North Korea’s state news agency released an image revealing the development of a new air-to-air missile alongside aerial bombs that have been converted into precision-guided munitions. These new weapons were showcased during large-scale air force exercises overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signalling a notable step forward in the country’s bid to modernise its aerial combat capabilities.
The newly revealed air-to-air missile bears a striking resemblance to China’s PL-12, a beyond-visual-range missile used extensively by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The PL-12 features mid-course data-link guidance and active radar homing during the final phase of flight, allowing for accurate and long-range target engagement. While the North Korean missile’s official designation has yet to be announced, its external appearance suggests a clear effort to replicate the design and functionality of the PL-12.
Modernising Legacy Fighters: Enhanced Capability for North Korea’s MiG-29 Fleet
Significantly, the missile seems intended for deployment on MiG-29 fighter jets, a mainstay of the Korean People’s Army Air Force (KPAAF). These Soviet-era aircraft have long been hampered by outdated missile systems and limited targeting capabilities. Equipping them with a radar-guided missile similar to the PL-12 would substantially improve their effectiveness, providing greater engagement range and enhanced target-tracking capability. This marks a tactical advancement for the KPAAF, which has traditionally relied on less sophisticated missiles such as the R-23, R-24, and R-27.
Kim Jong Un Oversees Air Force Drills Focused on Countering Aerial Threats
According to a report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) dated 17 May, Kim Jong Un visited a flight regiment under the 1st Air Division on 15 May to oversee the drills.
During the visit, he emphasised that “all units of the armed forces must bring about a fundamental transformation in war readiness by maintaining a constant state of alert and operational preparedness.”
KCNA stated that the exercise was designed to improve the military’s capability to “detect, track, and destroy hostile cruise missiles and suicide drones.” The training involved aircraft squadrons, surface-to-air missile batteries, radar units, and electronic warfare teams tasked with blinding and eliminating incoming unmanned aerial threats.
