Exclusive: North Korea Develops New Air-to-Air Missile and Smart Bombs in Push to Modernize Air Power
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According to a picture released by the North Korean state news agency on May 17, 2025, North Korea has revealed the development of a new air-to-air missile and aerial bombs converted into precision-guided munitions. These weapons were highlighted during large-scale air force drills attended by the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects newly developed air-to-air missile and precision-guided bombs during air force modernization drills. (Picture source: North Korean press agency)
The newly unveiled air-to-air missile exhibits a design remarkably similar to the Chinese PL-12, a beyond-visual-range active radar-guided missile widely used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The PL-12 is known for incorporating mid-course data-link guidance and active radar homing during the terminal phase, enabling high accuracy and long-range target engagement. Although the official designation of the North Korean missile has not been disclosed, the external design suggests a deliberate attempt to emulate the functionality and capabilities of the PL-12.
Crucially, the missile appears to be intended for integration with the MiG-29 fighter jets, a key platform within the North Korean People’s Army Air Force (KPAAF). These Soviet-era aircraft have traditionally been constrained by limited missile technology and outdated targeting systems. The addition of a radar-guided missile similar to the PL-12 would significantly enhance their combat effectiveness by extending engagement ranges and improving target acquisition. This development represents a tactical leap for the KPAAF, which has long relied on less capable missiles such as the R-23, R-24, and R-27.
The strong resemblance between the new North Korean missile and the PL-12 raises important questions about the source of its technological foundation. While both North Korea and China officially maintain a stance of independent defense development, the similarities suggest a deeper, albeit discreet, level of military cooperation or technology transfer. Historically, China and North Korea have shared a complex military relationship rooted in ideological alignment and strategic interest. Though direct arms transfers are rarely publicized, the two nations have often mirrored each other’s developments in missile technology, air defense systems, and electronic warfare tools.
This relationship has become more strategically significant in recent years. North Korea’s increasing sophistication in weapons development has paralleled China’s rapid rise as a global defense technology powerhouse. It is plausible that through unofficial channels, shared research frameworks, or reverse engineering of Chinese platforms, North Korea has managed to incorporate advanced features into its new missile systems. The ability to replicate or adapt such designs further underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of North Korea’s domestic defense industry, even under international sanctions.
In addition to the missile, North Korea has also developed aerial bombs that have been converted into precision-guided munitions. These weapons appear to be based on conventional free-fall bombs upgraded with guidance kits, potentially incorporating satellite navigation or electro-optical targeting systems. This modification allows for significantly improved strike accuracy and operational flexibility during air raids. The enhancement mirrors developments in other countries where traditional dumb bombs have been retrofitted into cost-effective smart munitions, such as the American JDAM or the Russian KAB series.
The strategic intent behind these developments was emphasized by Kim Jong Un’s direct supervision of the air force exercises. The 1st Air Division carried out the drills and reportedly involved both anti-air and ground-attack operations. According to KCNA, the exercises aimed to enhance combat readiness and prepare the air force for potential real-war conditions. Kim expressed strong satisfaction with the results, indicating that modernization of the KPAAF remains a high priority for the North Korean leadership.
These advancements carry significant implications for regional security. The integration of precision-guided air-to-ground bombs and advanced air-to-air missiles into North Korea’s arsenal suggests a shift in military doctrine from quantity to quality. By equipping legacy platforms like the MiG-29 with modern weapons, North Korea can maximize the effectiveness of its limited air assets while challenging the assumptions of regional adversaries regarding its air force’s combat potential.
North Korea’s unveiling of a new air-to-air missile modeled after the Chinese PL-12 and the adaptation of precision-guided aerial bombs demonstrates a focused and sophisticated approach to enhancing its air power. These developments signal not only domestic military progress but also hint at deeper strategic cooperation with China in the defense sector. As North Korea continues to upgrade its aerial capabilities, the implications for regional stability and defense planning are profound, demanding close international attention and response.
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According to a picture released by the North Korean state news agency on May 17, 2025, North Korea has revealed the development of a new air-to-air missile and aerial bombs converted into precision-guided munitions. These weapons were highlighted during large-scale air force drills attended by the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects newly developed air-to-air missile and precision-guided bombs during air force modernization drills. (Picture source: North Korean press agency)
The newly unveiled air-to-air missile exhibits a design remarkably similar to the Chinese PL-12, a beyond-visual-range active radar-guided missile widely used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The PL-12 is known for incorporating mid-course data-link guidance and active radar homing during the terminal phase, enabling high accuracy and long-range target engagement. Although the official designation of the North Korean missile has not been disclosed, the external design suggests a deliberate attempt to emulate the functionality and capabilities of the PL-12.
Crucially, the missile appears to be intended for integration with the MiG-29 fighter jets, a key platform within the North Korean People’s Army Air Force (KPAAF). These Soviet-era aircraft have traditionally been constrained by limited missile technology and outdated targeting systems. The addition of a radar-guided missile similar to the PL-12 would significantly enhance their combat effectiveness by extending engagement ranges and improving target acquisition. This development represents a tactical leap for the KPAAF, which has long relied on less capable missiles such as the R-23, R-24, and R-27.
The strong resemblance between the new North Korean missile and the PL-12 raises important questions about the source of its technological foundation. While both North Korea and China officially maintain a stance of independent defense development, the similarities suggest a deeper, albeit discreet, level of military cooperation or technology transfer. Historically, China and North Korea have shared a complex military relationship rooted in ideological alignment and strategic interest. Though direct arms transfers are rarely publicized, the two nations have often mirrored each other’s developments in missile technology, air defense systems, and electronic warfare tools.
This relationship has become more strategically significant in recent years. North Korea’s increasing sophistication in weapons development has paralleled China’s rapid rise as a global defense technology powerhouse. It is plausible that through unofficial channels, shared research frameworks, or reverse engineering of Chinese platforms, North Korea has managed to incorporate advanced features into its new missile systems. The ability to replicate or adapt such designs further underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of North Korea’s domestic defense industry, even under international sanctions.
In addition to the missile, North Korea has also developed aerial bombs that have been converted into precision-guided munitions. These weapons appear to be based on conventional free-fall bombs upgraded with guidance kits, potentially incorporating satellite navigation or electro-optical targeting systems. This modification allows for significantly improved strike accuracy and operational flexibility during air raids. The enhancement mirrors developments in other countries where traditional dumb bombs have been retrofitted into cost-effective smart munitions, such as the American JDAM or the Russian KAB series.
The strategic intent behind these developments was emphasized by Kim Jong Un’s direct supervision of the air force exercises. The 1st Air Division carried out the drills and reportedly involved both anti-air and ground-attack operations. According to KCNA, the exercises aimed to enhance combat readiness and prepare the air force for potential real-war conditions. Kim expressed strong satisfaction with the results, indicating that modernization of the KPAAF remains a high priority for the North Korean leadership.
These advancements carry significant implications for regional security. The integration of precision-guided air-to-ground bombs and advanced air-to-air missiles into North Korea’s arsenal suggests a shift in military doctrine from quantity to quality. By equipping legacy platforms like the MiG-29 with modern weapons, North Korea can maximize the effectiveness of its limited air assets while challenging the assumptions of regional adversaries regarding its air force’s combat potential.
North Korea’s unveiling of a new air-to-air missile modeled after the Chinese PL-12 and the adaptation of precision-guided aerial bombs demonstrates a focused and sophisticated approach to enhancing its air power. These developments signal not only domestic military progress but also hint at deeper strategic cooperation with China in the defense sector. As North Korea continues to upgrade its aerial capabilities, the implications for regional stability and defense planning are profound, demanding close international attention and response.
