2018 Japan–South Korea radar lock-on dispute explained

Conflict:2018 Japan–South Korea radar lock-on dispute
Place:in the Sea of Japan
Japan's claim:
off the coast of the Noto Peninsula[1]
South Korea's claim:
1000NaN0 northeast of the Liancourt Rocks[2]
Result:
Units1:
ROK Coast Guard
Strength1:1 destroyer

1 Coast Guard cutter

Strength2:1 maritime patrol aircraft
Japan–South Korea radar lock-on dispute
South Korean Navy radar lock-on incident
Kanji:韓国海軍レーダー照射問題
Hiragana:かんこくかいぐんレーダーしょうしゃもんだい
Romaji:Kankoku kaigun rēdā shōsha mondai
Hangul:한일해상군사분쟁
Hanja:韓日海上軍事紛爭
Rr:Hanil Haesang-gunsa Bunjaeng
Ibox-Order:ja, ko1, ko4, ko3

The 2018 Japan–South Korea radar lock-on dispute is about an incident between a Japanese airplane and a South Korean warship. The aircraft was part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), while the vessel was part of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The event occurred on 20 December 2018, without the firing of any weapon, and was followed by a large diplomatic dispute between Japan and South Korea. In June 2024, both countries agreed on steps to prevent a recurrence, effectively dropping the issue without resolving the exact circumstances around the event itself.

Incident

According to the Japanese government,[3] a South Korean naval destroyer, ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great,[4] directed its STIR-180 fire-control radar at a maritime patrol aircraft, Kawasaki P-1 belonging to the Fleet Air Wing 4 of JMSDF, which was conducting surveillance off the Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan on Thursday 20 December 2018 at around 3:00 p.m. (JST).[3] [5] According to Japan's Ministry of Defense (MOD), aiming the fire-control (FC) radar at a plane is violation of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES),[6] as a lock with the FC radar is generally considered as a hostile act one step before actual firing. The MOD further said the irradiation of the P-1 plane by the radar hit multiple times continuously over a certain period.[4]

In contrast, the South Korean government denied Japan's claims, stating that it was not operating a STIR-180 radar (FC radar) but MW08 radar for the rescue when the Japanese airplane arrived at the site. The MW08 radar is a 3D radar for medium-range air and surface surveillance, target acquisition and tracking, capable of gun control against surface targets.[7] MW08 can be used as an FC radar, but it is not connected with the fire-control system in the destroyer.[8] [9] In addition, South Korea claimed that the Japanese aircraft made a threatening "8-shape" flight continuously at a distance of 500m (1,600feet) and altitude of 150m (490feet) while the warship was participating in the rescue of a distressed North Korean fishing boat.[10]

Timeline

2018

2019

2022

On 17 November 2022, the ROK Navy claimed that it had not irradiated radar.[63]

2023

On 4 June 2024, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup held talks as part of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore and agreed to accelerate working-level discussions to resolve the radar dispute, with a focus on outlining "steps to prevent a recurrence".[64]

2024

On 2 June 2024, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue and agreed to normalize relations between their respective militaries and resume defense cooperation and exchanges. Characterizing the radar lock-on dispute as an obstacle to security cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as tripartite cooperation with the United States, the two countries released a document detailing measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident. In the document, the JMSDF and the South Korean Navy undertook to comply with the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, and agreed to improve communications and build trust. No mention was made regarding the exact chain of events in the 2018 incident, effectively putting the matter to rest.[65] [66] [67]

Views and opinions

Toshio Tamogami, a retired general and ex–chief of staff of the JASDF, has given his views on Twitter denying the offensiveness of aiming FC radar.[68] However, Toshiyuki Ito, a retired JMSDF admiral and ex-commandant of the Joint Staff College, rebutted Tamogami's view since the former had been retired for ten years and has no experience as a pilot.[69]

The South Korean government claimed this flight of P-1 was menacing and unfriendly to the warship of a neighboring country which was operating a rescue mission in the high seas. According to the South Korean government, it was Japan and not South Korea that acted improperly in this incident and should apologize.[70] However, Paul Giarra, a retired U.S. naval aviator and ex-senior Country Director for Japan in the Office of the ASD (ISA), pointed it out that there was absolutely no danger in the actions of the Japanese aircraft.[71]

