North Korean Air Force Aircraft

North Korea's Air Force: A Detailed Analysis

Current Aircraft Inventory

The North Korean Air Force (KPAAF) operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including attack bombers, cargo transports, special mission fighters, search and rescue aircraft, aerial tankers, remote-piloted reconnaissance vehicles, trainers, and utility aircraft.

Notable Aircraft Types

Some of the most notable aircraft in the KPAAF include:

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• MiG-21: A supersonic fighter aircraft
• MiG-23: A variable-geometry fighter aircraft
• Sukhoi Su-7: A supersonic fighter-bomber

Recent Developments

2022 Air-to-Surface Drills

In October 2022, the KPAAF deployed combat aircraft for air-to-surface firing drills near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea.

Challenges and Limitations

Sanctions and Economic Slowdown

Foreign sanctions and the slow collapse of North Korea's economy have significantly impacted the KPAAF's modernization efforts.

As a result, North Korea's air force remains outdated, with most of its fleet consisting of ex-Soviet and Chinese-built aircraft.