- Yes
- No
- North Korean sub-tree in China
- United Korea tech tree
- Other
- I said no
History
In the late 1980s-early 1990s, North Korea received a number of MiG-29s from the Soviet Union / Russia. First deliveries in 1987 included 13 MiG-29 (9.12B) and 2 trainer aircraft, but the last delivery in 1991-1992 was of 10 MiG-29 (9.13B)'s in semi-knocked down kit, requiring construction at Panghyŏn air base upon delivery. The DPRK was the only Cold War export customer and licensed manufacturer of the Fulcrum-C. Only 3 were built however, with Russia abandoning the program after major delays with construction and complications with payment. These 3 aircraft remain in service to this day, as the most advanced fighters in the KPAAF’s arsenal. The first photos of these aircraft were obtained when North Korea intercepted a US RC-135S Cobra Ball over the Sea of Japan in 2003.
Characteristics
The MiG-29 (9.13B), also referred to as the S-13, is a specific export version of the standard 9.13. Much like the standard 9.13, the 9.13B includes the installation of the L-203BE Gardenyia-1 jammer and the associated larger spine, but has downgraded avionics, including the lack of IFF.
North Korea have a wide range of AAMs in their arsenal, including R-60, R-73 and R-27R/ER. This would give the MiG-29 9.13B identical missile loadouts to the in-game MiG-29 9.12 and 9.13s, with potential for R-73 bringing it up to a BR of 12.3-12.7 (although I am not very well informed about top-tier jets, radars, etc. and whether that would be balanced; if someone more knowledgable could give their thoughts, I’d appreciate it!).
- MiG-29 (unknown variant) firing R-60
Otherwise, the North Korean MiG-29 remains identical to the standard MiG-29 9.13. There is some very limited photographic evidence that at least 1 MiG-29 (likely a 9.12, serial number 550) had a modified cockpit, including a new MFD, which may indicate capabilities closer to the MiG-29 SMT.
- MiG-29 cockpit with new MFD
Whether this upgrade also includes the 3 9.13Bs, or whether it went any further than 1 test vehicle, is unknown.
Conclusion
If North Korean aircraft were to be added to the game (in either a North Korean sub-tree, or a United Korean tree), the MiG-29 (9.13B) would be the best they could receive (for now, who knows what they’ll buy/develop in the future). It would either occupy a BR of 12.0, the same as the other MiG-29 9.12/9.13s in game, or could potentially go higher if given R-73s, and thus 12.0 could go to the standard 9.12s that the KPAF also use.
- 12.0, with R-60s and R-27s
- 12.3, with R-73s
- 12.7, with R-73s
- I said no
Specifications
Length: 17.3m
Width: 11.4m
Height: 4.73m
Weight: 18.5t
Engine: 2x Klimov RD-33
Maximum Speed: 2,448km/h
Countermeasures: 60x
Primary Armament: GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon
Suspended Armament: R-27R, R-60, R-73
Images
Note: Images of the 9.13B specifically appear scarce. MiG-29 serial number 555 specifically is a 9.13B, and maybe the only one in public view at the moment, and so the only modern and good detail images I have are of that particular plane.
Sources
Spoiler
The Armed Forces of North Korea: On the Path of Songun – Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans
https://aviationphotodigest.com/korean-peoples-army-air-force/
North Korea indigenous aircraft | Secret Projects Forum
MiG-29戦闘機（ファルクラム）（北朝鮮） - 日本周辺国の軍事兵器 - atwiki（アットウィキ）
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/04/world/north-korea-mig-s-intercept-us-jet-on-spying-mission.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fUrDww5Bc&t=1112s
- Cockpit view, 21:33-21:37