Russia intends to sell a batch of Soviet fourth-generation MiG-29 multirole fighters to North Korea. The aircraft would enhance the capabilities of the DPRK Air Force. This is according to military analyst Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
Of course, the MiG-29 is not the most advanced aircraft in the world. But it is still a big step forward for North Korea, which has a fleet of old aircraft.
Soviet designers developed the MiG-29 in the 1970s to achieve air superiority. At that time, its competitors were the American F-15 and F-16.
The Mikoyan Design Bureau was tasked with creating a versatile, maneuverable fighter that would outperform American aircraft in terms of its characteristics.
The MiG-29 was planned to be used in close air combat. The aircraft can perform dangerous maneuvers with high G-forces.
The MiG-29's armament is impressive. It carries air-to-air missiles (R-27 and R-73), air-to-ground munitions. The aircraft is also equipped with a 30-mm GSh-30-1 cannon.
According to the expert, impressive design characteristics did not always ensure the MiG-29's superiority in the air. It depended more on the experience and skill of the pilot.