Some South Korean media were concerned about the friction between Seoul and Tokyo. On 7 January 2019, a JoongAng Daily editorial argued that the two governments "should join forces to address the nuclear threats from North Korea and other urgent issues" and that "This emotional fighting does not help. Though what really happened at the moment has not yet been found, either side did not suffer substantial damage. Therefore, if [the South] Korean destroyer really aimed its FCR at the approaching airplane, our military authorities should apologize to Japan and wrap up the case. If the Japanese aircraft was really confused about the radar signal, it should apologize", and that "[i]t is time to take a deep breath and find a reasonable solution".[72]

While there is no international law regulating the altitude of military flights, Japan, the U.S. military, and NATO assert they follow the custom of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to keep a distance of 150m (490feet) from vessels under normal operations.[73]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft . 2 July 2021 . 28 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181228093825/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/28z.html . dead .
  2. Web site: "한국군함, 자위대 초계기에 '사격통제 레이더' 쐈다" 일본 거센 항의. 21 December 2018.
  3. Web site: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft. Ministry of Defense. 21 December 2018. 25 January 2019. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411183657/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/22a.html. dead.
  4. Web site: Japan releases footage of South Korean destroyer's radar lock-on on JMSDF patrol plane. Naval Today.com. 28 December 2018. 25 January 2019.
  5. News: Japan accuses South Korea of 'extremely dangerous' radar lock on plane. Kajimoto. Tetsushi. Shin. Hyonhee. 21 December 2018. Reuters. 25 January 2019.
  6. Web site: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft. Ministry of Defense. 22 December 2018. 10 January 2019. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411193054/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/23a.html. dead.
  7. Radar Forecast -MW08. Forecast International. May 2013. PDF.
  8. Web site: [기획 한국군 무기 37] 해군 최초의 '방공구축함' 광개토대왕급]. 2010-05-31.
  9. Web site: 한국-일본, '초계기 레이더 조준' 진실공방 격화. 2019-01-02. mbn.mk.co.kr. ko. 2019-01-22.
  10. Web site: 일본 레이더 공세에 軍 영상 맞불…대치 심화되나 [박수찬의 軍]]. 2019-01-05. 일본 레이더 공세에 軍 영상 맞불…대치 심화되나 [박수찬의 軍]. ko. 2019-01-22.
  11. News: 윤. 상호. 서. 영아. 22 Dec 2018. [단독]해군, 동해 표류 北어선 구조… 日 "韓 레이더, 우리 초계기 조준"]. [Exclusive] Navy rescues North Korean fishing vessels drifting in the East Sea... Japan "Korean radar aims at our patrol aircraft". The Dong-a Ilbo. 7 Mar 2021.
  12. Web site: 광개토대왕함 사건은 일본의 기획도발?. 2018-12-29. The Dong-a Ilbo. ko. 2019-01-22.
  13. Web site: Sea Around Us | Fisheries, Ecosystems and Biodiversity.
  14. Web site: Japan and South Korea's Unnecessary Squabble. 12 January 2019. thediplomat.com. en. 23 January 2019.
  15. News: 김. 귀근. 28 Dec 2018. 레이더사건 진실은?…빔 쐈는지, 위협비행했는지 놓고 韓日 팽팽. Yonhap News Agency. 7 Mar 2021.
  16. Web site: Press Release: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft. 2018-12-21. www.mod.go.jp. Japan Ministry of Defense. 2019-01-22. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411183657/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/22a.html. dead.
  17. News: Japan accuses South Korea of 'extremely dangerous' radar lock on plane. Reuters. 21 December 2018. 31 December 2018.
  18. Web site: Types of Radars and its Characteristics. Ministry of Defense (Japan). 28 December 2018. 30 December 2018. 30 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181230181404/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/28z_1_en.pdf. dead.
  19. News: South Korea denies warship locked FCR on Japanese plane. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/south-korea-japan-warship-patrol-plane-lock-target-navy-a8698291.html . 1 May 2022 . subscription . live. Independent. 25 December 2018. 31 December 2018.
  20. News: Korea's military rejects claim of targeting Japanese patrol aircraft. 23 December 2018. The Korea Herald.
