Not without China and Russia: DPRK upgrades its MiG-29s for new high-tech missiles

North Korean propagandists showed footage of an airbase where Kim Jong-un inspected a MiG-29 with new missiles that look visually similar to the US AIM-120.

Here's What We Know

The released footage shows upgraded North Korean MiG-29s and Su-25 attack aircraft. Of particular note is an air-to-air missile similar to the US AIM-120 AMRAAM. The launch of such a missile is also shown, which confirms its actual use.

Modification of old Soviet aircraft dating back to the 1980s seems unlikely without external assistance. The DPRK itself does not have the technology to integrate modern guided missiles into Soviet platforms. The most likely sources of assistance are Russia and China. However, each option has its limitations.

If we are talking about a clone of the Chinese PL-12 (analogue of the AIM-120), it should be remembered that China has never operated a MiG-29 itself. This means that the adaptation of Chinese missiles to Soviet platforms could only be provided by a party with experience with both systems - most likely Russia. Thus, Russia's involvement in the modernisation of North Korean aircraft seems logically justified.

In October 2024, it was reported that North Korean pilots had been sent to Russia for training. In December, it became known that the Kremlin was considering the transfer of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters to the DPRK in exchange for manpower. All of this points to the formation of a new "partnership" between Pyongyang, Moscow and Beijing, albeit an unofficial but very real one.

Source: Defence Express