North Korea has officially revealed its first airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The plane, based on a Russian-made Il-76 transport aircraft, was shown for the first time this week during a visit by leader Kim Jong Un at Pyongyang International Airport, according to North Korean state media.
Few details have been released about the aircraft’s specifications and capabilities, and its official name remains undisclosed. However, photos circulating on social media show the aircraft featuring a fixed radar dome mounted on the rear fuselage—a design similar to China’s KJ-2000—providing 360-degree radar coverage.
In an event earlier this week at Pyongyang International Airport, attended by Supreme-Leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea unveil its first ever airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, which appears to be based off the Russian A-50 “Mainstay” and Chinese KJ-2000… pic.twitter.com/K1Vhe6go3z
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 27, 2025
Kim personally oversaw the testing of the aircraft, which he said will “play a significant role in monitoring potential threats and gathering critical information.”
Aside from the AEW&C aircraft, Kim also supervised the testing of advanced unmanned military systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) powered suicide drones, which was also unveiled for the first time.
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un touts AI suicide drones, early-warning aircraft (via @Reuters)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test of suicide drones with artificial intelligence technology and said unmanned control and AI capability must be the top priorities… pic.twitter.com/qsmjwDQBoO
— Mike Alderson FRSA (@OpenEyeComms) March 27, 2025
Korean Central News Agency reported that the newly upgraded drones are capable of detecting tactical targets and monitoring enemy movements on land and sea. Kim reportedly said that unmanned systems and artificial intelligence should be top priorities in advancing North Korea’s armed forces.
The rollout comes as North Korea ramped up its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. South Korea’s military said Thursday that North Korea sent 3,000 more troops to Russia in January and February 2025, bringing the total to around 11,000 soldiers. About 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or injured in combat so far.
North Korea has also sent weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles, 170mm self-propelled howitzers, and 240mm multiple rocket launchers. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said more shipments may follow depending on the war situation.
The news comes after Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told state media TASS that Kim’s visit to Russia is being arranged.
