North Korea creates analogue of US AIM-120 missile
North Korea has tested an air-to-air missile that visually resembles the US AIM-120. The launch took place from a MiG-29 fighter jet during an exercise that was personally attended by Kim Jong-un.
Here's What We Know
The North Korean Air Force conducted the first launches of a new domestically produced missile. The tests took place during the exercises of the 1st Guards Air Division of the KPA (Korean People's Army), which were attended by DPRK leader Kim Jong-un. The missile was launched from a MiG-29 fighter jet at an air target and successfully hit it. MiG-23 fighters could also have participated in the test.
Later, Kim Jong-un was shown the missile in a static form near another MiG-29. It resembles the American AIM-120A/B and the Chinese PL-12 in shape: similar dimensions, nose shape, aerodynamic rudders, but with unique aft elements.
The missile is likely to have an active homing radar warhead, and its range could be 90-120 km. This may indicate a major breakthrough in North Korean development, as previously only the Soviet R-27 semi-active guidance missiles were in service. In general, it is not yet known how fully the new missile has been integrated into the MiG-29 systems. It is possible that the launch was carried out autonomously, without the involvement of an onboard radar, which limits its combat capabilities.
Source: KCNA
