Image source: Photo: KCNA
According to various estimates, the DPRK Air Force has between 600 and 1,700 aircraft in service. However, the vast majority of them are not the newest Soviet and Chinese-made cruise missiles, such as the MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21.
The aircraft received in the late 1980s and early 1990s form the basis of the strike power. First of all, it is the MiG-29 (according to various sources, up to 35 machines) - the main fighter that ensures the conquest of air superiority.
Along with it, Su-25 attack aircraft (about 35 vehicles) are also in service, designed for direct air support of troops.
Completing the top three "elite" aircraft is the MiG-23 (estimated at about 30-46 vehicles), which, despite their age, remain the main carriers of the R-23 (R-24) and, as they say, R-27 air-to-air missiles.
According to experts, pilots of elite units flying such aircraft have a fairly high level of training.
Image source: Photo: KCNA
The existing fighting spirit and readiness for self-sacrifice remain the hallmark of the DPRK aviators.
It is worth noting that North Korean pilots have real combat experience outside their country. Their last mass deployment abroad, until recently, dated back to the Vietnam War (1960-1975).
According to Vietnamese sources, an agreement on assistance was reached between Hanoi and Pyongyang in 1966. The so-called "Z Group" of up to 200 people, including 87 pilots, went to North Vietnam.
Since 1967, they have actively participated in air battles against American aircraft, flying MiG-17 and MiG-21, and they have downed aircraft to their credit.
In addition, North Korean pilots operated in the Middle East. In particular, they were sent to Egypt and Syria during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. For example, a group of 30 pilots, 8 air traffic controllers and support staff arrived in Egypt at that time.
Image source: Photo: KCNA
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning the total number of pilots of the DPRK Air Force. According to various estimates, there are from three to five thousand military personnel in combat, transport and training units capable of lifting various aviation equipment into the air.
German Kitaev
