According to a picture released by the North Korean state news agency on May 17, 2025, North Korea has revealed the development of a new air-to-air missile and aerial bombs converted into precision-guided munitions. These weapons were highlighted during large-scale air force drills attended by the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities.
The newly unveiled air-to-air missile exhibits a design remarkably similar to the Chinese PL-12, a beyond-visual-range active radar-guided missile widely used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The PL-12 is known for incorporating mid-course data-link guidance and active radar homing during the terminal phase, enabling high accuracy and long-range target engagement. Although the official designation of the North Korean missile has not been disclosed, the external design suggests a deliberate attempt to emulate the functionality and capabilities of the PL-12.
Crucially, the missile appears to be intended for integration with the MiG-29 fighter jets, a key platform within the North Korean People’s Army Air Force (KPAAF). These Soviet-era aircraft have traditionally been constrained by limited missile technology and outdated targeting systems. The addition of a radar-guided missile similar to the PL-12 would significantly enhance their combat effectiveness by extending engagement ranges and improving target acquisition. This development represents a tactical leap for the KPAAF, which has long relied on less capable missiles such as the R-23, R-24, and R-27.