- Yes
- No
- China
- Other
- Not as a sub-tree, but as a full tree (e.g. United Korea tree)
- No
- Shown including Chinese bomber line for reference
Breakdown Of Copy-Paste
Indigenous Plane – 2/16 – 12.5%
- Unknown Bomber
- Il-10/Yak-18 Hybrid
Not in-game, modified – 2/16 – 12.5%
- An-2 – rockets and bombs
- CJ-6 – rockets and bombs
Not in-game, unmodified – 3/16 – 19%
- J-7I – near identical performance to J-7II, different model
- Su-25UBK – identical in performance to Su-25K, but very different model
- MiG-29 (9.13B) – export version of 9.13 designed for North Korea
In-game, modified – 3/16 – 19%
- MiG-15 – new hardpoints
- MiG-17 – new hardpoints, AAMs
- H-5 mod. – new missiles
In-game, unmodified – pure copy-paste – 6/16 – 38%
- Yak-9
- Yak-9P
- La-9
- MiG-21bis
- MiG-23ML
- MiG-29 (9.12B)
Vehicles
Rank I
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ AN-2
Antonov AN-2
Soviet biplane designed post-WWII, with over 18,000 being built. In North Korean service, this biplane is fitted with indigenous rocket pods (20 total), as well as up to 4x 100kg bombs. They are also fitted with radars and MFDs. Some have rocket pods mounted directly downwards. Would play a bit like a faster Po-2.
BR of 1.3-1.7.
Primary Armament: N/A
Suspended Armament: 20x rockets + 4x 100kg bombs
Mobility: 1010hp, 258km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
✪ Unknown Bomber
Unknown Bomber
Suggestion Post
One of only two true indigenous North Korean aircraft, likely derived from the Yak-6. Likely armed with around 5x 100kg bombs (or 2x 250kg bombs in place of 2 of the other bombs) or 10x rockets. Also equipped with a radar.
BR of 1.3.
Primary Armament: N/A
Suspended Armament: 5x 100kg bombs; or 3x 100kg bombs and 2x 250kg bombs; or 10x rockets
Mobility: 1010hp, 258km/h
Rank II
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ Yak-9
Yakovlev Yak-9
North Korea obtained Yak-9’s from the Soviet Union during the Korean War. They were outmatched by their Western counterparts and suffered heavy losses. Unmodified by North Korea, armed with 1x 20mm ShVAK cannon and 1x 12.7mm machine gun.
BR of 3.0. Identical to the one in-game.
Primary Armament: 1x 20mm ShVAK, 1x 12.7mm Berezin UBS.
Suspended Armament: N/A
Mobility: 1260hp, 577km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
N/A
Rank III
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ Il-10/Yak-18 Hybrid
Il-10/Yak-18 Hybrid
Suggestion Post
North Korea’s first truly indigenous aircraft of only two. Has a mixture of features from both the Il-10 ground-attack aircraft and Yak-18 trainer. Has 2x wing-mounted 23mm cannons and 2x 7.62mm machine guns, 1x rear-facing 20mm, and can carry 2x 100kg bombs.
BR of 4.7.
Primary Armament: 2x VYa-23 23mm, 2x ShKAS 7.62mm
Defensive Armament: 1x 20mm B-20E
Suspended Armament: 2x 100kg bombs
Mobility: 1770hp, ~550km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
N/A
Rank IV
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ Yak-9P
Yakovlev Yak-9P
North Korea obtained Yak-9P’s from the Soviet Union during the Korean War – in 1950, it was likely the most numerous fighter in North Korean service. Like other prop planes, it was outclassed almost immediately. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with either 1x 20mm, 1x 23mm or 1x 37mm nose-cannon, as well as 2x 20mm cannons alongside them.
BR of 5.0. Identical to the one in-game.
Primary Armament: 1x 20mm B-20M; or 1x 23mm NS-23; or 1x 37mm N-37; + 2x 20mm B-20S
Suspended Armament:
Mobility:
✪ La-9
Lavochkin La-9
North Korea obtained La-9’s from the Soviet Union during the Korean War. Used to some success, but still outclassed by the majority of US props and jets. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with 4x 23mm cannons.
