North Korea Defence Forum

[hyperman]

I'm going to laugh my ass off if Kimmy gets Su-57s before Iran gets Su-35s or really any jet. lol

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[Shags101]

I'm going to laugh my ass off if Kimmy gets Su-57s before Iran gets Su-35s or really any jet. lol

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Is it me or wouldn’t you think china and Russia would be hesitant to deliver highly advanced aircraft like those with a country that can turn on them at any time for any reason I think kimmie soon enough is going to think he can punch above even china and Russia one day I don’t think they trust this guy enough to give him stealth aircraft that might deliver nuclear weapons to their capitols undetected

 

[Zarvan]

North Korea Showcases Reconnaissance and Strike Drones Modeled on U.S. Global Hawk and Reaper​

• 30 Nov, 2025 - 13:48
• Defense News Aerospace 2025

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North Korea has again displayed its Saebyeol-4 reconnaissance drone and Saebyeol-9 attack drone at Kalma Airbase during events for the 80th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army Air Force on 28 November 2025. The parade-style presentation signals that long range unmanned systems modeled on the U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper are now a core part of Pyongyang’s air posture and propaganda narrative.

North Korea used the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Korean People’s Army Air Force at Kalma Airbase to reaffirm its push into large unmanned aircraft, with state media images highlighting the Saebyeol-4 and Saebyeol-9 drones assigned to the 59th Gil Yong Jo Hero Regiment. The two systems, which closely track the outlines of the U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper, were shown in operational markings, underscoring that Pyongyang now treats long-endurance surveillance and strike drones as front-line tools rather than experimental showpieces.

North Korea’s Kalma Airbase ceremony again showcased the Saebyeol-4 and Saebyeol-9 drones, copycat Global Hawk and Reaper-style UAVs now central to its air posture. (Picture source: KCNA)

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The Saebyeol-9 appears to be the most advanced strike-oriented model displayed by Pyongyang. Publicly showcased since 2023 and first identified by satellite imagery in 2022, it mirrors the overall dimensions of the MQ-9 Reaper, measuring roughly 9 meters in length with a wingspan of about 20 meters. Hardpoints under the wings indicate a capacity to carry air-to-surface ordnance or modular payloads. Two variants have been shown repeatedly, differing in wing geometry, fuselage color, the presence or absence of a dorsal antenna, and the shape of the air intake. These variations point to an evolving design rather than a finalized production configuration. Although actual performance remains unknown, endurance is estimated to exceed ten hours depending on propulsion and the reliability of its data links.

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The Saebyeol-4, also shown again during the Kalma event, retains its configuration inspired by the RQ-4 Global Hawk. With an approximate wingspan of 30 to 35 meters and a length between 10 and 15 meters, the drone is intended for extended surveillance missions. Its landing gear, adapted from the Chengdu J-7 derived from the MiG-21, suggests the reuse of components already available within North Korea’s inventory. Its weight, below nine tons, limits the integration of heavier sensors such as long-range synthetic aperture radars. However, the presence of a satellite antenna on some airframes indicates an effort to achieve long-distance control and operate the drone several hundred kilometers from North Korean territory.

The development of both drones follows the direction set by Kim Jong Un at the 8th Party Congress in 2021, when he called for platforms capable of engaging targets at ranges of 500 km or more. Repeated tests detected at Panghyon since 2023, along with blast marks associated with attack-drone trials, confirm sustained investment in the program. Kim’s visit to the unmanned systems complex in September 2025 highlights an attempt to establish an autonomous production and development chain incorporating electro-optical sensors, satellite links, and airframes modeled on foreign designs.

The Saebyeol-4 would provide Pyongyang with long-endurance surveillance over coastal areas, military air corridors, and adversary naval movements. It's likely cruising altitude, above 10,000 meters, would make interception difficult for older air-defense assets. The Saebyeol-9 could conduct limited strike missions against fixed targets such as radars, depots, or artillery sites, and could also be used to challenge South Korean defenses through repeated trajectories or coordinated flights. Uncertainties remain regarding the quality of its sensors and the stability of its communication links, factors that could restrict its accuracy.

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The renewed appearance of these drones at Kalma underscores a broader strategic trend: North Korea is consolidating an asymmetric air capability combining extended surveillance and limited strike functions. Even if their performance remains below that of contemporary US or Chinese systems, these platforms widen Pyongyang’s operational options and complicate planning for Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington. As military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow intensifies, any technical enhancement of these drones will require close monitoring due to their potential impact on the already fragile security balance in Northeast Asia.

 

[hyperman]

Is it me or wouldn’t you think china and Russia would be hesitant to deliver highly advanced aircraft like those with a country that can turn on them at any time for any reason I think kimmie soon enough is going to think he can punch above even china and Russia one day I don’t think they trust this guy enough to give him stealth aircraft that might deliver nuclear weapons to their capitols undetected

North Korea has good relations with both Russia and China, its not an issue for them. The issue for those countries is the US, Japan and South Korea, all of whom North Korea is also an issue for. So North Korea serves as a balancing element against those two states and the US for China and Russia.

