North Korea Modernized Soviet Su-25s with High-Precision Missiles Based on Iranian Design

DPRK expanded the tactical capabilities of attack aircraft with Hellfire missile clones

At a recent parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the DPRK Air Force, experts' attention was drawn to Su-25 attack aircraft equipped with new high-precision air-to-surface missiles.

Su-25 attack aircraft in the background
Su-25 attack aircraft in the background

Each aircraft's suspension unit carries three compact guided missiles. By their external features and layout, the munitions resemble Iranian Ghaem-114s — a clone of American AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, developed by Tehran based on captured or smuggled samples. If the assumption is confirmed, this will be further evidence of the deepening military-technical cooperation between North Korea and Iran.

Placement of compact guided missiles on aircraft suspensions
Placement of compact guided missiles on aircraft suspensions

The integration of such missiles on the Su-25 significantly expands the tactical capabilities of the attack aircraft: it gains the ability to deliver pinpoint strikes against armored vehicles, fortified positions, and other high-value targets with minimal risk to the crew.

Previously, North Korean Su-25s were mainly equipped with unguided rockets and bombs, which limited their effectiveness in modern combat conditions.

Su-25 "Grach" — a Soviet single-seat attack aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the 1970s for direct support of ground forces.

Some characteristics:

  • length — 15.36 m;
  • height — 4.8 m;
  • weight without ammunition — 9315 kg;
  • wingspan — 14.36 m, area — 30.1 sq. m;
  • maximum speed — 950 km/h;
  • practical range — up to 1250 km;
  • crew — 1 pilot.

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