North Korea's Air Force: A Cold War Relic
Aging Aircraft, Lacking Modernization
The Korean People's Army Air Force (KPAF) is the unified military aviation force of North Korea. It consists mainly of Cold War-era aircraft, lacking modern avionics, precision-guided munitions, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Kim Jong-un's Focus on Air Power
Despite these limitations, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently paid more attention to the KPAF, recognizing its importance in deterring potential adversaries and projecting power in the region.
Close Encounter with US Reconnaissance Aircraft
Recent incidents have highlighted the KPAF's limitations. In 2022, North Korean fighters came within 5 meters of a US RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, prompting the Air Force to provide fighter escorts for its future missions.
Defense Intelligence Agency Assessment
The Defense Intelligence Agency recently released "North Korea Military Power," an unclassified intelligence product that examines the KPAF's capabilities and limitations. The report concludes that the KPAF remains a significant threat, but its aging fleet and lack of modernization make it vulnerable to more advanced air forces.
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