What forces does North Korea have (21 photos). North Korean Armed Forces

After the Iraqi Navy and the Bulgarian Air Force, I decided to devote the next block of articles to an equally unexplored topic - the Korean People's Army (KPA). The DPRK itself is a mystery country, and what the KPA is armed with is even less known. so I’ll start with small arms.

The armed formations of the Korean anti-Japanese resistance were armed primarily with captured Japanese: 9-mm Hino "type 26" revolvers mod. 1893, 8-mm Nambu pistols mod. 1925 and 1934; 7, 7-mm rifles "Arisaka" "type 99" mod. 1939, 6.5 mm light machine guns"type 96" arr. 1936 and "type 97" mod. 1937, 7, 7-mm heavy machine guns "type 92" model 1932

Japanese revolver "Hino" "type 26" mod. 1893

Japanese pistol "Nambu" type 14 mod. 1925

Japanese 7, 7-mm rifle "Arisaka" "type 99" mod. 1939

Japanese 6.5-mm light machine gun "Nambu" (Type 96) mod. 1936

Japanese 7, 7-mm heavy machine guns "type 92" model 1932

The partisan detachments operating on the border with China and in Manchuria were armed with Chinese weapons: 7.63 mm Mauser K-96 pistols (for example, the Mauser K-96 was the personal weapon of Kim Il Sung), 7.92 mm rifles Mauser arr. 1898 and its Chinese copy of the Chiang Kai-shek Mauser, 7.92 mm ZB vz.26 light machine guns, purchased in large quantities by China from Czechoslovakia in the pre-war period.

North Korean painting depicting Kim Il Sung and his wife Kim Jong Suk firing Mausers at the advancing Japanese

Chinese copy 7.92 mm German rifle"Mauser 98" - "Mauser "Chiang Kai-shek"

Machine gun Zbrojovka Brno ZB vz.26

After the defeat Soviet troops The Japanese created people's militia units, which later became the backbone of the Korean People's Army, the creation of which was officially announced on February 8, 1948, that is, seven months before the proclamation of the DPRK itself (September 9, 1948).

Soviet small arms began to enter service with both the people's militia and the established KPA: 7.62 mm TT pistols mod. 1933 and 7, 62-mm Nagan revolvers mod. 1895, 7, 62-mm pistols, machine guns PPSh-41 and PPS-43; 7.62 mm repeating carbines mod. 1938 and arr. 1944; 7.62 mm Mosin repeating rifle mod. 1891 – 1930; 7.62 mm self-loading rifle SVT-40 mod. 1940; 7.62-mm light machine guns DP (DP-27) mod. 1927 and DPM arr. 1944; 7.62-mm company (light) machine gun RP-46 mod. 1946; 7.62 mm heavy machine gun SG-43 mod. 1943; 7.62 mm heavy machine gun "Maxim" mod. 1910 and a 12.7-mm heavy machine gun DShK mod. 1938

Thus, in March 1950, the USSR decided to supply the following small arms to the DPRK:
7.62 mm rifle mod. 1891/30 - 22,000 units;
7.62 mm carbines mod. 1938 and arr. 1944 - 19,638 units;
7.62 mm sniper rifles– 3000 pcs.
7.62-mm light machine guns "DP" - 2325 pcs.;
7.62-mm heavy machine guns "Maxim" - 793 pcs.;
14.5 mm PTRS anti-tank rifles – 381 pcs.

And in total, before the start of the Korean War, more than 300 thousand rifles were supplied, more than 100 thousand carbines, more than 110 thousand submachine guns, more than 36 thousand machine guns (light, heavy and anti-aircraft).

Soldiers of the Korean People's Army during the Korean War of 1950-1953:

1. Sergeant in summer field uniform, 1950.

2. Private in winter field uniform, 1950 (The picture is controversial; the use of SKS in Korea is unlikely).

3. Colonel in service uniform, 1952.

During the Korean War, Chinese copies of Soviet weapons arrived in the DPRK from China: pistols "type 51" and "type 54" (TT), submachine guns "type 50" (PPSh) and "type 54" (PPS), light machine guns " type 53" (DPM), as well as a copy of the American M-3A1-"type 36" submachine gun

student members of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Guard (RKKG) with Chinese Type 36 submachine guns at a parade in honor of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, July 28, 2013

In the DPRK itself, the production of PPSh-41 under the designation “Type 49” and PPS-43 was established.

After the end of the Korean War, the KPA continued to receive both Soviet and Chinese weapons, as well as weapons of its own production. In the DPRK itself, the production of pistols, self-loading carbines, machine guns, light machine guns, and anti-tank grenade launchers was established. Thus, currently the North Korean military-industrial complex independently produces 11 types small arms and its annual production capacity is estimated at 200 thousand units.

Let's move on to the products they produce:

The main personal self-defense weapon of KPA officers is the Type 68 pistol, created on the basis of the Soviet TT. Its production began in 1968. It is shorter and more bulky than the TT or the Chinese analogues of the Type 51 and Type 54 TTs. They are easily distinguished by the presence of notches in the rear of the bolt of the Type 68 pistol. The internal mechanisms have undergone major changes. The swinging earring under the breech of the barrel has been replaced by a cam cut into the lug under the chamber, according to the principle used in the Browning High Power pistol. The magazine latch has been moved to the outer lower end of the handle. The TT magazine fits this pistol except for the mismatch of the catch cutout. The firing pin is held in the bolt by a plate rather than a cross pin as in the TT. The shutter lag has been significantly strengthened. The disadvantage of the pistol is that the radius of the arc is too large at the rear of the frame at the junction of the bolt and the handle, which puts a lot of pressure on the shooter’s hand between the thumb and forefinger. This cannot be corrected without a major change in the design of the trigger mechanism. The locking method is according to the Browning High Power scheme. Currently, production of the Type 68 pistol has been discontinued.

TACTICAL - TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Caliber - 7, 62 mm
The cartridge used is 7.62x25 TT
Initial bullet speed - 395 m/s
Weapon length - 182 mm
Barrel length - 100 mm
Height - 132 mm
Weight - 0.79/0.85 kg
Magazine capacity - 8 rounds

Based on the Browning pistol of the 1900 model, the Type-64 pistol is produced, using the Browning 7.65 × 17 HR cartridge. With the exception of the name, the Korean pistol is completely consistent with its prototype.

The automatic action of the Type 64 pistol is based on the use of recoil energy. It has a fixed barrel and a massive bolt. The return spring is located above the barrel. The magazine holds 7 rounds. Sighting device stationary, lethal range - 30 m. The safety is located on the left side of the handle and is activated by the thumb right hand. In addition to the standard model, there is a version with a silencer that is screwed onto the barrel thread. This weapon has a shortened bolt body.

