Seoul: A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet suffered damage while participating in joint air drills with the United States in Alaska, as reported by Yonhap news citing South Korea's military. The incident took place during takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base, part of the Red Flag Alaska exercises. The exact extent of the damage remains undisclosed.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two pilots aboard the double-seat fighter jet ejected safely following an 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," stated a notice from South Korea's Air Force, highlighting the prompt response to the incident.

An investigation is set to be conducted in collaboration with the United States to determine the exact cause of the mishap. This year, Seoul dispatched 11 aircraft to participate in the Red Flag-Alaska drills, underscoring the significance of these joint military exercises.

This incident follows a recent crash involving a South Korean navy surveillance plane in the country on May 29, which resulted in the loss of all four personnel on board.