Korean Peoples Air Force (KPAF)

Summary
STRENGTH
110,000
COMBAT AIRCRAFT
SAC Shenyang F-5, SAC Shenyang F-6, MiG-19 Farmer, MiG-21
Fishbed, MiG-23 Flogger, Mig-29 Fulcrum, HAMC H-5, Q-5 IA
Fantan, Su-25 Frogfoot
COMBAT HELICOPTER
Mi-24 Hind, MD-500
TRANSPORT
SAIC Y-5, Il-14 Crate, Li-18 Coot, Il-62 Classic, Il-76 Candid, An-24
Coke, Tu-134 Crusty, Tu-154 Careless, Tu-204

Role and Deployment

The primary mission of the KPAF is the air defense of the DPRK mainland and territorial waters.
Secondary missions include reconnaissance, transportation and logistical support, insertion of special
operations forces, strategic bombing and provision of tactical air support to elements of the Korean
Peoples Army (KPA) ground force and Korean Peoples Navy (KPN).
Each Air Division within the KPAF is responsible for the protection of a given area of DPRK:
The 1st Air Division (Combat) is headquartered at Kaechon (Saamcham) and is responsible for
the defense of the northwestern section of the country, including the Yongbyon nuclear research
complex;
The 2nd Sir Division (Combat) is headquartered at Toksan (Hamhung) and is responsible for the
defense of the eastern section of the country;
The 3rd Air Division (Combat) is headquartered at Hwangju and is responsible for the defense of
the southern section of the country, including the area along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ);
The 5th Air Division (Transport) is headquartered at Taechon;
The 6th Air Division (Transport) is headquartered at Sondok (Sondong-ni); and
The 8th Air Division (Training) is headquartered at Orang (Hoemun-ri, Hoemun-dong) and is
responsible for training and the defense of the northeastern section of the country, including the
Musudan-ni Launch Facility
The KPAFs sniper brigades are primarily tasked with the neutralization of ROK/US air bases and
Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR)
assets. Due to the importance assigned to this wartime mission they receive priority tasking for the use of
An-2 transports and helicopters.

Command and Control

The KPAF is a coequal service under the Ministry of Peoples Armed Forces (MPAF), with both the KPN
and the KPA. Control of the KPAF is vested in its commander who is responsible to the Chief of the
General Staff, MPAF.

Immediately subordinate to the KPAF Commander are the Chief of Staff, Deputy Political
Commander, Deputy Flight Commander, Deputy Technical Commander, Deputy Rear Services
commander, Deputy Air Defense commander, military prosecution office and military justice office. The air
staff consists of the following departments: Chemical, Communications, Construction, Cryptographic
(Classified Material), Engineer, Enlisted Personnel, Finance, a guard company, Medical, Meteorology,
Officer (Cadre) Personnel, Operations, Ordnance, Reconnaissance (Intelligence), and Training.