  21. Web site: 네이버 뉴스.
  22. Web site: 한국을 대표하는 글로벌 방송! The World on Arirang!. 5 January 2019. 5 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105200851/http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=228851. dead.
  23. News: Panda. Ankit. Japan, South Korea in Row Over Alleged Radar-Lock Incident. The Diplomat. 30 December 2018.
  24. Web site: Press Release: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft. 2018-12-25. www.mod.go.jp. Japan Ministry of Defense. 2019-01-22. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411192055/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/25a.html. dead.
  25. News: 김종대 의원 "일본 극우층이 한국에 의식적으로 도발". National Assembly Member Kim Jong-Dae, "Japan's LDP Party Convicts Korea". ko. Chungcheong Today. 30 December 2018.
  26. Announcement of Japan-Republic of Korea Working-Level Meeting. 27 December 2018. Ministry of Defense. 2 July 2021. 11 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210411191159/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/27a.html. dead.
  27. News: Moonkwan Kim. Japan denied to reveal ESM recorder. 29 December 2018. The Chosun Ilbo. Korean.
  28. News: Makino Yoshihiro. Republic of Korea refuses to provide data Evidence of radar irradiation. 8 January 2019. Asahi Shimbun. Japanese.
  29. News: S. Korea, Japan hold talks over radar strife. Yonhapnews.
  30. Web site: Regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its FCR at an MSDF patrol aircraft. Ministry of Defense. 28 December 2018. 3 January 2019. 31 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181231044047/http://www.mod.go.jp/e/press/release/2018/12/28z.html. dead.
  31. News: Japan shows video of alleged radar lock-on by SKorea warship. The Washington Post. 28 December 2018. 31 December 2018.
  32. News: Video release represents Abe's political intention. 30 December 2018. The Korea Times.
  33. News: Korea voices 'deep concern, regrets' about Japan's footage release amid radar spat. 28 December 2018. The Korea Herald.
  34. News: South Korea demands apology from Japan for flight over navy warship. The Japan Times. 2 January 2019. 3 January 2019.
  35. News: Top diplomats of S. Korea, Japan agree to pursue future-oriented ties amid radar spat. The Korea Herald. 3 January 2019.
  36. News: Japan ready to exchange radar records with South Korea over maritime lock-on incident. The Japan Times. 9 January 2019.
  37. News: Extended conflict between Japan and S.Korea. Financial news. 16 January 2019. Korean.
  38. Web site: 국방부 "日, 광개토함 전체 레이더정보 요구…대단히 무례". 15 January 2019.
  39. Web site: S. Korea, Japan Fail to Narrow Differences on Radar Incident. world.kbs.co.kr. en. 2019-01-22.
  40. Web site: Japan, S.Korea remain split over radar incident. 2019-01-15. NHK WORLD. NHK. en. 2019-01-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20190115011213/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190115_06/. 15 January 2019. dead.
  41. News: Korea "Japan is rude and non-gentleman" conflict in negotiations over radar issues. The Asahi Shimbun. Makino Yoshihiro. Shinichi Fuziwara. Japanese. 15 January 2019.
  42. MoD. MOD's final statement regarding the incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its fire-control radar at an MSDF patrol aircraft. 21 January 2019. 21 January 2019. 21 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190121101048/http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2019/01/21x_1_e.pdf. dead.
  43. News: South Korea "If Japan fly low-flying we also" radar irradiation problem. The Asahi Shimbun. Makino Yoshihiro. 16 January 2019. Japanese.
  44. News: No resolution on the Radar spat. 2019-01-16. . 2019-01-22.
  45. News: Extended radar spat...Japan: Disclosure of the sound file vs ROK: Japanese file is not provable. Herold Economics. 21 January 2019. Korean.
  46. Statement of Korean MND regarding the incident about Japanese patrol plane. Korean Ministry of National Defense. 22 January 2019. English. 25 January 2019. 25 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190125130948/http://www.mnd.go.kr/user/boardList.action?command=view&page=1&boardId=O_205290&boardSeq=O_205383&titleId=null&siteId=mndEN&id=mndEN_020500000000. dead.