BR of 6.0. Identical to the one in-game.
Primary Armament: 4x 23mm NS-23
Suspended Armament: N/A
Mobility: 1850hp, 690km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
N/A
Rank V
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ MiG-15
Mikoyan MiG-15
North Korea first acquired these from the Soviet Union during the Korean War. In fact, most MiG-15s were flown with North Korean liveries but Soviet pilots, to disguise Soviet intervention from the US/UN forces (which is why the MiG-15 and MiG-15bis in-game already have North Korean skins). These jets have been modified with additional hardpoints – up to 6 in total. This allows for both 100kg bombs and rocket pods to be carried (such as 4x 100kg bombs and 2x rocket pods), enhancing its ground-attack capabilities. Otherwise, they remain identical to the MiG-15 in-game. They remain in service with the KPAAF to this day.
BR of 8.3.
Primary Armament: 1x 37mm N-37D, 2x 23mm NS-23
Suspended Armament: 4x 100kg bombs, 2x ORO-57 rocket pods
Mobility: 2,086kgf, 1,050km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
✪ H-5 (mod.)
Harbin H-5 (mod.)
North Korea acquired 16 H-5’s (license-produced Il-28’s) from China between 1972 and 1978. These were modified with the ability to carry AShMs, specifically the North Korean Kŭmsŏng-3, a domestic variant of the Soviet Kh-35. These have a gigantic range (130-250km), but it can only carry 2 at a time. They can also be armed with the Chinese Yu-2 torpedo. The rear gunner station was removed. They can also carry the same ordnance as the regular H-5, from 100kg to 3000kg bombs.
BR of 8.3. Foldered with H-5.
Primary Armament: 2x 23mm Type 23-1
Suspended Armament: 100, 250, 500, 1500 or 3000kg bombs; 2x Kŭmsŏng-3; 2x Yu-2
Mobility: kgf, km/h
Rank VI
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ MiG-17
Mikoyan MiG-17
North Korea acquired these from the Soviet Union shortly after the end of the Korean War. These jets have been modified with additional hardpoints – up to 4 in total. This allows for 2 additional bombs (100kg or 250kg) or rocket pods (ORO-57) to be carried, enhancing its ground-attack capabilities. Just like the North Korean Shenyang F-5 already in-game, these MiG-17s are capable of mounting 2x PL-2 missiles on each wingtip. They remain in service with the KPAAF to this day.
BR of 9.3.
Primary Armament: 1x 37mm N-37D, 2x 23mm NS-23
Suspended Armament: 4x 100kg/250kg bombs or 2x ORO-57 rocket pods instead of 2 bombs. 2x R-3S/PL-2 AAMs.
Mobility: 2,450kgf, 1,114km/h
✪ J-7I
Chengdu J-7I
The J-7 is a Chinese license-built MiG-21, with the J-7I in particular being an improved variant. North Korea received the late production variant of these, with a different drag chute position. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with 2x 30mm cannons, and able to carry 500kg bombs, rockets or PL-2 AAMs.
BR of 9.3. Near-identical to the J-7II already in-game.
Primary Armament: 2x 30mm Type 30-1
Suspended Armament: 2x PL-2 AAMs; or 2x 500kg bombs; or 2x ORO-57 rocket pods.
Mobility: 3,484kgf, 2,240km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
✪ Su-7BMK
Sukhoi Su-7BMK
Soviet fighter/fighter-bomber obtained by North Korea in the 1970s – at least 24. Very rarely spotted, as most are located in underground storage. Unmodified by North Korea, armed with 2x 30mm cannons, and with the ability to carry 250kg and 500kg bombs, as well as a number of rockets.
BR of 9.3. Identical to the one in-game.
