Category
Latest news

North Korea Tests Domestic Missile That Mirrors American Air-to-Air AIM-120

2 min read
Authors
Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR
North Korea Tests Domestic Missile That Mirrors American Air-to-Air AIM-120
North Korean MiG-29 launches newly developed air-to-air missile. (Source: KCNA)

North Korea has tested a newly developed air-to-air missile that appears to be a reverse-engineered version of the American AIM-120 or the Chinese PL-12, according to images published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 17.

The test launch took place during a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the country’s 1st Guards Air Division. As part of the inspection, he observed an aerial combat training exercise where the missile was launched from a MiG-29 (9.13) fighter jet.

Photos show the missile striking a drone target mid-air, confirming a successful engagement. A second aircraft—likely a MiG-23—also took part in the demonstration. Following the exercise, Kim was shown the missile on display beside a MiG-29 bearing the tail number “553.” The missile itself was marked with the code “ㅈ11009001.”

Kim Jong Un observes North Korea’s new air-to-air missile on display. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un observes North Korea’s new air-to-air missile on display. (Source: KCNA)

Visual analysis of the missile reveals strong design similarities with the AIM-120A/B and the Chinese PL-12, particularly in size and the pointed front canards—a feature typical of both systems. However, the rear control surfaces feature a distinct design not seen in existing models.

Based on its dimensions and nose cone shape, analysts suggest the missile is likely equipped with an active radar seeker, offering performance comparable to its foreign counterparts. Its estimated operational range is between 90 and 120 kilometers.

If confirmed, this would indicate that North Korea has reached a significant technological milestone in air-to-air missile development, moving beyond legacy Soviet-era systems like the semi-active radar-guided R-27.

Visual comparison of PL-12, AIM-120A/B, and North Korea’s new air-to-air missile. (Source: KCNA)
Visual comparison of PL-12, AIM-120A/B, and North Korea’s new air-to-air missile. (Source: KCNA)

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the missile is fully integrated with the MiG-29’s onboard radar and fire-control systems. Observers note that the launch may have relied solely on the missile’s onboard seeker, without direct guidance from the aircraft’s N019 radar.

Earlier, on April 25, North Korea unveiled its first next-generation missile destroyer, Choe Hyon, at the Nampo shipyard. Built in just 400 days, the 5,000-ton warship is equipped with vertical launch systems for strike and air-defense missiles, and reportedly capable of launching nuclear-capable cruise missiles.

During the launch ceremony, Kim Jong Un emphasized the vessel’s strategic importance and warned the US against further military “provocations.”

See all