Organization
KPAF Supreme Headquarters is located in Pyongyang, with an above ground complex located at Mirim
Air Base and a wartime headquarters underneath Majang-san, Chunghwa-gun, Pyongyang-si. The KPAF
is organized into a command element, air staff, air defense headquarters, six air divisions, several
independent air battalions, two or three air force sniper brigades, a reconnaissance unit, Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) unit, hot air balloon unit, sailplane unit, 19 SAM brigades (organized into three air defense
sectors), a SAM maintenance depot, an unknown number of AA regiments, three Radar Regiments, one
to four searchlight battalion(s), communications regiment, air traffic control regiment, and several aircraft
production and repair facilities.
The National Air Defense Headquarters, as well as the Western Air Defense Direction
Headquarters, is located in Pyongyang and is possibly co-located with KPAF Supreme Headquarters.
The Eastern Air Defense Direction Headquarters in at Sondok (Songdong-ni Air Base).
The KPAF is additionally composed of an Air Force Hospital, the Kim Chaek Air Force Academy,
Kyongsong Flight Officers School, 17th Air Officers School, Cha Kwang-su Airmens Training School, and
the Civil Aviation Bureau which controls the national airline Air Koryo. The KPAF also coordinates air
defense operations with the Pyongyang Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command and the KPAs AAA assets.
Air Koryo is directly subordinate to the KPAF. All its personnel are members of the KPAF and all
in-country maintenance is conducted by KPAF personnel. In times of emergency or war, Air Koryo
personnel and aircraft will perform mission in support of KPAF operational objectives (strategic transport,
airlift of airborne troops and so on).
The personnel strength of the KPAF is estimated at 110,000 personnel. There are approximately
27,000 officers (all pilots are commissioned officers) and 83,000 enlisted personnel.
At present the primary operational unit is the air division, of which there are six. Combat air
divisions consist of four to nine air regiments, service and support units, and have a total of approximately
160-300 aircraft.
They are organized into a headquarters and division command post, three to six fighter
regiments, one bomber regiment, one to two helicopter regiments, five to seven anti-aircraft rocket
brigades (SAM brigades), communications centre, radar regiment, nuclear-chemical defense battalion,
engineer battalion, transportation battalion, guard battalion, and a maintenance and repair unit.
The air regiments is organized into a headquarters and staff platoon, three flight battalions, AAA
battalion, air communications company, communications company, two air field management companies,
two guard companies, transportation company, nuclear-chemical defense platoon, weather section, work
section, gas service section, fuel supply section, material supply section, bomb section, weapons repair
section, radioactive preparation section, medical section and several other miscellaneous sections.
Air regiments have a total of approximately 40 to 50 aircraft, 90 pilots, and 250 to 350 support
personnel. These are organized into three battalions (western equivalent of a squadron) with
approximately 15 aircraft each. The battalions consist of three companies (western equivalent of a flight)
with four aircraft each. There are apparently several instances where the air regiments have as few as
two battalions or as many as four.
It is estimated that the KPAF possesses about 36 air regiments. This could be increased to 38 if
the aircraft assigned to the national airlines Air Koryo are counted.

Order of Battle
Firm information on the KPAFs air order of battle is scarce and hard to verify, but it appears that it is
organized into functional and/or geographically-orientated divisions. Three of them are responsible for
control of combat elements, these being aligned geographically, with the 1 st Division responsible for forces
in the western part of the country; the 2nd responsible for the northern segment; and the 3 rd responsible for
the south, including that part of the country adjacent to the DMZ. Pilot training is the responsibility of the
8th Division. Air Koryo, the national flag carrier is an integral component of the KPAF and is called upon as
needed.

1st Air Combat Division

Headquarters
Mission
Primary Air Facilities

Major Subordinated Air Units

Kaechon Air Base (AB)

Air defense of the capital Pyongyang, nuclear research centre at Yongbyon, and the
western section of the country
Kaechon AB, Kangdong AB, Maengsan, Mirim, Onchon-up (underground) AB,
Onchon-up AB, Panghyon AB, Puckchang-ni AB, Sonchon Helicopter, Sonchon
Southwest, Sunan-up Auxiliary AB, Sunan-up International Airport, Sunchon AB,
Uiju AB, and Yonggang-ni Helicopter
35th Air Regiment: based at Kaechon, and equipped with MiG-19, MiG-15U and
FT-5 (MiG-17U)
55th Air Regiment: based at Sunchon, and equipped with MiG-29 and Su-25
57th Air Regiment: based at Onchon-up, and equipped with MiG-19, MiG-15U and
FT-5 (MiG-17U)
60th Air Regiment: based at Pukchang, and equipped with the MiG-23
U/I Air Regiment: based at Pukchang, and equipped with the MiG-21
24th Air Regiment: based at Uiju AB, and equipped with the H-5
U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-24D)
2.16 Helicopter Regiment (MD-500D/E) possibly based at Yonggang-ni Helicopter
Base

Notes
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the 55th Air Regiment may have been awarded the honorific title of Kumsong
Guard.
2.16 refers to Kim Chong-ils birthday February 16th.

2nd Air Combat Division

Headquarters
Mission
Primary Air Facilities
Major Subordinated Air Units

Toksan AB
Air defense of the Eastern section of the country.
Changjin-up AB, Hwangsuwon-ni AB, Iwon, Kangja-ri AB (underground), Sondok AB,
Toksan AB, and Wonsan AB
56th Guards Taejon Air Regiment based at Toksan, equipped with MiG-21s
U/I Air Regiment at Hwangsuwon-ni AB and equipped with MiG-21s.
U/I Air Regiment
U/I Air Regiment
U/I Air regiment at Changjin-up AB, and equipped with H-5/Il-28

Notes
Unconfirmed reports identify the 46th, 58th and 72nd Air regiments as subordinate to the 2nd Combat Division; however,
this remains to be confirmed.
Sondok (Songdong-ni Air Base) is the location of the eastern Air Defense Headquarters and air traffic control centre. It
is in direct contact with the national air defense command post in Pyongyang.