 

[Shags101]

North Korea has good relations with both Russia and China, its not an issue for them. The issue for those countries is the US, Japan and South Korea, all of whom North Korea is also an issue for. So North Korea serves as a balancing element against those two states and the US for China and Russia.

Yeah frenemies today I don’t think cares for anyone but himself and his god like standing in North Korea to be fair

 

[hyperman]

Yeah frenemies today I don’t think cares for anyone but himself and his god like standing in North Korea to be fair

China and Russia are allies of North Korea. They don't have conflicting interests but converging interests. The regime only exists b/c of the help of China and Russia.

 

[Michael]

Is it me or wouldn’t you think china and Russia would be hesitant to deliver highly advanced aircraft like those with a country that can turn on them at any time for any reason I think kimmie soon enough is going to think he can punch above even china and Russia one day I don’t think they trust this guy enough to give him stealth aircraft that might deliver nuclear weapons to their capitols undetected

The relationship between the three countries is quite unique.

China provides North Korea with humanitarian support, ensuring the basic needs of its people are met. The North Korean government organizes many North Koreans to work in Northeast China, and they also engage in commercial activities in these areas.
However, China does not provide weapons or technology to North Korea.

Russia previously occasionally provided weapons and technology to North Korea, but not much, and mostly outdated weapons and technology.
After the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia-North Korea relations warmed. North Korea sent a large number of soldiers to the front lines to assist Russia. In return, Russia provided North Korea with a large amount of advanced weapons technology.

North Korea is a military ally of both Russia and China, enjoying the highest level of international diplomatic relations.

People often overlook the fact that North Korea itself possesses a certain level of military technology research and development capabilities, as well as strong military industrial production capabilities. They are not weak.

Although the DPRK currently appears poor and weak, if another war were to break out on the Korean Peninsula, without the involvement of a third country, the DPRK could easily conquer all of South Korea again.

 

[Shags101]

The relationship between the three countries is quite unique.

China provides North Korea with humanitarian support, ensuring the basic needs of its people are met. The North Korean government organizes many North Koreans to work in Northeast China, and they also engage in commercial activities in these areas.
However, China does not provide weapons or technology to North Korea.

Russia previously occasionally provided weapons and technology to North Korea, but not much, and mostly outdated weapons and technology.
After the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia-North Korea relations warmed. North Korea sent a large number of soldiers to the front lines to assist Russia. In return, Russia provided North Korea with a large amount of advanced weapons technology.

North Korea is a military ally of both Russia and China, enjoying the highest level of international diplomatic relations.

People often overlook the fact that North Korea itself possesses a certain level of military technology research and development capabilities, as well as strong military industrial production capabilities. They are not weak.

Although the DPRK currently appears poor and weak, if another war were to break out on the Korean Peninsula, without the involvement of a third country, the DPRK could easily conquer all of South Korea again.

I wouldn’t say easily South Korea is no slouch but yeah the biggest issue with North Korea is their ancient Air Force they have definitely shown the ability to produce everything else in house but I think one of the things the war with Israel and Iran and even America without a robust and modern Air Force your leaving your skies very wide open north koreas biggest chance of getting the upper hand in a war would be a large concentrated attack on south koreas and American airbases in the region like total destruction

 

[hyperman]

if another war were to break out on the Korean Peninsula, without the involvement of a third country, the DPRK could easily conquer all of South Korea again.

I don't know about that Chief. lol

The South Koreans in terms of tech are more advanced than the North and would have air dominance in all likelyhood. Though North Korea's ability to cause damage is greater b/c of the amount of artillary, missiles and nuclear forces. Not sure what sort of army can progress against a dug in opponent without air superiority.

 

[Michael]

I wouldn’t say easily South Korea is no slouch but yeah the biggest issue with North Korea is their ancient Air Force they have definitely shown the ability to produce everything else in house but I think one of the things the war with Israel and Iran and even America without a robust and modern Air Force your leaving your skies very wide open north koreas biggest chance of getting the upper hand in a war would be a large concentrated attack on south koreas and American airbases in the region like total destruction

I don't know about that Chief. lol

The South Koreans in terms of tech are more advanced than the North and would have air dominance in all likelyhood. Though North Korea's ability to cause damage is greater b/c of the amount of artillary, missiles and nuclear forces. Not sure what sort of army can progress against a dug in opponent without air superiority.

I know many people have this misconception.

We need to carefully examine the topography of the Korean Peninsula.

The vast majority of South Koreans are concentrated in the capital economic zone, while the North Korean population is relatively dispersed. South Korea's capital economic zone is entirely within range of North Korean artillery fire. The moment the first advanced South Korean fighter jet crosses the 38th parallel, the entire city of Seoul will face indiscriminate artillery bombardment. ------ North Korea possesses nearly 10,000 artillery pieces and nearly 3,000 MLRS systems. Most of them are concealed and deployed near the North-South Korean border.

Do you think fighter jets have a faster attack speed and stronger striking power? Or do these massive cannons have a faster attack speed and stronger striking power?

