North Korea's Air Force: A Comprehensive Overview
History and Development
The North Korean Air Force (KPAAF) traces its origins to the Soviet-backed Korean People's Army (KPA) in 1945. It initially relied on captured Japanese and Soviet aircraft but later expanded its inventory with Chinese and domestic-produced aircraft.
Air Defense Capabilities
Short-Range Air Defense
North Korea possesses a robust short-range air defense system, including MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) such as the 9K34 Strela-3 and 9K38 Igla. These weapons are designed to target low-flying aircraft, such as helicopters and drones.
Heavy Machine Guns
The KPAAF also employs ZPU-4 heavy machine guns for anti-aircraft defense. These weapons are typically mounted on vehicles or rooftops and can provide effective defense against low-altitude aerial threats.
Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
North Korea's fixed-wing aircraft fleet includes attack bombers, cargo transports, special mission aircraft, fighters, search and rescue capabilities, and aerial tankers. Many of these aircraft are aging and originate from the Cold War era, dating back to the 1950s to the 1980s.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
In recent years, North Korea has reportedly invested in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. These UAVs can be used for various missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and strikes.
Personnel and Inventory
The estimated size of the KPAAF is over 110,000 personnel. The notional inventory consists of over 400 aircraft, most of which are Cold War-era designs.
Military Factory Listing
The Military Factory website provides a comprehensive listing of active North Korean Air Force aircraft. This listing includes specifications, capabilities, and historical information about each aircraft type.
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