3rd Air Combat Division

Headquarters

Hwangju AB

Mission
Primary Air Facilities

Major Subordinated Air Units

Air defense of the southern section of the country along the DMZ with the ROK.
Cho-do Haeju, Hoeyang Southeast, Hwangju AB, Hyon-ni AB, Ichon, Ichon
Northeast, Ihyon-ni, Koksan, Kumgang, Kuum-ni, Kwail, nuchon-ni, Ongjin,
Pyongsul-li, Sangyang-ni, Sohung South, Taetan AB, Toha-ri North, and Unchonup
11th Air Regiment
203rd Air Regiment
U/I Air Regiment
U/I Air Regiment

Notes
Unconfirmed reports identify the 86th Air Regiment as subordinate to the 3rd Combat Division, however, this remains to
be unconfirmed.
MiG-19 and one MiG-21 air regiments are located at Hwangju AB.
One MiG-19 / MiG-15 air regiment is located at Koksan AB.
One MiG-21 air regiment is located at Kwail AB.

5th Air Transport Division

Headquarters
Mission
Primary Air Facilities
Major Subordinated Air Units

Taechon AB
Air transport
Kwaksan-ni, Manpo, Sinuiju, Sonchon Helicopter, Sunan-up International Airport,
Taechon AB, and Yonggang-ni Helicopter
U/I Air Transport Regiment (Y-5) based at Kwaksan-ni
U/I Air Transport Regiment (Y-5) at Manpo AB
U/I Air Transport Regiment (Y-5) at Taechon AB
U/I Air Transport Regiment/Air Koryo based at Sunan-up International Airport
U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-2) based at Sonchon Helicopter Base
U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-4/-8/-17/-26) based at Yonggang-ni Helicopter Base

Notes
Sinuiju Airfield has a small unit of An-2/Y-5 and PZL-104

6th Air Transport Division

Headquarters
Mission
Primary Air Facilities
Major Subordinated Air Units

Sondok
Air transport
Sondok and Yonpo
U/I Air Transport Regiment (An-2/Y-5)
U/I Air Transport Regiment (An-2/Y-5) based at Yonpo
U/I Air Transport Regiment (An-2/Y-5/Li-2) based at Sondok
U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-2/-4/-8)
U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-2/-4/-8)

8th Air Transport Division

Headquarters
Mission
Primary Air Facilities
Major Subordinated Air Units

Orang AB
Pilot training and air defense of the Northeastern section of the country, including
the Musudan-ni Missile Launch Facility.
Irhyang-dong AB, Kyongsong-chuul AB, Orang AB, Paegam, Samijyon AB, and
Sungam-ni
U/I Air Regiment (MiG-15/-15UTI/-17 and FT-5/6) based at Irhyang-dong AB
U/I Air Regiment (MiG-15/-15UTI/-17 and FT-5/6) based at Samijyon AB
U/I (797th Unit) Air Regiment (MiG-15/-15UTI/-17 and FT-5/6)based at Orang AB
U/I (Kyongsong Flight Officers School) Air Training Regiment (Yak-12/-18/CJ-6 and
PZL-104) Kyongsong-chuul AB
U/I Air Transport Regiment (An-2/Y-5)

U/I Helicopter Regiment (Mi-2)

