North Korea transforms Il‑76 into AWACS in military upgrade
Satellite images confirm that work is underway at Pyongyang airport to convert an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft into an AWACS-type aircraft. We explain what the ongoing work may entail and why its completion will significantly boost the North Korean military.
North Korea does not possess AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, essential for early warning and control. As a result, it cannot conduct surveillance that is significantly more accurate than merely relying on ground-based radars.
The first information about work on the AWACS aircraft to strengthen North Korea's air force appeared in November 2023. New satellite images (from 15 July this year) provide evidence that it is still ongoing.
North Korea is developing an AWACS aircraft based on the Il-76
It is not surprising that the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft is being used for this project. North Korea has three of these machines, which were produced in Russia. Recently, relations between Pyongyang and Moscow have tightened significantly. Despite this, analysts are not sure that Russian specialists are helping with the work. Some suggest that the Chinese might also be involved.
The Russian involvement seems more probable for certain reasons. The local industry has already converted the Il-76 into an AWACS-type aircraft. The A-50 Shmel and its modernisation A-50U, referred to as the "eyes of the Russian air force," were based on the Il-76.
Working on a similar design for the North Korean Air Force could be another step in the cooperation between this country and Russia. This cooperation is evidenced by, among other things, increasingly numerous arms supplies for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
Introducing the AWACS aircraft into service would allow North Korea to monitor the activities of its southern neighbour and those of the Japanese self-defence forces much more effectively. The specifications of the aircraft under construction, of course, remain shrouded in secrecy.
It is worth noting that the Russian A-50U features a wingspan exceeding 50 metres and a length of almost 47 metres. The A-50's takeoff weight exceeds 172 tonnes, and its maximum speed is 850 km/h. The A-50U can operate at an altitude of up to 13,000 metres, and reconnaissance at distances of even several hundred kilometres is conducted using the Shmel system radar.
