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
Image source @milinfolive

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
Image source @milinfolive

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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Sources:
@milinfolive
2025-12-02 12:54:19 Andrey Rudkovskiy Military technology Su-25
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