Caliber - 7.65 mm
The cartridge used is 7.65x17HR
Initial bullet speed - 290 m/s
Weapon length - 171 mm
Barrel length - 102 mm
Weapon height - 122 mm
Curb weight - 0.624 kg
Magazine capacity - 7 rounds

Pistol Baekdusan ("Pektusan") - a North Korean copy of the Czechoslovakian pistol CZ-75

TACTICAL - TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Caliber - 9 mm
The cartridge used is 9×19 mm Parabellum
Initial bullet speed - 315 m/s
Weapon length - 206 mm
Barrel length - 120 mm
Weapon height - 138 mm
Weight in running order - 1.12 kg
Magazine capacity - 15 rounds

Baekdusan pistol

"reward version" of the Baekdusan pistol

In addition to pistols of our own production, Soviet PMs and their Chinese copy, Type 59, are in service.

Chinese PM clone - "Type 59"

The DPRK special forces units are armed with the Czechoslovakian Vz submachine gun. 61 "Scorpio" and its modification with a silencer.

mannequin at the Seoul War Museum depicting a North Korean underwater saboteur with a Vz submachine gun. 61 "Scorpio"

The PPSh-41 and PPS-43 submachine guns, as well as their Chinese and North Korean copies, as well as Chinese copies of the American M-3A1-"Type 36" have now been withdrawn from service and transferred to units of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Guard (RKKG), which is the North Korean equivalent of the people's militia.

North Korean female members of the RKKG with PPS-43 submachine guns at a parade in honor of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, July 28, 2013

In the DPRK, the Soviet SKS-45 self-loading carbine was also produced under the designation “type-63”. The carbine was produced in three versions: with a needle bayonet, similar to the Chinese "Type 56", with a blade bayonet, with an elongated barrel, equipped with a barrel grenade launcher, similar to the Yugoslav Zastava M59/66 carbine. Moreover, unlike the Yugoslav version, the North Korean version had a barrel attachment for firing rifle grenades that could be removed. Currently, Type 63 carbines are being removed from KPA service and transferred to the RKKG, and are also used as ceremonial weapons.

North Korean self-loading carbine "Type 63"

KPA honor guard with Type 63 carbines in “ceremonial” performance

Of course, the main small arms of the KPA is the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The first to appear were Chinese copies of the AK-47 under the designation "Type 56".

Chinese copy of AK-47-"Type 56"

The North Korean comrades were satisfied with the machine guns they received, and already in 1958, state plant No. 22 began producing copies of the Soviet AK-47 called “Type-58” and its landing version “Type 58B”, made of stamped steel with a folding butt.

North Korean copy of AK-47 - Type 58 assault rifle

KPA soldiers with Type 58 machine guns

Production machines North Korea They were quite rough in the quality of their finish, however, like their Soviet counterparts, they were quite reliable and fired in any conditions.
In 1968, the DPRK weapons factories launched production of a modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle called “Type 68” and its version with a folding stock “Type 68B”. The North Korean AKM differed from the prototype in that its trigger was more curved. The folding metal shoulder rest had a different shape, while the "Type 68B" was lighter than any modification Soviet machine gun AKMS.

KPA soldiers with Type 68 machine guns

North Korean soldier on duty with a "ceremonial" version of the Type 68B assault rifle

Some Type 68 assault rifles were equipped with a barrel attachment that allowed them to fire rifle grenades, similar to the Yugoslav version of the AKM Zastava M70.

According to rough estimates, at least 50 million units of Type 58, Type 68 assault rifles and their modifications have been produced in the DPRK, and this is in a country with a population of about 25 million people. Currently, these samples are being actively removed from KPA service and transferred to the RKKG, being replaced by a copy of the AK-74, chambered for 5.45x39 mm, which has become the main small arms of KPA soldiers, the production of which began in 1988 under the designation “Type 88”.

For a long time, due to the fact that the leaders of the WPK (Workers' Party of Korea) were stubborn people and did not have the spirit of bargaining characteristic of the Romanian or Chinese leadership, North Korean weapons were very rare in the world. However, in Lately Due to a catastrophic shortage of freely convertible currency, the DPRK began to quite actively sell off stocks of 7.62x39 mm assault rifles.
"Type 88" (other sources have the designation "Type 98") is a copy of the AK-74, but there are minor changes in the design: a different shape of the butt, variant Type 88A (analogous to the AKS-74), similar to the GDR MPi-74, metal magazines identical in design to stamped magazines of an AK assault rifle.

Some of the machine guns have a wooden frame, and some of the weapons have plastic fittings, like the AK-74M. That is, most likely, imported from Russia. On the early versions, the fore-end was wooden, the butt was plastic. On modern versions Both the forend and butt are plastic.

Possibility of mounting underbarrel grenade launcher"Type 88" (copy of GP-25 "Koster").

Once again, I draw your attention to an interesting phenomenon - in the DPRK army, ceremonial units, as well as distinguished soldiers, have polished chrome-plated weapons.

a distinguished soldier of the KPA army with a chrome-plated Type 88 assault rifle, given to him by Kim Jong-un, when visiting a military unit

Various types of sights have been created for Type 88 assault rifles in the DPRK.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with a Type 88 assault rifle with an optical sight

However, recently the North Koreans again managed to surprise the whole world. Photos have appeared in which Kim Jong-un, the leader of the DPRK, communicates with the people, and is accompanied by military personnel armed with unusual machine guns with auger magazines made in the form of a long cylinder.

Experts believe that this weapon is nothing more than a North Korean variation on the AK theme. Gun blog TFB estimates the new auger magazine capacity is 75-100 rounds. There are no details yet regarding this North Korean modification of the Kalashnikov-type assault rifle. In particular, it is not known whether the North Korean leader’s security guns are equipped with auger magazines or whether this is a common combined-arms modification.

In a screw magazine, the cartridges are arranged parallel to its axis in a spiral. In such a magazine, cartridges are fed forward by bullets along a special spiral guide (auger) additionally charged by a spring. Screw magazines have the highest relative capacity.

Unit fighters special purpose When infiltrating South Korean territory, the DPRK uses unlicensed Chinese copies of American M-16-CQ 5.56 automatic rifles and Colt M4-CQ-M4 (5.56) carbines.

Thus, among the weapons of dead North Korean special forces from a submarine carrying out a reconnaissance mission in the territorial waters of South Korea, and through negligence, which ran aground near the coast near the city of Gangneung on the night of September 18, 1996, a North Korean submarine, in addition to Kalashnikov assault rifles, were found Chinese assault rifles CQ 5.56.