Primary Armament: 2x 30mm NR-30
Suspended Armament: 6x 250kg bombs; or 4x 500kg bombs; or 6x rocket pods
Mobility: 6,664kgf, 2,232km/h
✪ Su-25UBK
Sukhoi Su-25UBK
36 SU-25K’s and 4 SU-25UBK’s were obtained from the Soviet Union 1987 and 1989 respectively. The SU-25UBK is the trainer variant of the SU-25K, and is capable of mounting the exact same weaponry – the only reason I chose it is because of it’s more unique model, compared to what otherwise would be a copy-paste model. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with 1x 30mm cannon, and the ability to carry a number of bombs, rockets, AGMs (Kh-25, Kh-29s) and AAMs (R-60s), all of which North Korea has.
BR of 10.0. Identical in performance to the SU-25K.
Primary Armament: 1x 30mm GSh-30-2
Suspended Armament: 4x 23mm GSh-23L; or 32x 100kg bombs; or 8x 250kg bombs; or 8x 500kg bombs; or 8x S-24 rockets; or 8x 57mm or 80mm rocket pods; or 4x Kh-25 AGMs; or 2x R-60 AAMs
Mobility: 3,608kgf, 979km/h
Rank VII
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ MiG-21bis
Mikoyan MiG-21bis
30 MiG-21bis were illegally (in violation of international sanctions) acquired from Kazakhstan in 1999. 40 were to be transferred, but 10 were stopped by customs. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with 1x 23mm cannon, and the ability to carry 100, 250, or 500kg bombs, various rocket pods and rockets, as well as R-3, R-13 and R-60M AAMs.
BR of 11.0.
Primary Armament: 1x 23mm GSh-23L
Suspended Armament: 8x 100kg bombs; or 2x 250kg or 500kg bombs; or 4x rocket pods; or 4x S-24 rockets; or 4x R-3 AAMs; or 4x R-13M1 AAMs; or 6x R-60M AAMs
Mobility: 4,040kgf, 2,240km/h
✪ MiG-23ML
Mikoyan MiG-23ML
Up to 40 airframes were delivered by the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s. Most are now in storage, but these aircraft are North Korea’s most numerous fighter armed with BVRAAMs, and as such, very valuable to the KPAAF. Unmodified in North Korean service, armed with 1x 23mm cannon, as well as the ability to carry R-24s, R-60s, AGMs, rocket pods and rockets, and an assortment of bombs.
BR of 11.3.
Primary Armament: 1x GSh-23L 23mm
Suspended Armament: GSh-23L 23mm; 100kg, 250kg, 500kg bombs; S-5, S-8, S-24 rockets; Kh-23M missiles; R-24s and R-60Ms.
Mobility: 8,368kgf, 2,358km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
N/A
Rank VIII
Line 1 – Main KPAAF Line
✪ MiG-29 (9.12B)
Mikoyan MiG-29 (9.12B)
Suggestion Post
North Korea received 13 MiG-29 (9.12B) from the Soviet Union in 1987. This is a downgraded version of the 9.12A for export, as seen in-game with the Hungarian branch. Largely unmodified in North Korean service (at least one plane had an MFD mounted), armed with 1x 30mm cannon as well as the capability to carry R-60s, R-27s, rocket pods and rockets, as well as a variety of bombs.
BR of 12.0.
Primary Armament: 1x GSh-30-1 30mm
Suspended Armament: 6x R-60MK; 6x R-27R; 80x S-8KO rockets; 8x 250kg bombs; 16x 100kg bombs; 6x 500kg bombs; 2x PTB-1150 drop tanks
Mobility: 5,430kgf, 2,452km/h
✪ MiG-29 (9.13B)
Mikoyan MiG-29 (9.13B)
Suggestion Post
North Korea’s most advanced fighter to-date. North Korea received 10 MiG-29 (9.13B) from the Soviet Union in 1991-1992. This was a specific export variant of the 9.13 designed for North Korea. Unmodified in North Korean service armed with 1x 30mm cannon as well as the capability to carry R-73s, R-60s, R-27s, rocket pods and rockets, as well as a variety of bombs.
BR of 12.3-12.7.