Training
During their four years of instruction, pilot students are believed to receive about 70 hours of primary flight
training in propeller-driven aircraft, notably the CJ-6. All flight training (primary and advanced) is
conducted under the control of the 8th Air Division (Training).
With the DPRK in a state of economic crisis since the early 1990s, flight training of both new and
experienced pilots has suffered and pilot proficiency has declined significantly. The fuel situation of the
KPAF began to grow severe towards the end of 1989 when flight hours decreased. In 1990 the KPAF
stopped conducting regular intercepts of ROKAF aircraft flying near the DMZ and flight training hours
dropped precipitously. By the beginning of 200, flight training for the average KPAF pilot declined to no
more than 20-25 training flights totaling 10 to 12 flight hours per year. This is vastly inadequate when
compared to that in the ROKAF, the UASF and Japanese Self Defense Forces. To compensate for the
decreased amount of actual flight time, KPAF pilots and pilot trainees are now spending more time in
flight simulators and possibly sailplanes and in extensive discussions of air tactics on the ground. Flight
training hours are currently portioned out in intervals of only 30 minutes and consist almost exclusively of
take-off and landing exercises. There is extremely limited air combat maneuver or ground attack training.
During the early 2000s, these hardships began to ease somewhat, and the KPAF has slowly expanded
the yearly training cycle which helped to increase operational readiness. As a result of severe fuel
shortages during 2007-08, however, this trend reversed and flight hours dropped to approximately 15-25
per year. The trend of fewer flight hours may not have impacted the elite units of the 3 rd Air Division
stationed around the capital Pyongyang as severely as other units.
During the period from 2000-09 the KPAF experienced an estimated loss rate of 1.5-3.0 combat
aircraft per year. This rate is quite low and is indicative of the small number of flight hours flown by KPAF
pilots.

Combat Readiness
Aviation asserts are almost entirely of Russian (Soviet) and Chinese origin, including large numbers of Y5 (An-2 Colt) biplanes and about 300 helicopters. The combat readiness rate of these aircraft is
estimated to be:
Combat
Readiness Rate
50-65%
60-70%
65-75%
60-65%

Aircraft
MiG-29, MiG-23, MiG-21 and Su-25
F-5, F-6 and H-5
Y-5
Helicopters

The DPRKs air defense network is arguably one of the densest in the world. It is, however, based on
obsolete weapons, missiles and radars; and is most effective at low altitudes where masses of AntiAircraft Artillery (AAA) fire can be brought to bear on an intruder. Their high altitudes SA-2/3/5 Surface-toAir Missiles (SAMs) are, however, ineffective in a modern Electronic Warfare (EW) environment.

Air Force Procurement

Procurement and distribution of supplies and equipment are handled by the Rear Services Department.
The main supply depot of the KPAF is in the Pyongyang area, and other depots are located throughout
the country. Underground fuel tankage and ammunition storage facilities are available at most air bases.
Aviation fuel is distributed from bulk storage depots to airfields, primarily by rail.
The KPAF, while large in size, is seriously deficient in modern and sophisticated weapons
systems and equipment. This condition extends throughout the force and is most noticeable in the large
number of obsolete combat aircraft (MiG-15, MiG-17, MiG-19 and MiG-21). Information management,
computerization, electronic warfare assets, C3, radar, Air-to Air Missiles (AAMs), and air defense
systems (SAMs and AAA) are also obsolescing.
The KPAFs large fleet of An-2/Y-5 colt biplanes should not be viewed as obsolete. Rather, it is
viewed as a creative use of appropriate technology and more than sophisticated enough for their intended
purpose of delivering and supporting large numbers of special operations forces deep within the
mountainous South Korean rear.
The KPAF has been concentrating its modernization efforts since the early 1990s on improving its
air defense systems and air combat power. To this end, anti-aircraft guns, SAM systems and radar have
figured prominently in its procurement. The country has had to rely on foreign procurement and technical
assistance from China. The acquisition of small numbers of MiG-23, MiG-29, and SU-25 combat aircraft
during the late 1980s and early 1990s are the only relatively modern aircraft within the KPAF. Since 1993,
the KPAF has also been able to acquire small numbers of MiG-21s from Kazakhstan, plus Mi-8Ts and
additional MiG-29s from Russia, as well as spare parts from Russia, Eastern Europe and China.

Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine

Operational art and tactical doctrine in the KPAF closely mirror those of the former Soviet Union. They
also derive from the DPRKs experiences in the Korean War, when the country was subjected to heavy
high-altitude and low-level bombing by forces under UN command, and from its experience of
involvement in the Vietnam War and the Arab-Israeli 1973 War. This information has been supplemented
by extensive studies conducted by the MPAFs Military Training Bureau of the Iran-Iraq War, Operation
Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. There
is substantial emphasis on tight air defense, and practically on anti-aircraft guns and SAMs.
The use of hardened underground shelters and tunnels is another salient feature of the KPAs
operational art. A substantial proportion of air force activity and operations takes place below ground,
including manufacture, storage, repair and training. Fuel and ammunition are also stored underground.
The KPAF emphasizes camouflage and deception in all aspects of operations. It makes extensive
use of decoys at all air bases, some of which are quite crude while others display a considerable amount
of detail and accuracy. Old and derelict MiG-15 and MiG-21 aircraft are utilized as decoys.