North Korean sailors and special forces decided to break through to their homeland, but were spotted by a local taxi driver. For weeks, tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers combed the surrounding mountains in search of them. 12 North Korean special forces and 5 submarine crew members were killed, and the surrounded North Koreans committed suicide. By the way, none of the special forces themselves surrendered. With incredible difficulty, the armada of pursuers managed to capture only one of the northerners' team - Li Kwang-su. The South Koreans suffered incomparably greater losses - the total number of victims was close to 140, with a ratio of almost 1:1 in terms of the number of killed and wounded, in addition, 4 American soldiers died. Several years later, according to information leaked to the South Korean press from local intelligence, it became known that the only North Korean special forces soldier who survived from that ill-fated boat, even after being wounded in the stomach, managed to pass through the heavily fortified demilitarized zone and return to his homeland, where he was accepted as hero. Moreover, the submarine crew itself, as we are now sure, was shot immediately after landing on the shore by their own special forces. Probably the commandos thought that the sailors, due to their poor physical fitness, would not be able to make the way back and might surrender. The government of the Republic of Korea paid the taxi driver who discovered the North Koreans a reward of several hundred thousand dollars.

The ending follows...

Based on materials from sites:
http://alternathistory.org.ua
http://tsdr.ru
http://sony-es.livejournal.com
http://www.flashpoint.ru

The reality of military conflict, not to say war, including nuclear war, on the Korean Peninsula these days is unusually great. And it threatens not to be limited to armed clashes between southerners and northerners at the 38th parallel, separating the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. The United States openly declares that the “era of strategic patience” is over and is drawing aircraft carrier strategic groups to the region. The DPRK responds by showing a figurine from Pyongyang that looks more like a fist, declaring that it will continue nuclear tests. What is it, the military power of North Korea? We must pay tribute to the courage of the North Korean people: they are openly threatened with blows from the most powerful army in the world, and in Pyongyang on April 15 a grandiose military parade is being held in honor of the 105th anniversary of the birth of the first leader of the DPRK Kim Ir Sena. On which, among other things, a new ballistic missile for submarines, Pukkuksong-2, is demonstrated. They say that American President Donald Trump, a big fan of various kinds of shows, was so impressed by what he saw that he even slowed down the start of military action against the DPRK. As with any joke, there is some truth here. Despite the fact that a large share of the weapons of the North Korean army consists of very outdated Soviet and Chinese military equipment, Pyongyang has something more modern, including a nuclear one. Let's return to the parade in Pyongyang. It showcased North Korea's newest Pokphunho tank, which has been called "the most secret tank in the world," although it is just a modernization of the T-72M, equipped with a 125 mm cannon. New long-range 170-mm self-propelled artillery unit M1989 "Koksan". 300 mm system volley fire(American designation KN-09) with guided missiles with various warheads - an analogue of the Russian Smerch MLRS and the Chinese PHL-03. An air defense system similar to the Russian Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system.
Several types of ballistic missiles were also demonstrated, including the aforementioned Pukkyukson, which, according to their characteristics, are capable of overcoming the American missile defense system being deployed in South Korea. And here’s something else that military observers noticed: at the last military parade in Pyongyang, there were no outdated models of tanks and artillery systems, which gave rise to irony in Seoul and Washington. Missiles, including new ones, predominated. “The North Korean army cannot be called the most powerful in terms of technical equipment, even in the southeastern region,” says Leonid Ivashov, president of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems. “It is undoubtedly inferior to neighboring China, Japan, and, with American support, South Korea. But this is purely theoretical; it is not for nothing that this army is called the strongest in the world. With a population of approximately a million people, its mobilization resource is capable of increasing the composition of the armed forces to eight million well-trained fighters in a matter of hours. Let’s not discount the powerful ideological training that allows us to believe that these people will go for barbed wire and machine guns without hesitation , there is a high probability of self-sacrifice, when every person can become a “living bomb”. Unlike the pampered and spoiled South Korean soldier, the North Korean soldier is unpretentious, hardy, and capable of fighting in any weather and climatic conditions.
One cannot be completely skeptical about the military-technical potential of the DPRK army, which possesses all the main components of a modern army. Among them, in addition to traditional tank and artillery troops, there are very powerful air defense, air force, naval and strategic weapons. rocket troops(since 2012), and since 2017 also Special Tactical Forces. The nuclear component only increases this potential. The imperfection of the launch vehicles, of course, does not allow them to “reach” continental North America, but the North Koreans are able to hit South Korea and Japan with their missiles. Moreover, they will immediately use all types of weapons in the event of a real threat to their own security. This is a deterrent to American aggression.” In the event of hostilities, the DPRK Ground Forces can immediately deploy 20 corps, which include 12 infantry, four mechanized, armored, two artillery and the capital defense corps (Pyongyang). 27 infantry divisions, 15 tank and 14 mechanized brigades, a brigade of operational-tactical missiles, 21 artillery brigades, nine MLRS brigades, and a tactical missile regiment will go into battle.
The “Tank Fist” (3,500 units) is mostly represented by the Soviet T-64 and T-72, as well as its own modifications of these armored vehicles. The same can be said about infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, artillery and anti-aircraft guns, ATGM installations, and MANPADS. Some of the weapons are made in China. The Air Force is represented by approximately 600 combat aircraft. Most of them are modernized MiG-17, MiG-19 and MiG-21. The Su-25 attack aircraft and multi-role fighters are in service. fourth generation MiG-29 in the amount of 20 pieces. Of the helicopters, the most popular is the Soviet Mi-2 (140 vehicles); in addition to the transport and combat Mi-8, there are also more than two dozen attack Mi-24.
There are also about 80 American light multipurpose Hughes-500 helicopters (the civilian version of the OH-6 Keyuse), the military use of which can only be considered as reconnaissance helicopters. By the way, the only weapons the DPRK does not independently produce are helicopters and airplanes, although if components are available, it is also capable of assembling them. In the event of an attempt to penetrate into the airspace of the DPRK, the enemy will have to face a powerful air defense system, but equipped with outdated anti-aircraft installations. It is armed with both anti-aircraft artillery systems - 100-mm guns, anti-aircraft installations ZSU-57 and ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”, as well as S-75, S-125, S-200 air defense systems, mobile complexes “Kub” and “Strela-10”. Significant disadvantage air defense North Koreans is the lack of modern anti-aircraft missile systems, at least at the S-300 level.
The DPRK is covered from the sea by two fleets - Eastern and Western. With a total number of approximately 650 ships, the Navy has five guided missile corvettes, 18 small anti-submarine ships, as well as more than 400 various types of boats - torpedo, artillery and landing craft. The submarine fleet is represented by Project 633 diesel submarines (produced in the Soviet Union in the late 50s of the last century), equipped with anti-ship missiles of the P-15 Termit type, also Soviet-made from the same period, as well as small submarines of the San- O" of North Korean production. The missile armament of the DPRK army is represented by a wide range of ballistic tactical missiles of small and medium range, capable of striking targets at a distance from 100 to the stated 4000 km. One of them, the Hwasong-11 single-stage solid-propellant missile, is an analogue of the Tochka-U missile system, the own production of which was launched in North Korea in 2005.
All other missiles also have a “Soviet component” at their core: they were copied from either Russian or Chinese missiles. The DPRK's most serious bid is the Hwasong-13 intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 5,500–6,000 km. However, it can only fly as far as the American Anchorage in Alaska, without posing a threat to large cities in the United States. There will definitely not be a quick and victorious war in North Korea - its potential will allow it to conduct a deterrent defense even against such a serious enemy as the United States. At the same time, having received the call, the DPRK will immediately begin a ground offensive operation in the direction of Seoul. And, which is fraught with very serious consequences, he will use, albeit still imperfect, nuclear weapons that are capable of long years leave “atomic phonation” throughout the region. Americans will think a hundred times before they decide on another “public flogging” of a country that does not fit into the US world order.

