The DPRK has completed work on creating an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the Russian Il-76. The aircraft was inspected by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, KCNA reported.
Comrade Kim Jong-un familiarized himself with the characteristics of new intelligence and information gathering assets, and electronic warfare systems developed by North Korean specialists.
Our special assets will play an important role in monitoring potential threats and gathering key information.
Information that North Korea was modernizing the Il-76 for AEW needs appeared in Western media in 2023. Satellites have repeatedly taken pictures of the aircraft at Pyongyang airport.
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Satellites spotted an updated North Korean AEW&C aircraft based on Il-76 in Pyongyang