Primary Armament: 1x GSh-30-1 30mm
Suspended Armament: 6x R-73; 6x R-60MK; 6x R-27R; 80x S-8KO rockets; 8x 250kg bombs; 16x 100kg bombs; 6x 500kg bombs; 2x PTB-1150 drop tanks
Mobility: 5,430kgf, 2,452km/h
Line 2– Combined Bomber/Strike Aircraft Line
N/A
Premium
Rank I
✪ CJ-6
Nanchang CJ-6
Chinese trainer derived from the Yak-18A. In North Korean service, this biplane is fitted with indigenous rocket pods (20 total), as well as up to 2x 100kg bombs.
BR of 1.3-1.7.
Primary Armament: 2x 7.62mm machine guns
Suspended Armament: 20x rockets + 2x 100kg bombs
Mobility: 286hp, 300km/h
History of the KPAAF
The KPAAF (sometimes shortened to KPAF) was founded just after the liberation of Korea from Imperial Japanese rule, and was formally founded on 20th August 1947. The KPAAF was initially equipped with Japanese fighters left over from their occupation, which were quickly replaced by Soviet WWII fighters. At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, North Korean pilots were quickly outmatched by the superior US/UN forces. The Soviet Union supplied North Korea with better planes during the war, such as MiG-15s, but the majority were still WWII props like the Il-10 or Yak-9. North Korean, Chinese and Soviet pilots all flew the MiG-15 throughout the war.
After the Armistice in 1953, the KPAAF began to receive newer and better jets from the Soviet Union. This started with the MiG-17, but also included the MiG-15bis, Il-28s, and Yak-18 trainers. In the 1960s, the KPAAF received MiG-19s and their first MiG-21s, introducing AAMs to the North Koreans. In the 70s and 80s the KPAAF received more Chinese planes, including their license-produced Il-28s (H-5) and MiG-21s (J-7). It was around this time that North Korea developed their first indigenous plane, which was a failure and only saw around 4 produced.
Their imports continued after the Sino-Soviet split, with North Korea becoming more reliant on China for equipment. Near the end of the Cold War, North Korea received MiG-23s, Su-25s and MiG-29s from the Soviet Union – the most advanced fighters and strike aircraft in North Korea’s arsenal.
In the early 2000s, North Korea approached Russia about sales of the Su-27 and Su-30MK2, and China about the J-10 and J-11. In 2011-2015, they asked Russia about the Su-30 and Su-35, and China about the JH-7, but all of these fell through, leaving them with the MiG-29 for years to come (and with no indication of a replacement anytime soon). From around the 1980s-2000s, North Korea upgraded a few jets, mostly with just additional hard-points, but they also enabled their MiG-17s/F-6s to fire AAMs.
The KPAAF in 2024 is, to put it frankly, a mess. Their equipment is antiquated and breaking down, and no-one seems willing to arm them with better planes. They even struggle to obtain spare parts for engines. Many planes are in disrepair, and the bulk of their air force consists of slightly modified jets from the 50s and 60s. In a second Korean War, they would be utterly outmatched by superior South Korean and US fighters and air defences.
However, their top fighters are also the top fighters currently in-game. This makes North Korea a perfectly viable suggestion, from Rank I all the way to Rank VIII.
Place in the Game
Alongside a North Korean ground forces sub-tree, this tree would provide a way for various unique North Korean vehicles to enter the game, and bolster the Chinese tree in the process (another option being a United Korean tree). This tree provides a few unique planes, as well as North Korean modifications to existing jets.
I hope you support it!
Roundels/Insignia + Camouflage
Camouflage
Coming Soon
Sources
Spoiler
- Not an exhaustive list
The Armed Forces of North Korea: On the Path of Songun – Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans
The An-2: N. Korea’s surprisingly capable Soviet-era biplane | NK News
North Korean Yak-9? | Aircraft of World War II - WW2Aircraft.net Forums
https://www.jetsofthecoldwar.co.uk/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-15-fagot/
https://aviationphotodigest.com/korean-peoples-army-air-force/