Today North Korea is perhaps one of the last openly totalitarian states. In a fairly democratic world, this state of affairs is especially noticeable. All aspects of the life of society and the state - politics, ideology, economics, culture - speak about the peculiarities of the country's life.

The structure of North Korea, militarized to the limit, is now especially dangerous due to its unpredictability. And this state has a 17-kilometer border with Russia. How strong is the North Korean army? How many military personnel are already in full readiness, and how many citizens are ready to take up arms?

Information problem

The North Korean army is completely classified, like the country itself. All information about the number of military personnel and available equipment is quite approximate. As a rule, this data is either official, that is, practically made public to deceive the enemy, under which the whole world is designated, or from the yellow press and secret structures - sources that also cannot be particularly trusted. However, there is nothing to choose from, since there are virtually no other sources with information about the North Korean army.

Army

The fact that the country has a frankly weak economy for a number of reasons has been known to the whole world for the last half century. There is nothing to discuss here, since the shift in the assessment of the development vector to positive or negative side won't change anything. However, the military structure of the DPRK, known as the Korean People's Army, is among the most powerful on the planet. Disciplined, having been in a pre-war environment for decades, and having a clear structure that corresponds to modern realities, it can turn out to be a tough nut to crack even for leaders such as the USA, China or Russia.

Even a comparison of the armies of North and South Korea shows how strong the DPRK's armed forces are.

Ideology

Of course, the main factor of military power is the quantitative composition of experienced personnel and modern equipment. But the moral level of the DPRK army and the effectiveness of the ideology that supports the desire to fight against the enemy in soldiers and officers cannot be belittled.

The leading ideological appeals of the DPRK are the Juche ideas. Literally, “chu” means “person, possessor,” and “che” means “natural, natural.” That is, “Juche” indicates a situation where a person can be the owner of both himself and the whole world in general, or, more briefly and literally, “reliance on one’s own strength.” North Korean ideology in the DPRK and to some extent in the USSR was considered the ideas of Marxism-Leninism combined with Asian philosophy.

However, we are not talking here about theoretical postulates, which are also quite controversial, but about the fact that in North Korea there is an official ideology that is extremely widespread among the population and serves as a support for the ruling regime.

The term "songun", that is, "everything for the army", is a practical aid to Juche. It defines the KPA as the leading force in all state affairs and in the division of national wealth. “The army is in the leading place” is the main thesis of the top leadership of North Korea, which is consistent in everything:

1. In the political sphere of the state: “The army is in a leading position in politics.”
2. In the national economy: “The army is in a leading position in economic activity.”
3. In the ideological sphere: “The army has a leading position in ideology.” This principle is central to the entire ideological concept.

Songun identifies the armed forces in the country as a structure with state functions that occupies leading positions in the state. According to the ruling elite, the army in North Korea is the “Great Repository of Power.”

Number

The lack of reliable information especially affects the determination of the size of the North Korean army. Most sources on the Internet start from 1 million people as a certain milestone. But otherwise the data varies from 850 thousand to one and a half million and above. At the same time, the army has a very modest budget. So, in 2013 it reached only five billion dollars. Compared to world leaders, this level is extremely low.

However, according to experts, the army of this country is currently in fourth position (some, however, give it fifth) on the planet in terms of its numbers. International experts sometimes give it primacy in this indicator even in comparison with Russia.

The reserve is approximately 4 million more soldiers and officers. The mobilization reserve numbers 4.7 million soldiers and officers, mob resources - 6.2 million soldiers and officers, and about 10 million soldiers and officers fit for army service. And this is with a population of North Korea of ​​almost 25 million people. Thus, approximately half of North Koreans can serve in the country's army. It will be difficult for the conquerors, unless there is betrayal, as was the case with Gaddafi in Libya or Hussein in Iraq.

These large armed forces are constantly on alert. Over the past decades, the DPRK has become a continuous militarized camp, tensely awaiting attack from long-time enemies.

In the face of the enemy

Another conflict between the leadership of the United States and North Korea occurred in August of this year. Korea threatened to launch ballistic missiles, China and Russia called on state leaders for peaceful dialogue and solving problems exclusively in verbal form. Together with South Korea it was proposed to develop a common concept further actions. So far the conflict is in a sluggish phase, but that is not the point. Over the course of several days of tension, more than 3.5 million people voluntarily enlisted in the North Korean army - this does not count those who are already in the ranks of the army. “In the face of the enemy,” North Koreans are ready to unite and fight.

Military service

The country has developed a system of compulsory military service, according to which all residents must serve. The conscription age is 17 years. It is still almost impossible to deviate from service. How many serve in the army in North Korea? The service time in general is 5-12 years, which is radically different from other countries.

The women's issue in the army is resolved differently. Until recently, representatives of the fair sex could only serve as volunteers. Their service time until 2003 was 10 years, then - 7. But currently there is evidence that women will also be required to undergo compulsory military service. Women will serve until they are 23 years old.

It is precisely this policy that leads to great specific gravity persons liable for military service. Moreover, the significant birth rate, despite a number of nuances, leads to the fact that there are many people of military age in the DPRK.

Structure of the armed forces

To date, 5 military branches are directly included in the structure of the DPRK army. Among them, ground forces stand out in size. Some sources include other structures that are quite small.

Most military branches are united into several lines of defense.

The first one is located on the border with South Korea. With the outbreak of a potential war, these troops are required to break through the enemy’s border line or prevent enemy formations from breaking into the rear areas of the country.

The next line of defense is located almost immediately behind the first. It combines infantry and mobile units. His activities are directly dependent on the current situation. If the DPRK begins hostilities, then the troops of the second line will begin to advance deep into the enemy’s defenses, right up to entering Seoul. When their country is attacked, the second line is obliged to eliminate enemy breakthroughs with counterattacks.

The purpose of the third line is to protect the country's capital. In addition, it will be the training and reserve basis for the first two milestones.

The last frontier is located on the border with neighboring states. It is classified as a training reserve unit. It is also called the “echelon of last hope.”

The structure of the army was clearly copied from the Soviet one. This is also evident from the ranks of the North Korean army. They correspond to the Soviet rank system, and all innovations come from already existing titles.

Ground troops

North Korea's ground forces have recently, according to some sources, reached a strength of just over 1 million troops. The structure of the troops includes 20 corps (more than half are infantry), which include dozens of subunits and units. There are more than 3.5 thousand tanks and over 0.5 thousand light tanks, over 20 thousand artillery systems in service different types and missiles, approximately 10 thousand MANPADS.

