The DPRK "stole" the US RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV and created its own Saebyeol-4
The DPRK has tested a Saebyeol-4 strategic drone that visually resembles the US RQ-4 Global Hawk. The drone's technical characteristics remain unknown, but image analysis suggests that it uses Chinese J-7 technology.
Here's What We Know
The images of the drone were published by NK News. The Saebyeol-4 was first unveiled in July 2023, but details of its capabilities have not yet been disclosed. The approximate wingspan is 30-35 metres and the fuselage is 10-15 metres long. It is known that its chassis is taken from the Chinese J-7 fighter, which is a copy of the Soviet MiG-21.
It is likely that the drone also uses the engine and some other systems from the J-7, which allowed Pyongyang to develop the drone using off-the-shelf solutions. It is expected to weigh no more than 9 tonnes. The DPRK has more than a hundred J-7/MIG-21s, some of which are likely to be used to create the new drone.
Saebyeol-4. Illustration: KCNA
The Saebyeol-4 is equipped with a satellite communication antenna, which allows it to be controlled from a long distance. However, it remains to be seen whether the North Korean satellite group is able to provide stable communication.
As for the drone's ability to perform strategic reconnaissance tasks, this is questionable. The DPRK does not have access to the advanced optical sensors, navigation systems, and high-speed data transmission used in the original RQ-4 Global Hawk.
Experts speculate that the Saebyeol-4 could be used as an air defence training platform, electronic systems testing, or as a relay drone.
Source: NK News
