North Korea displays new missile similar to Storm Shadow.
Images from Kalma show the new missile resembles Storm Shadow, Brimstone, and IRIS-T; no technical specifications or test videos have been released yet.
According to Militarnyi, North Korea displayed a series of new missiles at the 80th anniversary celebration of the North Korean Air Force at Kalma Airport on November 28. Images released showed several models with significant similarities to Western cruise missiles and air-to-air missiles. North Korea has not released technical data, and there are currently no test launch videos or aerial demonstrations.
Overview of observations from images
- One model has a design similar to the Storm Shadow (a French/British joint venture); the nose section, which houses the infrared sensor, is reminiscent of the German Taurus KEPD 350.
- Another variant closely resembles the British Brimstone; it is mounted on a tri-rail launch system, similar to the configuration used on the Typhoon fighter jet.
- New missiles with infrared seekers have been fitted to MiG-29 fighter jets.
- One model has a similar aerodynamic configuration to Germany's IRIS-T, and is comparable in size to short-range air-to-air missiles.
Launch and display system
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appeared at Kalma Air Base, followed by Su-25 attack aircraft carrying missiles similar in appearance to the Storm Shadow and Brimstone. New missiles were also spotted mounted on aircraft numbered "99" and "57," both Soviet-era Su-25 variants. Separate images showed a missile with an infrared seeker mounted on a MiG-29.
Image comparison summary table
| Homologous systems | Observation details |
|---|---|
| Storm Shadow | The overall design is similar on the displayed cruise missile model. |
| Taurus KEPD 350 | The infrared sensor mounted on the nose evokes a certain image. |
| Brimstone | Similar in shape; mounted on a tri-rail launch platform. |
| IRIS-T | Similar aerodynamic configuration; comparable size to short-range missiles. |
Status of verification and information restrictions
To date, North Korea has not released any technical specifications, performance data, or confirmation of the operational capability of the missile models on display. There are also no test launch videos or aerial demonstrations. The above assessments are based on analysis of the published imagery.
Integration capabilities and potential implications
If these missiles become operational and are mass-produced, it would be a significant enhancement to North Korea's air strike capabilities. According to Militarnyi, such systems could be integrated onto the MiG-29, which forms the core of Pyongyang's modern fighter fleet of approximately 35 aircraft.
Tactics and deployment (as shown in the published image)
- The display on the Su-25 suggests a scenario involving its use as a ground attack aircraft.
- The three-rail launch system in the "Brimstone-like" configuration suggests a multi-missile launch orientation on a single rail, similar to the arrangement seen on the Typhoon fighter.
- The presence of this feature on the MiG-29 suggests the possibility of integration into North Korea's frontline fighter jets, but there has been no confirmation of actual operational use.
Note: All content in this article is based on publicly available images and information from Militarnyi; no official technical specifications were confirmed by North Korea at the time of publication.