Recent and Current Operations

Limited information is available regarding recent and current KPAF operations and these are more than
likely severely restricted by the DPRKs shortage of fuel.
During March 2006, the KPAF conducted an air defense exercise, launching two SAMs from an
east coast launch site near Sabujin, southwest of Kimcheak. One missile is reported to have
fallen into the East Sea approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) north-east of the launch site. The
other is reported to have travelled only 5 kilometers (3 miles).
KPAF operations showed a slight increase in operational sorties prior to the July 2006 ballistic
missile test campaign, as well as shortly afterwards. A similar increase was also apparent prior to
the October 2006 nuclear test and the 2009 launch of the Unha-2 space launch vehicle.
During 2007, the KPAF conducted several air defense exercises which reportedly included the
launching of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. During the March 2008 tension over the

Northern Limit Line (NLL), the KPAF conducted at least 15 proactive sorties using MiG-19s and
MiG-21s, these flying at high speed towards the NLL and DMZ and then turning back at the last
moment. In this way, they forced the ROKAF to launch air defense aircraft.
During October 2008, the KPAF is reported to have conducted two test launches of KN-01
missiles from an IL-28 off the west coast.
Small contingents of KPAF pilots and advisors/observers have served short tours of duty in a
number of countries over the past 30 years. Some contingents have also engaged in combat
operations (for example the Vietnam War and the 1973 Arab-Israeli War). While these
experiences had the potential to provide the KPAF with some badly needed experience most
have been disastrous and of little lasting value. Today, only a few contingents conduct short tours
in friendly countries most notably Syria and Iran.

Radars
The KPAF operates in excess of 50 ground control intercept (GCI) and early warning radar facilities which
provide overlapping coverage of the entire country, particularly along the DMZ and on the west coast.
Coverage along the PRC-DPRK border, however, is lighter than elsewhere. In the mountainous central
area of the country, there are gaps in low altitude coverage of both GCI and early warning systems,
particularly below 1,000 feet, because of terrain masking.
Type
Back Net
Back Trap
Big Back
Dog Ear
Fansong A/B/C/D/E/F
Gin Sling
Low Blow
Odd Pair
P-8 Knife Rest A
P-10 Knife Rest B/C
P-12 Spoon Rest A/C/D
P-14 Tall King
P-15 Flat Face
P-15M Squat Eye
P-35/37 Barlock A/B
PRV-11 Side Net
SJ-202
Square Pair
Tin Shield

Role
Early Warning / Ground Control Intercept
Early Warning / Acquisition
Early Warning / Ground Control Intercept
Acquisition
Fire Control / Tracking
Fire Control / Tracking
Fire Control / Tracking / Guidance
Height Finding
Early Warning
Early Warning
Early Warning / Acquisition
Early Warning
Early Warning / Acquisition
Early Warning
Early Warning
Height Finding
Fire Control / Acquisition
Fire Control
Early Warning / Ground Control Intercept

Bases
There are currently 106 known airfields and heliports of various types and levels of usability within the
DPRK. Of these, 12 are abandoned, not usable, or their status is unknown but believed unusable. The
remaining 94 can be broken down as follows: 21 air bases (including Susan International Airport); 28
airfields; 17 highway strips; 2 helicopter bases; 4 VIP heliports, and more than 21 miscellaneous
heliports/helipads.
These airfields and heliports provide the KPAF with a significant surplus of runways for its 1,700
aircraft. Of the 50 airfields, 22 have hard surface runways and represent the KPAF's primary operating
bases. The remaining 28 have soft surface runways composed of crushed stone, dirt, or sand. This very
high percentage of soft surface airfields does not necessarily represent a disadvantage of the KPAF since
the vast majority of its aircraft are capable of conducting operations on them.

The numerous unoccupied airfields within the forward corps along the DMZ will be used to
support flight operations during wartime.
All primary air bases are hardened to some extent, with many featuring underground
maintenance facilities and dispersal areas. Even secondary airfields have elements of hardening, often
having roads leading from the runway to fortified dispersal tunnels bored into hillsides; in some cases,
these may be 1-2 km distant from the airfield itself. All air bases are well defended by dug-in anti-aircraft
artillery, with the more important installations having SAM sites to provide additional protection from
attack.
Aside from the normal facilities associated with military air bases, a number of the KPAFs primary
air bases also include mock-ups of ROK and US aircraft and air defense sites for pilot familiarization.

