North Korea Displays Suspected Copy of German IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile on MiG-29 Fighters

North Korea has unveiled what appears to be an indigenous version of the German IRIS-T air-to-air missile during an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army Air Force, according to Militarnyi on November 30.

The newly revealed missiles, shown mounted on MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft, resemble the aerodynamic configuration of Germany’s IRIS-T as well as Japan’s Type 04 and China’s PL-10E missiles.

The display was reported by North Korea’s state-run KCNA agency, though no technical specifications or official designations were provided.

Based on visual analysis, the missile shown has infrared homing guidance and similar dimensions to existing short-range air-to-air weapons. The German IRIS-T weighs approximately 87 kg and measures 2.94 meters in length, while Japan’s Type 04, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries between 1991 and 2004, is slightly larger and heavier at 3.1 meters and 95 kg.

China’s PL-10E, another likely design influence, has a reported range of up to 20 kilometers and weighs 89 kg.

North Korea’s version appears to share similar mass and geometry—estimated at about 90 kg in weight and 3 meters in length—suggesting a potential engagement range of 15 to 25 kilometers. Rear control surfaces and tail-mounted thrust vectoring also point to design cues common in modern “dogfight” missiles.

According to Militarnyi, the demonstration of the missile took place amid growing military-technical cooperation between North Korea, Russia, and China. Over the past year, Pyongyang has revealed multiple new weapon systems, including another air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that during a November 28 display at Kalma Airbase, North Korea presented Su‑25 aircraft armed with missiles visually resembling the UK‑French Storm Shadow and the UK’s Brimstone systems, based on images released by KCNA.

Help Ukrainian Units Hold the Drone Line

Download APP