- Recent images show a missile attached to a Su-25 fighter jet, prompting discussions about its nature.
- This missile looks like a cruise missile, recalling the capabilities of Western armaments like the Taurus.
- If confirmed, it could allow North Korea to engage targets from greater distances using its older Soviet fighter jets.
On Sunday, North Korea paraded a fresh air-launched weapon that triggered speculation due to its visual similarities with Western cruise missiles, especially the Taurus from Germany and Sweden.
Despite its appearance, no detailed information came out about what this new missile can actually do.
The introduction of this cruise missile could vastly broaden the operational reach of North Korea’s Su-25 combat aircraft, enabling them to hit significant targets while keeping a safer distance from US and South Korean defenses.
The state media shared photographs of this mysterious missile at Kalma Airfield, coinciding with Kim Jong Un’s ceremonial visit, commemorating the air force’s 80th anniversary.
Another angle from the hangar captured the missile on display alongside a Su-25.
As the missile surfaced during the event, speculation flourished. It could either be a Russian-model weapon, a copy of Western technology, or a staged showpiece to enhance North Korea’s military image.
The missile’s dimensions and rectangular formation suggest a resemblance to cruise missiles like Taurus KEPD-350, alongside other international models like the Storm Shadow from the UK and Anduril’s Barracuda 500M from the US. Usually, cruise missiles are built for precision strikes against fortified targets with substantial warheads.
Interestingly, Russia’s arsenal includes the Kh-59 Mk2, which similarly resembles these missiles.
Even though the North Korean missile has its unique features, one standout trait is a circular sensor on its front, echoing that of the Taurus.
It’s worth noting, South Korea also employs the Taurus, deployable on platforms such as the F-15K Strike Eagles.
The Taurus boasts an official engagement distance of around 300 miles, specifically designed to penetrate deeply buried positions, making it particularly effective against vital installations like bunkers.
Such distance enables Seoul to target North Korean facilities while remaining protected within its territory.
Similar ranges are thought to be achievable by the Storm Shadow and Kh-59 Mk2, although their export configurations often cap at about 155 and 180 miles, respectively. Both can also be equipped for attacks on hard targets.
If North Korea indeed possesses this sort of missile technology, it would trigger a noteworthy enhancement to the strike potential of its Su-25 force.
Traditionally, these attack jets have focused on shorter-range missions, supporting ground operations and executing strikes at lower altitudes.
There’s still no clarity on whether North Korea has actually developed the capability to produce its own air-launched cruise missiles, as there’s been no evidence showing these missiles in operation.
However, there have been repeated observations from Western, Ukrainian, and South Korean sources declaring that Moscow has been supplying advanced military technology and intel to North Korea in exchange for military support in its fight against Ukraine.
This collaboration raises significant alarms in Seoul, which is especially worried about the prospect of transformative upgrades in North Korea’s military capability amidst rising tensions.
During the ceremony that Kim Jong Un presided over, North Korea also displayed an array of other aerial assets, including MiG-29 fighters, reconnaissance drones, and ground missile launch vehicles.
Notably, Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who many speculate is being groomed as a future leader, was also seen at the event.
When approached for comment, Saab, the Swedish company involved in the Taurus program, declined to discuss foreign military capabilities, as did MBDA, their European project partner.