  47. News: Japan revealed RWR record...continuous dispute between Japan and S.Korea. . 21 January 2019. Korean.
  48. News: Entire story of the incident is on the log files. Kyunghyang Shinmun. 21 January 2019. Korean.
  49. News: Japan stopped negotiations. The South Korean MND expressed "Deep regret". Seoul News. 22 January 2019. Korean.
  50. Web site: Accusations fly between South Korea and Japan over 'threatening' maritime maneuvers. 24 January 2019.
  51. Web site: 23 January 2019 . ja:P3C、「高度150メートル以上を確保」=岩屋防衛相の会見要旨 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190130162130/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2019012301335&g=soc . 30 January 2019 . 30 January 2019 . Jiji Press.
  52. News: Seoul accuses Japanese patrol plane of threatening flight. Tong-Hyung. Kim. https://web.archive.org/web/20190124050603/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/seoul-accuses-japanese-patrol-plane-of-threatening-flight/2019/01/23/9fc1c39c-1ee4-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html. dead. 24 January 2019. The Washington Post. 23 January 2019. 25 January 2019.
  53. Web site: 軍, 日 초계기 위협비행 사진 공개.."기계는 거짓말 안 해".
  54. News: "machines never lie"...The pictures show show the red circle on the plane. MBC News. 24 January 2019. Korean.
  55. News: S. Korean MND released images of JSDF's "threatening flight". Sankei Shimbun News. 24 January 2019. Japanese.
  56. News: MND requested more relible evidence from Japan. 25 January 2019. . Korean.
  57. News: Japan,"We are not going to reveal the data". . Korean. 25 January 2019.
  58. News: The threatened is our patrol plane. TV Asahi. 25 January 2019. Japanese.
  59. News: "日 추가 도발 시 강력 대응"…軍, 무기 가동 검토. 27 January 2019. MBC news. Korean.
  60. News: 이. 철재. [단독] 문정부 "일본 초계기에 추적레이더 쏴라"…사실상 교전 지침]. [Exclusive] Moon administration: “Direct tracking radar at Japanese patrol planes” — de facto engagement guidelines. 17 June 2024. JoongAng Ilbo. 18 August 2022. ko.
  61. News: Suzuki. Takuya. Matsuyama. Naoki. Seoul drafted radar guidelines in 2019 targeting only SDF aircraft. 17 June 2024. Asahi Shimbun. 19 August 2022.
  62. News: Tachikawa. Tomoyuki. 1 June 2019. Japan hints at ending talks about radar lock-on issue with S. Korea. Kyodo News. 12 May 2020.
  63. Web site: https://jp.yna.co.kr/view/AJP20221117002100882 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117050447/https://jp.yna.co.kr/view/AJP20221117002100882 . dead . 2022-11-17 . ja:韓国国防部 海自哨戒機への「レーダー照射はなかった」 . Japanese . . 17 November 2022.
  64. News: Japan, South Korea to speed up talks over pending military issues . 17 June 2024 . Reuters . 4 June 2023.
  65. News: Kobara . Junnosuke . Japan, South Korea move past radar row to improve defense ties . 17 June 2024 . Nikkei Asia . 2 June 2024.
  66. News: Tajima . Nobuhiko . Japan, S. Korea shelve row over ‘radar lock-on’ for better ties . 17 June 2024 . Asahi Shimbun . 2 June 2024.
  67. News: Tamura . Naohiro . Koike . Kazuki . Japan, South Korea to Resume Defense Exchanges After Agreeing to Measures to Prevent Repeat of 2018 Radar Incident . 17 June 2024 . The Japan News . Yomiuri Shimbun . 2 June 2024 . en.
  68. News: 27 December 2018 . ja:田母神氏投稿で物議 韓国照射"火器管制レーダー"の安全性 . Japanese . Mr. Tamogami's controversial tweets and the safety of the FCR irradiated by South Korea . Nikkan Gendai . 8 January 2019.
  69. News: 7 January 2019 . ja:レーダー照射は「危険ではない」元海将が田母神俊雄氏の発言を全否定 . Japanese . Former admiral refuted Mr. Tamogami's statement about the risk of Korean radar irradiation . .
  70. News: Korea continues to demand Japan's apology over radar row. 2 January 2019. The Korea Herald.
  71. News: "No dangerous movement on the Japanese side" US experts analyzed videos . https://web.archive.org/web/20190203004826/https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_politics/articles/000144490.html . dead . 5 January 2019. 3 February 2019 . ja . TV Asahi.
  72. News: Time to end this spat with Japan (KOR). JoongAngDaily. 7 January 2019.
  73. News: 24 January 2019 . ja:韓国国防省、写真5枚を公開「威嚇飛行」 日本は否定 . ja . Asahi Press .