North Korean Air Force

The North Korean Air Force: A Comprehensive Overview

An Aging Fleet and Limited Capabilities

The Korean People's Army Air Force (KPAAF), the unified military aviation force of North Korea, is struggling with an aging fleet and limited capabilities. Despite having an estimated 110,000 personnel and a notional inventory of over 400 fighters, the KPAAF's combat aircraft fleet is outdated and in need of modernization.

Aging Aircraft and Lack of Acquisition

The North Korean Air Force has not acquired a new combat aircraft in over three decades, and its current fleet consists primarily of outdated Soviet-era designs such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-29. These aircraft are increasingly unreliable and lack the advanced avionics and weapons systems found in modern fighter jets.

Dependence on Foreign Support

The KPAAF is heavily dependent on foreign support for spare parts and maintenance. It has received assistance from China and Russia in the past, but these relationships have been strained in recent years. As a result, the KPAAF's ability to maintain and operate its fleet is diminishing.

Limited Training and Exercises

The KPAAF also faces challenges in training its pilots and conducting realistic exercises. It has limited access to fuel and airspace, and its pilots often lack the experience and proficiency necessary for modern air combat. This lack of training has resulted in a decline in the KPAAF's overall operational readiness.

Recent Military Drills

Despite its limitations, the KPAAF continues to conduct military drills and exercises. In the first week of October 2022, the KPAAF deployed combat aircraft for air-to-surface firing drills near the buffer zone that separates North Korea from South Korea. These drills are seen as a show of force and a reminder of the potential for conflict on the Korean Peninsula.