North Korea Showcases Reconnaissance and Strike Drones Modeled on U.S. Global Hawk and Reaper
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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.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
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)
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
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)
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.
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.
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.