Air Force

The North Korean army has strong air cover. At the end of the twentieth century, the country's aviation and air defense were united into several air divisions (three combat, two military transport and one training).

They included more than 100 thousand people. There are over 1 thousand combat vehicles in service. Consequently, the DPRK's aviation structure may be one of the largest in the world. A significant part of the equipment is improved Soviet and Chinese aircraft of quite old models, but there are also modern types.

A strong air defense system includes more than 9 thousand anti-aircraft artillery systems of all types. A big disadvantage of North Korean air defense is the predominance of outdated systems.

Naval forces

Part naval forces North Korea includes two formations: the Eastern and Western fleets. The ships are mainly designed to conduct combat operations in a 50-kilometer coastal strip.

The modest tasks also determined the small composition of the associations - a little more than 60 thousand people. In total, the Navy has approximately 650 ships, but all warships are small in size - boats and more than 100 submarines.

Coastal defenses consist of anti-ship missile installations and almost 300 guns.

North Korean Special Operations Forces

Nowadays, any armed forces have military special forces. In the North Korean army, the number of special forces, according to various sources, reaches about 100 thousand people (and maybe more). Like any other special forces, these troops fight behind enemy lines, counter enemy reconnaissance, and so on.

Special forces combine light infantry, reconnaissance and sniper units.

The management of special forces is carried out by two main structures of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK: Command Directorate special units and the Intelligence Bureau.

Weapons production

The parade of the armed forces in this country is a truly vibrant picture. Despite international sanctions, North Korea is still able to produce a variety of models of equipment and master the production of others.

The armament of the North Korean army is based on a powerful military-industrial complex. The country's military industry makes it possible to produce an annual quantity of weapons and equipment in the amount of 200 thousand machine guns, 3 thousand artillery systems, several hundred tanks and other types of military equipment. In addition, the country produces various types of naval vessels.

In the DPRK, there are 17 enterprises producing small arms and artillery, 35 enterprises producing ammunition, 5 enterprises producing armored vehicles, 8 aircraft factories, 5 enterprises producing warships, 5 enterprises producing guided missiles, etc. In addition, some civilian enterprises can be quickly and at low financial cost converted to produce military products. More than 180 defense factories operate underground in mountainous regions.

The production of North Korean missile systems makes it possible not only to fully supply its army with surface-to-surface missiles, but also to export them to other countries. Work is being carried out at a rapid pace in the field of creating intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear technologies.

The only thing that is not produced in the DPRK is the military aircrafts. Although if foreign components are supplied, their assembly in-house in the DPRK is realistic.

Missile weapons

North Korea is armed with:

1. Hwaseong-11. Single-stage solid propellant rocket. On combat duty since 2007, North Korea began producing an analogue of the Tochka-U missile system in 2005. Distance - 100-120 km. The equipment is transported on a maneuverable SPU based on the chassis of a three-axle all-terrain vehicle.
2. "Hwaseong-5". Flight at a distance of 320 km. On combat duty since 1985. This is a “home” development of North Korea. It is located on a maneuverable four-axle launcher.
3. "Hwaseong-6". Flight over a distance of 700 km. Also a “home” development of the DPRK. On combat duty since 1990. Currently there are several hundred copies in service. It is located on a maneuverable four-axle launcher.
4. "Hwaseong-7". On combat duty since 1997. Capable of flying 1000-1300 km. Located on a maneuverable 5-axle launcher.
5. "No-Dong-2." On combat duty since 2004. Flight up to 2000 km. Located on a maneuverable 6-axle launcher.
6. Hwaseong-10. Located on a maneuverable six-axis launcher.
7. "Hwaseong-13". Demonstrated at the military parade in Pyongyang in 2012 in the amount of six copies. Flight at a distance of 5500-7500 km. It is located on a maneuverable eight-axle launcher.

Main disadvantages of KNA

North Korea's armed forces could inspire fear a large number states However, the North Korean army has many shortcomings. Negative aspects of KNA:

• a small amount of fuel makes it possible to conduct large-scale combat operations for no more than 30 days;
• long-term defense of the capital of the DPRK is impossible due to the small amount of food;
• there are no means of the latest artillery detection, which reduces the effectiveness of shooting;
• an attack from the sea is repelled by outdated weapons, and ships in general do not stand out for their autonomy and maneuverability;
• there are no new air forces or air defense equipment, and the existing equipment makes it possible to repel an enemy attack for only a few days.

For all the shortcomings of the North Korean troops, they are one of the most powerful armies in the world. This is largely due to the fact that the country has numerous reserves of trained personnel ready to defend the country.

Negative sides military structure countries, however, cannot exclude the fact that the DPRK army is capable of entering into battle with the US army, and the presence atomic weapons complicates the situation even more. Especially for countries that share borders with North Korea, i.e. China, South Korea and Russia.

You can feel the real effectiveness of the army of this state only in the conditions of a real war, but this is precisely what is feared all over the world. No country, including the United States, yet wants to openly enter into conflict with the leadership of the DPRK.

North Korea is a closed state, information about the standard of living there is strictly classified, and the rare tourists who were able to obtain permission to cross the border of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are shown only those objects that the authorities consider appropriate to show. According to your regime this country similar to the Soviet Union of the 40s of the 20th century. Today, such a regime in any country seems incredible, but in North Korea, labor concentration camps are thriving and mass public executions are the norm.

The whole world remembered the year 2017 for the threats of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who said that he was ready to launch a nuclear strike (with North Korean-developed weapons) on South Korea. In response to this statement, US President Donald Trump promised the Americans to deal with the North Korean army once and for all, sending a nuclear submarine to the port of South Korea to confirm his words.

Although the strength of the US Army is many times greater than the troops of a possible enemy, the Americans do not dare to attack an unpredictable enemy who has nuclear weapons with unknown power potential. Since North Korea is a closed country, it is incredibly difficult to obtain reliable information about the composition and strength of the DPRK Armed Forces.

The history of the emergence of the DPRK army

The Korean People's Army appeared in 1934, although its prototype (the Anti-Japanese People's Guerrilla Army) appeared back in 1932. The ANPA was formed from Korean partisan units that fought against the Japanese occupiers in the territories of Manchuria.

Although this data has not been confirmed by anything, historians of the republic claim that troops of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army (KPRA) participated in all military operations in equal conditions with and without Chinese revolutionary forces. Of course, there were many Koreans among the Chinese partisans, but they could not be called an army.

To support their version, Korean historians point to the fact that the founder of the North Korean state, Kim Il Sung, was one of the military commanders of the KPRA. The future leader of North Korea was indeed the commander of a guerrilla detachment, but the detachment was officially considered Chinese.

