◀ anchor ▶
When the head of state travels in a helicopter, the basic security principle of most countries is to launch one or two ‘camouflage’ helicopters of the same type at the same time to ensure security.
However, it has been confirmed that there is not enough space in the official residence in Hannam-dong, where President Yoon Seok-yeol will be moving in soon, so a helicopter is being built that can only take off and land one helicopter.
A plan is being considered for the camouflaged helicopter to join after take off and just fly together.
Reporter Dong-Hoon Jeong reported in full.
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Three identical looking presidential helicopters regularly took off and landed almost simultaneously.
Two out of three are so-called camouflage helicopters.
It moves at the same time so you can’t tell which helicopter the President is in.
The United States protects the security of the president by loading camouflaged helicopters and flying them without exception during the president’s foreign trips.
[김종대/연세대 통일연구원 객원교수]
“If only one (dedicated helicopter) can be operated, the location of the president can be easily identified, which puts a huge burden on security operations.”
The presidential helicopter, the VH-92, is a medium to large class with a length of over 20 metres.
In order for two generations to take off and land at the same time, you need a heliport that is at least 200 meters wide and long.
However, there is no suitable site in the vicinity of the Hannam-dong official residence where President Yun Seok-yeol will move in.
This is the entrance to the official residence in Hannam-dong, where the president will be moving in soon.
Since it was established as a military defense zone, the security has already been significantly strengthened.
[보안 요원]
“It is a protected area of a military facility. Filming is not allowed.”
As a result of reporting to the Presidential Security Service, it was confirmed that the government residence decided to build an emergency helicopter that could take off and land only one helicopter, and not to operate a separate camouflage helicopter.
Instead of flying just one dedicated helicopter, the guard explained, “We can operate the air defense system and cope with various situations through helicopter self-defense and tactical flying.”
Also, a plan is being considered to float a camouflaged helicopter from the Yongsan Presidential Office helicopter, not the official residence, to join the helicopter taking off and flying at the same time.
[신종우/한국국방안보포럼 상임연구위원]
“It appears that the camouflage effect will be greatly reduced as the helicopters identified at the official residence can be adequately recognized as VIP helicopters.”
Earlier, the presidential office stressed that “emergency helicopters will be used only in special emergency situations taking into account the inconvenience of residents.”
However, it is noted that it is necessary to prepare for situations where the use of helicopters cannot be avoided, such as moving to the Oval Office or the presidential hospital in an emergency.
This is Dong-Hoon Jeong from MBC News.
Video commentary: Hae-dong Kim/Video editing: Gom-geun
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