Airfields
*Cho-do
Changjin-up
Haeju
Hoeyang Southeast
Hwangju
Hwangsuwon-ni
Hyon-ni
Ichon
Ichon Northeast
Ihyon-ni (Haeju Northeast)
Irhyang-dong (Kuktong)
Iwon
Kaechon (Saamcham)
Kangdong
Kangja-ri (partially underground)
Koksan
Kumgang
Kuum-ni (Tongchon)
Kwail (Pungchon)
Kwaksan-ni (Yongsong-ni)
Kyongsong-Chuul (Kyongsong
Southeast)
Maengsan
Manpo-up (Manpo)
Nuchon-ni
Onchon-up
Onchon-up (partially underground)
Ongjin
Orang (Hoemun-ri, Hoemun-dong)
Pyongsul-li
Paegam (Kuso)
Panghyon (Namsi)
Pukchang-ni (Pukchang-up)
Samjiyon Airport (Sinmusong, Mt.
Paektu Airport)
Sangyang-ni (Koksan Southeast)
*Sinuiju
Sohung South (Sinmak, Sinmak
South)

38 33 08 N; 124 49 56 E
40 21 52 N; 127 15 50 E
38 00 23 N; 125 46 43 E
38 39 27 N; 127 39 01 E
38 39 14 N; 125 47 14 E
40 40 55 N; 128 08 57 E
38 36 45 N; 127 27 06 E
38 28 56 N; 126 51 30 E
38 40 30 N; 126 55 27 E
38 07 49 N; 125 50 55 E
41 14 59 N; 129 33 50 E
40 21 35 N; 128 43 13 E
39 45 10 N; 125 54 05 E
39 09 30 N; 126 02 26 E
39 05 39 N; 127 24 45 E
38 41 21 N; 126 36 11 E
38 38 06 N; 127 59 04 E
38 51 59 N; 127 54 17 E
38 25 30 N; 125 01 08 E
39 43 55 N; 125 06 39 E
41 33 36 N; 129 37 50 E
39 39 10 N; 126 40 08 E
41 08 22 N; 126 21 26 E
38 14 15 N; 126 07 16 E
38 54 36 N; 125 13 56 E
38 53 14 N; 125 16 50 E
37 55 56 N; 125 25 10 E
41 25 42 N; 129 38 53 E
38 43 09 N; 126 43 16 E
41 56 36 N; 128 51 03 E
39 55 37 N; 125 12 30 E
39 30 19 N; 125 57 46 E
41 54 25 N; 128 24 36 E
38 38 34 N; 126 37 58 E
40 05 21 N; 124 24 31 E
38 22 12 N; 126 13 17 E

Sonchon Southwest
39 45 07 N; 124 49 15 E
Sondok (Sondong-ni)
39 44 39 N; 127 28 27 E
Sunan International Airport (Sunan39 12 24 N; 125 40 11 E
up)
Sunan-up Auxiliary (Sunan-up North) 39 14 37 N; 125 40 37 E
Sunchon (Pyong-ni)
39 24 42 N; 125 53 27 E
Sungam-ni
41 40 26 N; 129 40 37 E
Taechon
39 54 11 N; 125 29 19 E
Taetan (Taetan-pihaengjang)
38 07 45 N; 125 14 25 E
Toha-ri North
38 42 10 N; 126 17 28 E
Toksan (hamhung Northeast)
39 59 50 N; 127 36 48 E
*Uiju (Uiju-bihaengjang)
40 09 05 N; 124 29 54 E
Unchon-up
38 32 54 N; 125 20 13 E
Wonsan
39 09 59 N; 127 29 03 E
Yonpo (Soho-dong)
39 47 33 N; 127 32 06 E
Notes:
* Indicates airfields not mapped in Google Earth.

