Korean People's Army Air Force
The Korean People's Army Air Force is the unified military aviation force of North Korea. It is the second largest branch of the Korean People's Army comprising an estimated 110,000 members. As of 2024, it is estimated to possess some 570 combat aircraft, 200 helicopters, and a few transporters, mostly of decades-old Soviet and Chinese origin. Its primary task is to defend North Korean airspace.
In April 2022, the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force name was changed to Korean People's Army Air Force.
An abandoned NKPAF Ilyushin Il-10 captured by UN forces at Kimpo Airfield in September 1950.
A North Korean Shenyang J-6
A North Korean MiG-29 in 2003
The FT-2 is a Chinese built MiG-15 similar to this one
The Korean People's Army encompasses the combined military forces of North Korea and the armed wing of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The KPA consists of five branches: the Ground Force, the Naval Force, the Air Force, Strategic Force, and the Special Operation Force. It is commanded by the WPK Central Military Commission, which is chaired by the WPK general secretary, and the president of the State Affairs; both posts are currently headed by Kim Jong Un.
A monument in Pyongyang, depicting North Korean airmen and a MiG fighter
The Memorial of Soldiers at the Mansudae Grand Monument
A North Korean soldier at the DMZ, 2005
North Korean soldiers at Panmunjom