North Korea's weapons are indeed less advanced than South Korea's. However, North Korea possesses a vast quantity of weapons and an exceptionally large number of soldiers.

In small-scale battles and conflicts, South Korea would have the advantage. But in a war of annihilation, South Korea would have no advantage whatsoever and would have to rely on external intervention. This is the core reason why North Korea developed nuclear weapons. These nuclear weapons are intended to deter intervention from Japan and the United States, not for use against South Korea.

 

[hyperman]

I know many people have this misconception.

We need to carefully examine the topography of the Korean Peninsula.

The vast majority of South Koreans are concentrated in the capital economic zone, while the North Korean population is relatively dispersed. South Korea's capital economic zone is entirely within range of North Korean artillery fire. The moment the first advanced South Korean fighter jet crosses the 38th parallel, the entire city of Seoul will face indiscriminate artillery bombardment. ------ North Korea possesses nearly 10,000 artillery pieces and nearly 3,000 MLRS systems. Most of them are concealed and deployed near the North-South Korean border.

Do you think fighter jets have a faster attack speed and stronger striking power? Or do these massive cannons have a faster attack speed and stronger striking power?

North Korea's weapons are indeed less advanced than South Korea's. However, North Korea possesses a vast quantity of weapons and an exceptionally large number of soldiers.

In small-scale battles and conflicts, South Korea would have the advantage. But in a war of annihilation, South Korea would have no advantage whatsoever and would have to rely on external intervention. This is the core reason why North Korea developed nuclear weapons. These nuclear weapons are intended to deter intervention from Japan and the United States, not for use against South Korea.

Have you ever seen an army advance without air superiority? Now many North Korean jets will be flying after a few days? and SAM batteries intact after a massive amount of SEAD. The recent Iran Israel clash has shown, Air Force is still king, it cannot be countered with only ground assets, its a losing war long term. And you certainly cannot advance an army and batallion into a heavily dug in enemy without your own air support and certainly not when the enemy has air superiority over you, in the skies.

Doing damage is different from taking land. I agree North Korea can do damage, and even more so than South Korea, but an advancing army without air support and the other side having air superiority is impossible.

 

[kimjongun]

The only thing i love about the DPRK except its dystopian and soviet architecture is its Missile program....which china and the russian federation a big hand in.....

 

[kimjongun]

Have you ever seen an army advance without air superiority? Now many North Korean jets will be flying after a few days? and SAM batteries intact after a massive amount of SEAD. The recent Iran Israel clash has shown, Air Force is still king, it cannot be countered with only ground assets, its a losing war long term. And you certainly cannot advance an army and batallion into a heavily dug in enemy without your own air support and certainly not when the enemy has air superiority over you, in the skies.

Doing damage is different from taking land. I agree North Korea can do damage, and even more so than South Korea, but an advancing army without air support and the other side having air superiority is impossible.

Thats the thing with nks strategy they want to destroy and i mean destroy the south korean airbases in an event of a war...their field artillery has ranges close to bases and the MLRS stockpile are jam packed...

 

[kimjongun]

What happens to Kim?
He shows himself as if he is the boss.
totally inappropriate

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Russian support i guess

 

[Michael]

Have you ever seen an army advance without air superiority? Now many North Korean jets will be flying after a few days? and SAM batteries intact after a massive amount of SEAD. The recent Iran Israel clash has shown, Air Force is still king, it cannot be countered with only ground assets, its a losing war long term. And you certainly cannot advance an army and batallion into a heavily dug in enemy without your own air support and certainly not when the enemy has air superiority over you, in the skies.

Doing damage is different from taking land. I agree North Korea can do damage, and even more so than South Korea, but an advancing army without air support and the other side having air superiority is impossible.

Please note that the premise is that there is no intervention from any third country.

Advanced air power and air superiority are built upon the strategic depth provided by the ground forces. That is, we must ensure the security of our airfields before we can talk about air superiority.

The entire Korean Peninsula is only so large. The entire territory of South Korea is within range of North Korean ground forces' firepower, including all air bases, naval bases, civilian airports, and strategic highways capable of emergency fighter jet landings and takeoffs.

If South Korea initiates the attack:
North Korea's population and military facilities are widely dispersed, with many military facilities hidden underground, in caves, or within reinforced fortifications. These facilities would require many rounds of prolonged airstrikes to inflict significant damage.
However, the moment the first South Korean fighter jet crosses the 38th parallel, North Korea's counterattack begins. They have the capability to destroy all of South Korea's airports in an instant. South Korean fighter jets that have already taken off will only be able to inflict the first wave of damage on North Korea before being permanently eliminated from the fight.
After a massive artillery bombardment of South Korea, North Korea will launch a ground offensive.

If North Korea initiates the attack:
South Korean air force fighter jets will have no possibility of taking off.

Where would South Korea get air superiority from?

Please note that in the last Korean War, the North Korean army only took 3 days to capture the South Korean capital. Even with the participation of the US 24th Infantry Division, they only took a little over a month to occupy 90% of South Korea's territory and 92% of its population, compressing the US-South Korean forces into the Busan defensive perimeter.