North Korea showcases missiles similar to Storm Shadow and Brimstone.

North Korea showcased new missile weapons with appearances similar to the Storm Shadow and Brimstone at an event on November 28 at Kalma Air Base of the 2nd Air Squadron, marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Air Force. The missiles were mounted on Su-25 attack aircraft with tail numbers "99" and "57," inspected by Chairman Kim Jong-un. According to Militarnyi, no official specifications or designations have been released yet.

Event Overview

The North Korean defense industrial complex introduced two types of weapons: a cruise missile resembling the Storm Shadow (French-British) and a munition similar to the Brimstone multi-purpose missile (British). The simultaneous appearance of both types on the Su-25 platform indicates a focus on their launch capabilities from the active-duty fighter aircraft.

Observe the technique from the image.

• Cruise missile: Based on the published images, its shape is reminiscent of the Storm Shadow; it also shares some similarities with the Taurus KEPD 350 (Germany) due to the exposed infrared sensor at the nose.
• The Brimstone-like ammunition: the triple-launch tubes (tri-pronged launcher) are similar to the arrangement used on the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
• Carrier platform: The Su-25 appears with a mixed payload configuration, including two cruise missiles and a Brimstone-type munition.

Information status and reliability

To date, there is no publicly available data on the range, guidance system, weight, or warhead of these systems. Nor do they have official names. Sources suggest that the exhibited objects may be models intended for propaganda purposes; this is an unverified assessment. Therefore, any performance evaluation should be based solely on the description of their appearance and weapon mounting configuration as shown in published images.

Platform and integration capabilities

If the missiles are actual weapons and mass-produced, the North Korean Air Force would be significantly strengthened. According to sources, these weapons could be integrated onto the MiG-29, which forms the basis of Pyongyang's modern fighter fleet of approximately 35 units. This information suggests that the planned integration is not limited to the Su-25 but extends to the fighter aircraft that will form the backbone of the fleet.

Objective observation

• The resemblance in shape to the Storm Shadow, Taurus KEPD 350, and Brimstone only reflects the external design as seen in the photographs; it does not mean that their technical and tactical capabilities are equivalent.
• The fact that the name and specifications haven't been announced suggests that the program is still highly secretive or in its initial launch phase.
• Assessing the impact requires waiting for test firings, operational data, and official confirmation from North Korea.

Summary of observations

The event at Kalma Airport underscores the message about the weapons manufacturing capabilities of North Korea's defense industry, but the actual level of combat readiness still needs further indications. Until there is public testing or detailed disclosure, assessment should be based on what has been confirmed visually. (According to Militarnyi)