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As a result, North Korea's air force remains outdated, with most of its fleet consisting of ex-Soviet and Chinese-built aircraft.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