If you believe the history of North Korea, then the KPRA troops took part in the battles against Japan, and the victory Soviet Union was the work of the KPRA Armed Forces. This point of view is supported only by residents of North Korea, and military documents of the USSR say that although Korean and Chinese partisans systematically prepared for military operations in territories controlled by Japan, their landing was prevented by the premature surrender of Japan.

After the Potsdam Conference, Korea was divided into two parts:

• North Korea (which Kim Il Sung actually began to rule), which is a zone of Soviet occupation;
• South Korea (led by Syngman Rhee), which was an American zone of occupation.

This division did not suit either side, which is why the outbreak of a military conflict was only a matter of time. After Kim Il Sung arrived in Moscow in March 1950 for a secret conversation with Soviet leader I.V. Stalin most likely made the decision to attack the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

Before the start of the war, the strength of the Korean People's Army was approximately 100-150 thousand people. In 1953, when the war ended (although the end of the war was not officially announced), the North Korean armed forces had a strength of 263 thousand people. At that time, it was one of the most powerful armies in Asia (not counting the Chinese), which had real combat experience.

How is leadership carried out in the DPRK army?

Full leadership of the DPRK Armed Forces is exercised by the Defense Committee, headed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who is the marshal and chairman of the State Defense Committee. General base performs the functions of an advisory center, and the headquarters of the air force and naval forces solve immediate problems facing the People's Armed Forces (PAF) of North Korea.

The People's Armed Forces of North Korea consist of the following types of troops:

• Korean People's Army, which consists of various types of ground forces;
• Air Force;
• Naval forces, together with the forces special operations;
• Army Ministry of Public Security;
• Troops of the Ministry of State Security;
• Red Guard of Workers and Peasants (Workers and Peasants);
• Youth Red Guard;
• People's and training groups.

North Korea has universal conscription, which was popular in all countries of the former USSR. The length of service in the DPRK army ranges from 3 to 12 years (depending on the type of military service).

Although information about the quantity and percentage troops of North Korea is classified, the parade of the DPRK army, which demonstrates the latest Korean weapons, gives a rough idea of ​​what military power has modern army DPRK.

North Korean Ground Forces

The North Korean ground forces are the largest part of the Korean People's Army. Their total number is about 950 thousand people. The period of service in the ground forces is at least 5 years (maximum 12) and this is only conscript service. In the North Korean army, a large percentage of the military personnel are women. According to various sources, their number ranges from 20 to 50 percent.

The total number of tanks in the DPRK army is about 4,000 vehicles of various types. In addition to combat vehicles of various types and artillery pieces, the main pride of the DPRK army is the installation of operational-tactical and tactical missiles.

Most of the ground forces are on high alert in the demilitarized zone. In addition to the huge accumulation of military equipment and military units, this area is distinguished by a huge concentration of various bunkers and tunnels, which most likely lead to the territory of South Korea.

Although the DPRK army is different big amount military equipment, 80 percent of it is outdated samples of Soviet military vehicles from the 60-80s. Only in recent years have the ground forces begun to be equipped with new developments of their own design.

North Korean Air Force

The DPRK Air Force is part of the Korean People's Army. As is the case with ground forces, the main combat units that make up the Korean aviation fleet are old models of airplanes and helicopters produced in the 50-70 years in the Soviet Union. This equipment was actively supplied to North Korea as part of military assistance. There are many Chinese-made planes and helicopters of later years. The main pride of the air force of the DPRK army is the 4th generation MIG-29 fighters, which were produced in the 80s of the 20th century.

Although the DPRK Air Force is one of the leaders in the world in terms of the number of combat air units (according to unofficial data - about 1,600 aircraft), most of these aircraft and helicopters will not be able to conduct a full-fledged battle with modern fighters USA or Russia, since their resource has long been exhausted.

All air passenger and cargo transportation in North Korea is carried out by the Air Force. All transport aircraft are not only assigned to the military departments, but are also piloted by military pilots.

The helicopters at the disposal of the DPRK Air Force are represented by many machines (about 300 units) various types. The main pride among them is the huge MI-26 transport helicopters.

Military pilots and other personnel of the Korean Air Force are among the most respected people in the country. To pilot a military fighter, a pilot must not only have excellent health, but also be technically and mentally prepared.

North Korean Navy

The North Korean Navy is represented by two fleets:

• East Sea Fleet, which is designed to operate in the Sea of ​​Japan;
• Fleet western sea, intended for combat operations in the Korean Gulf and the Yellow Sea.

In total, from 45 to 60 thousand people serve in the Navy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (although these data are not accurate). The term of conscription in the Navy ranges from 5 to 10 years. It should be especially noted that military service In North Korea, it is not only an honorable duty for every citizen, for which they prepare from childhood, but also the only way for villagers to escape poverty.

Pyongyang is home to the naval headquarters. The coast guard forces are considered a significant part of the entire North Korean navy. They are capable of conducting the following combat operations:

• Border protection in the coastal area;
• Offensive and defensive operations;
• Mining of the territory;
• Standard raid and combat operations.

It should be noted that the main task of the DPRK Navy is to support ground forces. This support should be expressed in operations to counter the South Korean fleet.

The submarine fleet occupies a special place in the DPRK Navy. According to the latest data, the North Korean submarine fleet is represented by the following types of submarines:

• About 20 large Project 633 submarines;
• 40 San-O submarines;
• Ultra small submarines Yono class.

Despite the fact that the DPRK's submarine fleet is represented by old submarines, even the ultra-small Yono class submarines are quite capable of sending a modern warship to the bottom, as they perfectly demonstrated in 2010, when the Cheonan corvette, belonging to the South Korean fleet, was sunk. Although North Korea denies any involvement in this incident, independent investigation claims that it was the North Korean submarine fleet that was to blame for the death of the corvette.

As is the case with the Air Force, all cargo ships are owned by the Navy.

DPRK Rocket Forces

According to the South Korean television and radio company KBS, the DPRK missile forces are armed with a complex of ballistic missiles consisting of three belts, placed taking into account their range. Management of this complex is entrusted to a new department called the Strategic Missile Command. KBS received this data from a certain secret document from the DPRK. It is not clear what kind of document this is and how it fell into the hands of representatives of the television and radio company. It is not known whether this information is correct, but it is a fact that with Kim Jong-un coming to power, missile forces became a priority.

The missile belts are arranged as follows:

• The first line of defense missile belt is located near the border with South Korea. It includes short-range ballistic missiles. These missiles are analogues of Scud missiles, which were modernized by North Korean designers;
• In the area of ​​the capital of North Korea there is a second belt of medium-range ballistic missiles. The Nodon modification missiles are located there;
• The third belt of long-range ballistic missiles is located in the north of the state. In addition to the Taepodong 1.2 missiles, which have a range of 2 to 6.7 thousand kilometers, the DPRK is actively developing missile models that are capable of covering distances of up to 10-12 thousand kilometers, that is, they are quite capable of reaching the United States. It is possible that such missiles have already been created, which cannot but worry the US government.

