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Tue, Mar 04, 2003

North Korean MiGs Intercept US RC-135

Uneven Matchup Over Sea of Japan

On Monday, the Pentagon released information that four North Korean MiGs, two -29s ("Fulcrums") and two others, believed to be -23s ("Floggers"), intercepted an (unarmed) RC-135 US reconnaissance plane.

The Pentagon said, "The fighters were armed and at least one engaged its fire-support radar and 'locked on' to the American jet."

At least one of the MiGs came within 50 feet of the old "Rivet Joint," as they hung with it for about 20 minutes, according to one report. The official Pentagon version said 400 feet. [Note: a later release said, "The closing distance of the U.S. and North Korean aircraft was cut from 400 feet to 50 feet; and the Korean fighters' radar lock is not definite." --ed.]

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said he had no indication that U.S. fighter jets were called to protect the Air Force reconnaissance plane before it returned from its "routine mission" to its home base at Kadena Air Base in Japan.

The incident occurred about a quarter 'til 9 on Saturday evening, Eastern time.

FMI: www.defenselink.mil; www.af.mil/news/factsheets/RC_135V_W_Rivet_Joint.html

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