North Korea unveils Taurus-like missile on Su-25.
Pyongyang displayed a cruise missile mounted on a Su-25, which resembles the Taurus in appearance; its specifications have not yet been released. If mastered, the Su-25 could conduct attacks beyond air defense capabilities.
North Korea has just unveiled a new air-launched missile, spotted on the wing of a Su-25 attack aircraft at Kalma Air Base. Its design shows many similarities to Western cruise missiles such as the Taurus, but there is currently no official data on its range, guidance, or warhead. If this system is indeed operational, Pyongyang's Su-25s could engage targets from a safe distance, reducing the risk to US and South Korean air defenses.
Overview
North Korean state media released images from leader Kim Jong Un's visit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the air force. One photo shows a new missile mounted under the wing of a Su-25 Grach, and another shows the missile disassembled inside a hangar.
The appearance of this weapon has sparked various theories: it could be a Russian-supplied product, a copy of Western technology, or simply a model for show. To date, there has been no independent confirmation of its specifications or flight tests.
Technical analysis
In terms of appearance, the missile's elongated body with a nearly rectangular cross-section is reminiscent of the Taurus KEPD-350, Storm Shadow (UK-France), or Anduril's Barracuda 500M (USA). Russia also has the Kh-59 Mk2 with a similar shape. However, the North Korean model does not exactly match the aforementioned designs.
A notable detail is the protruding, rounded nose section, resembling the probe/sensor on the Taurus. Generally speaking, cruise missiles fly through the atmosphere using jet engines and can carry large warheads capable of destroying fortified structures. However, North Korea has not released any performance specifications for the new model.
Compare published data.
Below are the published or cited references in relevant sources:
| System | Range (according to source) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taurus KEPD-350 | Approximately 480 km | Designed to attack targets deep underground, fortified structures. |
| Storm Shadow | Equivalent; the export version typically has 250 km. | Capable of attacking fortified targets. |
| Kh-59 Mk2 | Equivalent; the export version typically has 290 km. | Capable of attacking fortified targets. |
There is no official data on the range or guidance configuration of the North Korean model, so any comparisons at this point are limited to external appearances.
Tactical implications
If North Korea successfully integrates and operates an air-launched cruise missile, its Su-25s will transcend their traditional role of close-range combat and short-range fire support. The ability to launch weapons from a distance allows them to strike critical targets from outside the interception zone of enemy air defense systems, increasing the survivability of the launching aircraft.
However, there is currently no evidence of actual launches or verified tests. The combat readiness level, guidance procedures, interface integration with the Su-25's targeting system, and the actual penetration capability of the warhead have not been disclosed.
Context of cooperation and response
According to statements from Western, Ukrainian, and South Korean officials, Russia is believed to be providing military intelligence and expertise to North Korea; in return, Pyongyang is supplying weapons and troops to Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. These assessments have caused Seoul particular concern about the technological advancements North Korea may be making amid rising tensions.
Other equipment is on display.
At the event attended by Kim Jong-un, North Korea also showcased MiG-29 fighter jets, reconnaissance and attack UAV systems, and several ground-based missile launchers.
Manufacturer's perspective
When contacted by Business Insider, Saab (co-developer of Taurus) declined to comment on the military capabilities of other nations; MBDA (Saab's European partner in producing Taurus) has not yet responded.
Provisional conclusion
Currently, there is only photographic evidence of a missile model resembling Western cruise missiles mounted on North Korea's Su-25. A full assessment of its capabilities requires publicly available data on flight tests, range, guidance mechanisms, and combat integration.