According to South Korean experts, the total number of ballistic missiles in North Korea's arsenal is about 1,600, of which about 100 are intercontinental.

In addition to these missiles, multiple launch rocket systems and artillery systems, totaling about 5,000 units, were aimed at the capital of South Korea.

In 2012, during the launch of the Gwangmyeonsong-3 satellite into orbit, the Unha-3 rocket was launched. While North Korean officials claim it was a space exploration program, the US and South Korea claim it was a test of a new generation ballistic missile.

North Korean special forces

North Korea's special forces are called DPRK Special Operations Forces. At their core, these troops are an analogue of special forces, and not the Soviet special forces, from which they were copied in the 60s, but the US special forces, which bears a similar name (MTR).

Since the troops of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are in constant military readiness, this could not but leave its mark on the local MTR. Due to the fact that North Korean special forces only recently became a unified system, it should be considered only after the reorganization period of 2009-2010. Prior to this, the DPRK MTR was controlled by at least three organizations, which created enormous difficulties, since these organizations worked independently of each other. These organizations were:

• Operations Department;
• Office number 35;
• Intelligence Bureau under the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces.

After reorganization new structure has become an almost complete copy of a similar organization in the United States. It includes 6 different bureaus that are responsible for specific tasks and are independent structures:

• The first bureau is called the operational bureau. Its task is to control special agents in South Korea, monitor refugees from the south of the country, and eliminate persons suspected of treason and sabotage. In addition, this bureau is engaged in organizing sabotage, which can also be carried out at sea, since the bureau has the appropriate bases. This bureau includes: Headquarters, naval training centers, escort amphibious units, special schools and a preliminary and final training component. The staff of this bureau numbers about 7,000 people;
• The second bureau is the intelligence bureau. Its staff is the largest (about 15,000 people). In addition to the headquarters, it includes: the foreign intelligence department, the political department, the special and training departments and the naval department. Military units of the 2nd Bureau include 3 sniper brigades, and five reconnaissance battalions;
• The third bureau is the most secret, as it deals with foreign intelligence. North Korean spies (according to known information) operate in 6 countries. These are Japan, America (North and South), Africa, Asia and South Korea. The number of personnel is unknown, as the bureau is highly classified;
• The fifth bureau is called the Inter-Korean Dialogue Bureau. The bureau is called exactly the fifth, the fourth does not exist or they want to add it in the future. The task of the fifth bureau is to psychologically indoctrinate the people of South Korea and convince them that the North Korean regime is the only correct one on the entire Korean peninsula. The staff of this bureau is small, but professionals work in it;
• The sixth bureau is technical. Its tasks include the fight in the field of electronic and information technologies. It consists of two battalions, one of which is responsible for electronic and the second for information operations;
• The seventh bureau provides support to the other bureaus and is called the Logistics Bureau. In addition to support (administrative and logical), it is engaged in interdepartmental coordination.

This division of the DPRK special operations forces helps to carry out the operations assigned to them more efficiently and thoughtfully.

The most famous military operations of North Korean special forces

In January 1968, a North Korean special forces battle group launched a daring attack on the residence of the South Korean leader. To avoid being conspicuous, the special forces soldiers dressed in the uniform of South Korean soldiers. The fighting lasted for two weeks, after which almost the entire group of attackers was eliminated. Only two fighters managed to break into North Korean territory. Nothing is known about their further fate.

In October-November of the same year, 120 KPA special forces were deployed to the coast of South Korea. Their task was to organize partisan detachments against the South Korean regime. Having divided into brigades of 15 people, the special forces began recruiting. As a result of the military operation undertaken by South Korean troops, most of the North Korean special forces were destroyed, and the remaining 7 people were taken prisoner.

The total number of North Korean special operations forces is unknown, but according to information from various sources, it is about 90-120 thousand people.

North Korea's air defense system

Although North Korea's air defense system is equipped with outdated systems and complexes, it is so rich that it boggles the imagination.

The main air defense system is the S-25, which has long been withdrawn from service in all countries. It is still not clear why the DPRK so stubbornly defends these old complexes. It is possible that the DPRK's military industry cannot provide the country with more modern complexes Air defense. The possibility cannot be ruled out that the country’s military leadership adheres to the formula “the main thing is quantity, not quality.” It is obvious that the funds spent on maintaining these old complexes in combat readiness would be more rationally used to modernize the complexes.

The industrial complex of the DPRK is capable of maintaining all its military forces without spending huge amounts of money on it. All factories in the country are made in such a way that within a short time they can easily be repurposed for the production of military products. North Korea's latest developments in ballistic missile and nuclear technology are causing great concern to South Korea and the United States.

Since information about the military forces of North Korea is extremely contradictory, it is possible to understand what the DPRK army actually is only at military parades that are held in the public domain.

Organization of the DPRK Armed Forces

A distinctive feature of the Korean People's Army is its high degree of centralization. The leadership of the Armed Forces and military development is carried out by the State Defense Committee of the DPRK, headed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief - Marshal of the DPRK Kim Jong Il. The Committee is subordinate to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces (PAF), the Ministry of People's Security, the Ministry of State Security and the reserve components of the armed forces. Tasks operational management and combat readiness is decided by the General Staff. With a population of 22.5 million people (2004 data), the country's army numbers 847 thousand people. There are about 4 million people in the reserve.

Ground troops

The number of SV is 718 thousand people. The service life of conscripts in this branch of the Armed Forces is 5-8 years.

The main formations and units of the Army are the army, corps, division and brigade. Army permanent staff does not have one, but is deployed on the basis of army corps. An army may have 4-5 divisions, a tank or mechanized division, a separate tank regiment, a rocket artillery brigade and an army set of units. The Army has 15 corps: 8 infantry, 1 tank, 4 mechanized, 1 special purpose corps, 1 artillery and 4 Commands (artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, capital defense and armored forces).

The army corps includes 43 divisions, 23 brigades, and 8 separate regiments. The ground forces are armed with: 31 launchers of tactical missiles, 21 launchers of operational-tactical missiles, 2770 medium tanks (T-54/-55/-62, Ture-59), about 730 T-34 tanks, 560 PT- light tanks 76 and M-1985, 2,440 armored combat vehicles, 12.7 thousand field artillery guns and mortars, almost 1.1 thousand multiple launch rocket systems, about 2 thousand launchers

Air Force and Air Defense

Their number is 82 thousand people. The conscript's service life is 3-4 years.

The Air Force and Air Defense are divided into 3 combat aviation commands (12 fighter aviation regiments), an air defense command (3 anti-aircraft missile brigades and 3 separate anti-aircraft missile regiments), the capital's air defense command (5 anti-aircraft missile regiments), and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation ( transport air regiment and three training air regiments). The Air Force includes: one separate fighter aviation division, three bomber regiments, seven transport air regiments, seven helicopter regiments, three separate anti-aircraft missile regiments, and a separate radio engineering battalion.

