Intro
Discover the secret fleet of North Koreas military airplanes. Learn about 10 notable aircraft, including the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29, Antonov An-2, and Ilyushin Il-76, highlighting their capabilities, specs, and role in the countrys defense strategy, providing insight into the DPRKs airpower and military aviation history.
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been developing its military capabilities for decades, with a significant focus on air power. Despite facing international sanctions and economic struggles, the country has managed to maintain a sizable air force, comprising a mix of Soviet-era and modern Chinese-made aircraft. Here, we will explore 10 notable North Korean military airplanes that showcase the country's aviation capabilities.
Introduction to North Korea's Air Force
The North Korean air force, known as the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force (KPAAF), was established in 1948. Over the years, the KPAAF has undergone significant modernization efforts, with the introduction of new aircraft, radar systems, and air defense capabilities. Despite its relatively small size compared to other major air forces, the KPAAF plays a crucial role in North Korea's defense strategy.
1. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 is a Soviet-era jet fighter that has been in service with the KPAAF since the 1950s. Although it has largely been replaced by more modern aircraft, the MiG-15 remains an important part of North Korea's air force heritage. Its durability and simplicity have made it a popular choice for many air forces around the world.
Specifications:
* Length: 10.85 meters (35.6 feet) * Wingspan: 10.2 meters (33.5 feet) * Height: 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) * Empty weight: 3,380 kilograms (7,450 pounds) * Maximum speed: 1,059 kilometers per hour (658 miles per hour)2. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 is a Soviet-era jet fighter that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1960s. It is an upgraded version of the MiG-15, featuring improved performance and maneuverability. The MiG-17 remains a significant part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 11.26 meters (36.9 feet) * Wingspan: 9.63 meters (31.6 feet) * Height: 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) * Empty weight: 3,900 kilograms (8,600 pounds) * Maximum speed: 1,145 kilometers per hour (711 miles per hour)3. Shenyang F-5
The Shenyang F-5 is a Chinese-made jet fighter that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1960s. It is a licensed version of the Soviet MiG-17, with some modifications to improve performance and maneuverability. The Shenyang F-5 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 11.43 meters (37.5 feet) * Wingspan: 9.68 meters (31.8 feet) * Height: 3.9 meters (12.8 feet) * Empty weight: 4,100 kilograms (9,000 pounds) * Maximum speed: 1,200 kilometers per hour (750 miles per hour)4. Shenyang F-6
The Shenyang F-6 is a Chinese-made jet fighter that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1970s. It is a variant of the Shenyang F-5, featuring improved performance and maneuverability. The Shenyang F-6 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 11.53 meters (37.9 feet) * Wingspan: 9.7 meters (31.9 feet) * Height: 4 meters (13.1 feet) * Empty weight: 4,300 kilograms (9,480 pounds) * Maximum speed: 1,250 kilometers per hour (777 miles per hour)5. Chengdu J-7
The Chengdu J-7 is a Chinese-made jet fighter that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1980s. It is a variant of the MiG-21, featuring improved performance and maneuverability. The Chengdu J-7 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 14.88 meters (48.8 feet) * Wingspan: 7.15 meters (23.5 feet) * Height: 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) * Empty weight: 5,300 kilograms (11,680 pounds) * Maximum speed: 2,230 kilometers per hour (1,390 miles per hour)6. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a Soviet-era jet fighter that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1980s. It is a multi-role fighter, capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The MiG-23 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 16.7 meters (54.8 feet) * Wingspan: 13.97 meters (45.8 feet) * Height: 4.82 meters (15.8 feet) * Empty weight: 9,600 kilograms (21,160 pounds) * Maximum speed: 2,500 kilometers per hour (1,553 miles per hour)7. Sukhoi Su-25
The Sukhoi Su-25 is a Soviet-era ground-attack aircraft that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1980s. It is designed to perform close air support missions, featuring a robust design and armor plating. The Su-25 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 15.53 meters (50.9 feet) * Wingspan: 14.36 meters (47.1 feet) * Height: 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) * Empty weight: 9,400 kilograms (20,700 pounds) * Maximum speed: 975 kilometers per hour (606 miles per hour)8. Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a Soviet-era biplane that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1960s. It is a multi-role aircraft, capable of performing transport, reconnaissance, and training missions. The An-2 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 12.4 meters (40.7 feet) * Wingspan: 18.2 meters (59.7 feet) * Height: 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) * Empty weight: 3,300 kilograms (7,280 pounds) * Maximum speed: 258 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour)9. Harbin H-5
The Harbin H-5 is a Chinese-made bomber that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1960s. It is a variant of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-2, featuring improved performance and maneuverability. The H-5 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 13.05 meters (42.8 feet) * Wingspan: 21.93 meters (72 feet) * Height: 4.85 meters (15.9 feet) * Empty weight: 8,100 kilograms (17,860 pounds) * Maximum speed: 580 kilometers per hour (360 miles per hour)10. Il-28 Beagle
The Il-28 Beagle is a Soviet-era bomber that has been used by the KPAAF since the 1950s. It is a multi-role aircraft, capable of performing bombing, reconnaissance, and training missions. The Il-28 remains an important part of North Korea's air force, with many aircraft still in service.
Specifications:
* Length: 17.65 meters (57.9 feet) * Wingspan: 21.45 meters (70.3 feet) * Height: 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) * Empty weight: 11,890 kilograms (26,190 pounds) * Maximum speed: 800 kilometers per hour (500 miles per hour)Gallery of North Korean Military Airplanes
North Korean Military Airplanes Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the North Korean military airplanes that make up the country's air force. From the Soviet-era MiG-15 to the Chinese-made Chengdu J-7, each aircraft plays a vital role in North Korea's defense strategy. With ongoing modernization efforts, it will be interesting to see how the KPAAF evolves in the coming years.
We invite you to share your thoughts on North Korea's military aviation capabilities in the comments section below.