The DPRK has created its first airborne missile system, but not from scratch, but on the basis of a Soviet analogue
The DPRK has conducted the first tests of its own long-range radar detection aircraft, based on the military transport IL-76. Its design resembles the Soviet A-50, but has significant differences.
Here's What We Know
The state news agency KCNA reported that on 25-26 March, the country's leader Kim Jong-un personally attended a presentation of new North Korean intelligence systems. The aircraft has been under construction for at least two years and, according to official reports, has demonstrated "innovative features" that will help gather intelligence and monitor potential threats.
North Korea's first long-range reconnaissance aircraft: KCNA
Aircraft of this class are capable of monitoring the airspace over long distances and interacting with anti-aircraft systems. For example, the Russian A-50U can detect fighters at a distance of up to 300 km and cruise missiles at a distance of up to 200 km.
Structurally, the new North Korean aircraft has a similar layout to the Soviet A-50, but without some fairings in the nose. The published photos from the control room show a different layout and fewer workstations, which may indicate a higher level of automation.
North Korea's first long-range reconnaissance aircraft: KCNA
The key difference between the Korean design is the antenna design. Whereas Soviet and Russian aircraft have a rotating radar for all-round visibility, the North Korean aircraft is likely to be equipped with three fixed antennas, like its Chinese counterparts. This could limit the view to sectoral areas, but potentially increase the speed of data processing.
Source: KCNA