In total, the Air Force has 38 aviation regiments and 16 anti-aircraft missile regiments.

The Air Force's aircraft fleet includes a total of 1,158 aircraft, including 646 combat aircraft. It consists of 80 N-5 (Il-28) bombers, 50 Su-7, Su-25 fighter-bombers, 421 J-5 (Mig-17), J-6 (Mig-21) fighters and others. The auxiliary aviation includes more than 340 transport aircraft An-2, An-24, Il-18, Il-62M, Tu-134 and Tu-154. Most of the aircraft fleet, as we see, are outdated brands. For example, the Mig-17 has been in service since 1952, and the Mig-21 since 1955.

Naval forces

47 thousand people serve here. The conscript's service life is from 5 to 10 years.

The DPRK Navy includes two fleets: Eastern (main naval base Yohori) and Western (Nampo), as well as coastal missile and artillery forces. Other fleet bases: Wonsan, Najin, Heju, Chaha.

The fleets include water area security brigades, landing boat brigades, submarine divisions, a separate division of midget submarines (sabotage and reconnaissance forces), a division of guided missile frigates (with controlled rocket weapons), divisions of missile and torpedo boats.

The Navy has missile ships (URO frigates), destroyers, small anti-submarine ships, diesel torpedo submarines, small and midget submarines, tank landing ships, missile and torpedo boats, and other ships and vessels. The Navy is armed with ship-to-ship anti-ship missiles of the Styx type and coastal artillery guns of 122, 130, and 152 mm caliber.

In general, weapons and Combat vehicles- 30 and 40 years ago, with the exception of a small number of weapons received in the last decade.

Nuclear missile potential

The expert community neither in the West nor in Russia has accurate data on the actual situation with the DPRK’s nuclear missile potential.

Since 1988, having copied three complexes of Soviet single-stage Scud ballistic missiles obtained in Egypt, North Korea has put Hwasong-6 missiles into service with its army. Their further modernization, the mechanical doubling of the missile served as the basis for the production of Nodon-1 with a firing range of 1500 km and a warhead of 1200 kg. Since the mid-90s, Pyongyang has been developing intercontinental missiles"Tephodon-1" with an estimated firing range of 2000-2500 km and "Tephodon-2" with a theoretical flight range of up to 7000 km.

Rough estimates by many experts indicate that the DPRK has in its arsenal tactical missiles"Luna" with a reach of 55 km and "Luna-M" - 70 km, as well as operational-tactical missiles "Scud-V/S" - 300 km, "Nodon-1" - 550-600 km, "Tephodon" - 1500 km and "Tephodong-2" - up to 7000 km. Presumably, the DPRK has 50-200 Nodon class missiles1 and 500-600 Scud class missiles2.

There is approximately the same uncertainty regarding the state of the North Korean nuclear program. Presumably from the beginning of the 90s, Kim Jong Il began developing nuclear weapons. Back in February 1990, the chairman of the KGB of the USSR reported to the government of the USSR that the North Koreans had nuclear weapons. It is possible that 8,000 rods received from Pakistan in exchange for sold missiles were recycled. From the plutonium obtained as a result of processing, 5 - 10 nuclear charges can be produced.

In the field of nuclear energy, by the mid-90s, a graphite reactor with a capacity of 5 MW was built in the Yongbyon region for enriching nuclear fuel, where about 6 kg of weapons-grade plutonium was produced annually. Presumably, according to expert estimates, two more reactors with a capacity of 50 and 200 MW have been built.

In 2007, North Korea had a total plutonium stockpile of 46-64 kg, of which about 28-50 kg had been separated and was suitable for the production of a nuclear explosive device. Today, after testing a nuclear warhead with a yield of 5-10 kilotons, the country allegedly has at least 6 nuclear warheads3.

Military doctrine

The basis of military doctrine is active defense. More than 60% of the total number of formations and units are deployed south of the Pyongyang-Wonsan line Ground Forces, more than 40% of air force and air defense units and formations. The air force's aircraft are based primarily at 30 of the 70 airfields around Pyongyang. About 60% of the ship's personnel are located at forward bases on the east and west coasts. In the southern provinces along the 250 km long military demarcation line along the 38th parallel separating the DPRK and the Republic of Korea, the defense of four army corps is equipped. In the zone of each corps, 5-6 tunnels several kilometers long were dug to connect the rear areas of the corps with the demarcation line zone.

When fulfilling the task of transforming the country into an “impregnable fortress,” the southern regions of the country should practically form a continuous barrier zone. It is based on numerous underground shelters, fortified areas, tank tower defense areas, and engineering barriers.

Anti-landing defense east coast The DPRK is carried out by three army corps in cooperation with the coastal missile and artillery units of the Eastern Fleet and the combat aviation command of the Air Force and Air Defense, part of the forces of the Border Troops Corps; in the operational depth there are two mechanized buildings.

The West Coast is covered in anti-landing defense by four army corps in cooperation with the coastal missile and artillery units of the Western Fleet and two combat aviation commands, as well as part of the forces of the border troops corps; in the operational depth there is a tank corps. The Pyongyang zone is defended by the Capital Defense Command. Despite the fact that the Chinese leadership, in order to demonstrate dissatisfaction with its neighbor’s position on the nuclear issue, deployed five divisions with a total number of about 150 thousand people along the border with North Korea in 20034, the DPRK maintains in the north only parts of the border troops corps numbering up to 30 thousand people .

Providing weapons and military equipment

Since the mid-90s, Pyongyang has almost completely satisfied the needs of its army for artillery and small arms and certain types of weapons and military equipment. Korean enterprises produce self-propelled artillery units of the M-1975/-1977/-1978/-1981/-1985/-1989/-1991 type. Based on Soviet models, the production of the Chonmaho tank and the M-1973 armored personnel carrier was launched. Mig-29 fighters and spare parts for Mig-21/-23/-29 and Su-25 aircraft are produced under Soviet license. According to expert data, during the year rocket manufacturing enterprises can produce up to 100 Scud V/S missiles, which allows them to be exported to other countries. Most of the Navy's ships are built in North Korean shipyards.

At the same time, North Korea needs to import complex modern systems weapons, missiles and aircraft. Most conventional weapons come from the CIS countries. According to SIPRI estimates, North Korea is able to produce most conventional weapons, despite its difficult economic situation.

A military-political analysis of the state of North Korea's combat power is significantly complicated by the fact that this country is one of the most closed in the world. Therefore, some of the data is of an expert nature, but based on the available information one can confidently judge that a powerful, equipped nuclear weapons an army that no one can underestimate.

1 SIPRI Yearbook 2007. Armaments, disarmament and international security. IMEMO RAS. P.594

2 Panin A., Altov V. North Korea. The era of Kim Jong Il at sunset. M., Olma-Press, 2004. P. 195.

3 SIPRI Yearbook 2007. P.593