Highway Strips
Ayang-ni
Changyon
Kaechon Southwest (Saamcham
Southwest)
Kangda-ri (Wonsan South)
Kilchu
Kojo
Koksan South
Nuchon-ni
Okpyong-ni
Pyong-ni South
Panghyon south (Namsi South)
Sangwon
Sangwon-ni
Sinhung
Tanchon South
Wongyo-ri (Wondar-ri, Koksan
Southwest)
Yonghung

38 15 06 N; 125 57 53 E
38 13 30 N; 125 08 23 E
39 43 07 N; 125 50 52 E
39 05 54 N; 127 24 11 E
40 55 56 N; 129 18 31 E
38 50 32 N; 127 52 11 E
38 43 56 N; 126 39 36 E
38 13 55 N; 126 15 52 E
39 16 14 N; 127 19 15 E
39 19 16 N; 125 53 52 E
39 53 00 N; 125 09 22 E
38 50 52 N; 126 03 25 E
40 07 20 N; 125 52 17 E
40 10 58 N; 127 32 22 E
40 24 19 N; 128 53 15 E
38 35 45 N; 126 31 35 E
39 32 21 N; 127 17 14 E

Heliports/Helipads
Hoeryong 1
Hoeryong 2
Hwagwan-dong
Kaesong
Kan-chon
Kan-chon South
Kan-chon West
Kosong-dong
Kowon
Kusong

42 26 49 N; 129 45 39 E
42 26 35 N; 129 45 01 E
39 16 00 N; 125 36 00 E
37 58 13 N; 126 30 59 E
40 56 00 N; 129 22 00 E
40 54 00 N; 129 22 00 E
40 56 00 N; 129 21 00 E
39 54 00 N; 129 21 00 E
38 32 00 N; 127 23 00 E
39 38 00 N; 125 12 00 E

Mayang-do
Munhoe-dong
Pyongyang KPN VIP
Pyongyang South
Pyongyang VIP
Pakchon
Pakchon North
Pakchon South
Reception Centre No. 72, VIP
Saekolchon
Samjang-kol
Sepo South
Sonchon Helicopter Base
Taechon
Wonsan VIP
Yonggang-ni Helicopter Base
Yujong-dong

39 59 32 N; 128 12 47 E
40 57 00 N; 129 14 00 E
39 06 42 N; 125 44 10 E
38 57 00 N; 125 43 00 E
39 02 30 N; 125 48 36 E
39 41 00 N; 125 39 00 E
39 43 00 N; 125 39 00 E
39 43 00 N; 125 39 00 E
39 51 39 N; 127 46 35 E
40 58 00 N; 129 13 00 E
39 40 00 N; 127 13 00 E
38 35 00 N; 127 23 00 E
39 55 07 N; 124 50 26 E
39 57 00 N; 125 26 00 E
39 11 10 N; 127 23 43 E
39 29 25 N; 125 59 38 E
40 59 00 N; 129 16 00 E

Airfields Abandoned, Unusable or Status Unknown

Chongjin
Chik-tong
Hyesan-bihaengjang
Kaepung
Mirim n(Pyongyang East)
Pyong-ni West Highway Strip
Pyongyang Southwest Highway
Strip
Panmunjom
Puryong
Taebukpo-ri
Taechon Northwest
Uthachi (Chunghwa)

41 46 51 N; 129 44 54 E
38 43 04 N; 126 40 51 E
41 22 44 N; 128 12 24 E
37 56 00 N; 126 26 30 E
39 01 01 N; 125 50 46 E
39 25 36 N; 125 48 59 E
38 56 14 N; 125 37 47 E
37 57 60 N; 126 35 60 E
42 01 34 N; 129 44 02 E
38 19 60 N; 126 52 18 E
39 59 31 N; 125 21 48 E
38 54 45 N; 125 48 08 E

Equipment in Service
Fixed Wing
Type

Manufacturer

Role

F-5

SAC Shenyang

H-5

HAMC

O-5 IA 'Fantan'

NAMC

Su-25K 'Frogfoot-A'

Sukhoi

F-6

SAC Shenyang

MiG-19 'Farmer'

MiG

MiG-21bis 'Fishbed'

MiG

MiG-21PF 'Fishbed-D'

MiG

MiG-21PFM 'Fishbed-F'

MiG

MiG-23ML 'Flogger-G'

MiG

MiG-29 'Fulcrum-A'

MiG

Fighter - Ground Attack /

Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Fighter - Ground Attack /
Strike
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Utility
Utility
Utility
Utility
Utility
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer

