The DPRK is creating an AWACS aircraft from the Il-76, similar to the Russian A-50U

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North Korea continues to strengthen its defense capabilities. Commercial satellite imagery indicates that work continues at Sunan Airport, Pyongyang's main international air hub, to convert an Air Koryo Ilyushin Il-76 into an aerial early warning platform. The 38North portal signaled this the other day, publishing evidence confirming the activities to create an AWACS aircraft in the DPRK based on the specified aircraft.

The plane in question is one of three Il-76s of Air Koryo. Around October 2023, it was moved to the airport's maintenance area and a fence was erected around it.



If such a modification is completed, the aircraft would be the first platform of its type operated by the North Korean military, enhancing its detection capabilities and complementing its ground-based radar. The work could also be another step in North Korea-Russia cooperation, given its similarities to the Russian A-50U

- says the publication.

Satellite images from Airbus Defense and Space are dated July 15, 2024, meaning they are relatively recent. It was recorded that some equipment was placed next to the fenced aircraft. You can also see the process of installing some equipment exactly where the radar is usually installed when re-equipping transport and passenger aircraft into AWACS aircraft.

The DPRK is creating an AWACS aircraft from the Il-76, similar to the Russian A-50U


The project is part of North Korea's larger program to improve situational awareness, which also includes large UAVs, optical reconnaissance satellites and other assets. In addition, such an AWACS aircraft can find application not only in the air defense/missile defense system, but also when testing missiles. equipment as a tracking aircraft, conducting defensive and offensive operations, it is a very useful tool in the military economy.
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  1. Dmitry Volkov
    Dmitry Volkov
    0
    4 August 2024 15: 55
    Why from the Il-76, it’s easier with the Tu-204 and more economical drinks
    1. smart fellow
      smart fellow
      +2
      4 August 2024 17: 47
      Apparently they received the design documentation for the IL-76, there is no need to invent anything. In addition, Air Koryo has 2 Tu-204 and 2 An-148 modern airliners (they fly to Vladivostok (formerly) and 2 Chinese cities). The IL-76 is still of no use because They are used only for landing during exercises; due to the size of the country, it is stupid to spend scarce kerosene on transporting goods. Their lifespan during the war will be very short and they will not carry any landing force to the target.
  2. AC130 Gunship
    AC130 Gunship
    -1
    5 August 2024 09: 22
    What's the point of copying the design of a product that was 45 years old?
    The whole world is actively moving to non-rotating radars on light carriers. Unless of course you use tube transistors
    1. faiver
      faiver
      +1
      5 August 2024 09: 54
      Well, you can also teach the North Koreans how to build weapons....
  3. AC130 Gunship
    AC130 Gunship
    -1
    5 August 2024 13: 14
    Quote: faiver
    Well, you can also teach the North Koreans how to build weapons....

    They definitely know how to build guns based on drawings and patterns from the 1940s. And life-size papier-mâché copies of American drones for parades
  4. Flight
    Flight
    -1
    11 August 2024 04: 18
    It’s strange why they don’t create airships. The most promising direction. They launched it into the stratosphere and voila, they saved money on satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles and further on the price list.