-03049), U.S. Army, 4-2 Attack Battalion.61. Aircrew of the CMV-22B, fully decked in flight gear, poses for photos with attendees.62. CMV-22B (169456), U.S. Navy, VRM-30 Det 5, based aboard USS George Washington.63. A showcase of Echo Battery 6-52 Air and Missile Defence (AMD) capabilities. The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger counters low-altitude threats, while the crew is also equipped with a MANPAD to shoulder-fire FIM-92 Stinger missiles if needed.64. ROKAF K153C2 Raycolt, or the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV), a variant domestically designed and built for armored reconnaissance.65. MIM-104 Patriot Missile Launcher. Osan AB is also home to the U.S. Army’s 35th Air Defence Artillery Brigade (ADAB), which operates the Patriot system.66. KM176A3 Vulcan, a towed 20mm anti-aircraft gun in service with the ROKAF.67. K-30W Cheon-ho, a 30mm wheeled self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG), built domestically by Hanwha Defence and deployed from 2020 with the ROK Armed Forces. It is intended to replace the existing KM176A3 and K263.68. KM-SAM Cheon-gung II, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system dubbed the “Korean Patriot.”69. Multi-function radar for the Cheon-gung II defence system.70. Munitions display, front to rear: CBU-87, AGM-158, GBU-38.71. Attendees brave the freezing rain on 10 May as they tour the static display, which also included a P-8A from VP-9.72. Long queues form to enter the USAF and ROKAF C-130s.73. C-12F (84-0155), U.S. Army, Easy Company, 52nd Aviation Regiment.74. KF-5F (10-594), ROKAF, 105th Fighter Squadron, 10th Fighter Wing, Suwon Air Base. The squadron relocated from Gangneung to Suwon this year due to the consolidation of F-5 operations.75. KF-16 (92-006), ROKAF, 20th Fighter Wing, Seosan Air Base.76. F-15K (02-019), ROKAF, 122nd Fighter Squadron, 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base.77. FA-50 (16-056), ROKAF.78. KA-1 (06-015), ROKAF, 237th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, Wonju Air Base.79. F-35A (20-018), ROKAF, 151st Fighter Squadron, 17th Fighter Wing, Cheongju Air Base — under constant guard by squadron personnel.80. CN-235 (30-082), ROKAF, 256th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 15th Special Missions Wing, Seongnam Air Base.