Original
Total
n/a

In Service

First Delivery

125

n/a

n/a

501

n/a

n/a

40

1982

n/a

30

1988

n/a

100

n/a

n/a

n/a2

n/a

n/a

303

1998

n/a

130

1966

n/a

n/a4

n/a

n/a

45

1985

n/a

355

1988

Y-5
SAIC
n/a
200
n/a
An-24 'Coke'7
Antonov
n/a
12
n/a
Il-14 'Crate'7
Ilyushin
n/a
5
n/a
Il-76MD 'Candid'7
Ilyushin
n/a
3
1990
Il-18 'Coot'7
Ilyushin
n/a
2
1965
Il-62M 'Classic'7
Ilyushin
n/a
2
1979
Tu-134 'Crusty'7
Tupolev
n/a
2
n/a
Tu-154B 'Careless'7
Tupolev
n/a
4
1975
Tu-204-300
Tupolev
n/a
2
2007
Su-25UBK 'Frogfoot-B'
Sukhoi
n/a
4
n/a
FT-5
CAC
n/a
25
n/a
CJ-5
HAIC
n/a
100
n/a
CJ-6
NAMC
n/a
n/a2
n/a
FT-6
SAC Shenyang
n/a
n/a6
n/a
MiG-29 'Fulcrum-B'
MiG
n/a
5
1988
MiG-15UTI 'Midget'
MiG
n/a
30
n/a
MiG-21U 'Mongol'
MiG
n/a
30
n/a
MiG-23UB 'Flogger-C'
MiG
n/a
10
n/a
Notes:
1. Total includes some H-5R for reconnaissance
2. Included in total quoted for HAIC CJ-5
3. Obtained from Kazakhstan during 1998-1999
4. Included in total quoted for MiG-21PF 'Fishbed-D'
5. Total includes a few aircraft reportedly assembled locally using components supplied by Russia; a few examples of the
'Fulcrum-C' are also operated
6. Included in total quoted for SAC F-6
7. Operated by Air Koryo, the national air carrier, which is directly subordinate to the KPAF

Rotary Wing
Type

Manufacturer

Role

Mi-24 'Hind'
Mil
Attack
MD-500E
MD
Attack
MD-500D
MD
Utility
Mi-2 'Hoplite' /
PZL (Mil)
Utility
Hyokshin-2
Mi-26 'Halo'
Mil
Utility
Mi-4 'Hound'1
Mil
Utility
Mi-8 'Hip'
Mil
Utility
Notes:
1. Total includes examples of the Chinese-built Z-5 version
2. Total includes those operated by Air Koryo

Original
Total
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

In Service

First Delivery

20
50
15
140

1985
1983
1983
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

4
482
252

n/a
n/a
1986

Original
Total
n/a

In Service

First Delivery

n/a

n/a1

n/a

n/a

n/a2

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Type

Manufacturer

Role

D-5

National
Aeronautical
Institute
Yakovlev

Reconnaissance/Target
Drone

Manufacturer
Vympel
Vympel
Vympel
Vympel
Vympel
Zvezda
Raduga
Zvezda
Zvezda
Raduga
Vympel
CASC 3rd
Academy
Raduga
Zvezda
Nudelman
Kolomna

Role
Air-to-Air
Air-to-Air
Air-to-Air
Air-to-Air
Air-to-Air
Air-to-Surface
Air-to-Surface
Air-to-Surface1
Air-to-Surface1
Air-to-Surface1
Air-to-Surface1
Air-to-Surface1

Pchela-1T
Reconnaissance
Notes:
1. It is thought the D-4 UAV was delivered during the late 1980s
2. It is thought the Pchela-1T was delivered during the late 1990s

Missiles
Type
AA-2 'Atroll'
AA-7 'Apex'
AA-8 'Aphid'
AA-10 'Alamo'
AA-11 'Archer'
AS-7 'Kerry'
AS-9 'Kyle'
AS-10 'Karen'
AS-12 'Kegler'
AS-13 'Kingbolt'
AS-14 'Kedge'
CAS-1 'Kraken'

AS-15 'Kent'
Air-to-Surface
As-17 'Krypton'
Air-to-Surface
AT-2 'Swatter'
Anti-Armor
AT-6 'Spiral'
Anti-Armor
Notes:
1. Unconfirmed
2. The KPAF is known ro have tested an air launched version of
the HY-1 (possibly the Chinese TY-6/C-601) anti-ship cruise
missile usinf an H-5 bomber