Industrial satellite tv for pc imagery signifies work to apparently convert an Air Koryo Ilyushin IL-76 into an airborne early warning platform is ongoing at Pyongyang’s fundamental worldwide airport.
If such a modification is accomplished, the plane could be the primary platform of its kind operated by the North Korean navy, advancing its detection capabilities and supplementing ground-based radar. The work might additionally symbolize one other step in DPRK-Russian cooperation, given its similarities to the Russian A-50U.
Conversion Timeline
The plane is one in all three IL-76s carrying Air Koryo markings that has been primarily based at Sunan Airport. Round October final yr, it was moved to the upkeep space of the airport, and inside days, a barrier was erected round it.
The upkeep space at Sunan Worldwide Airport is about midway alongside the runway on the alternative facet of the airfield to the passenger terminal. It homes two hangars and is house to a number of helicopters and small plane. Air Koryo jets are incessantly seen within the space, however the barricade across the IL-76 is uncommon.
In November final yr, work started in an space on prime of the fuselage, simply behind the wings. Whereas the precise nature of the work is inconceivable to confirm from imagery alone, it seems that a radar pedestal is being put in that may assist a rotator, antenna, and radome for Airborne Warning and Management System (AWACS) or Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system.
Imagery from July 15 reveals the plane stays contained in the fenced-off space on the upkeep facility. A platform is seen alongside the plane close to the probably radar pedestal, and supplies or gear are organized inside the world.
Comparable Methods
Changing an IL-76 into such an airborne platform was performed within the Soviet Union within the Seventies by Beriev, which referred to as the ensuing plane the A-50. It was given the nickname “Mainstay“ by the Nationwide Atlantic Treaty Group (NATO). The plane was modernized in 2003 to provide you with the A-50U.
Evaluating the A-50U to the work occurring in Pyongyang, the obvious radar helps on the North Korean IL-76 are in the identical place as these on an A-50U.
It’s unclear if the work is being performed with the cooperation of Russian engineers or materials, but it surely did start shortly after North Korea reportedly started delivery arms to Russia.
North Korea’s Fleet
North Korea operates three IL-76s, all of which have carried Air Koryo markings in recent times. The plane perform a comparatively specialised perform, transporting cargo across the nation and, typically, are used to assist the motion of Kim Jong Un.
They’re incessantly noticed at Sunan Airport in satellite tv for pc imagery, however they’re hardly ever noticed flying or making abroad journeys.
One was noticed at Wonsan-Kalma Airport on Might 22 this yr. One was additionally seen in Hanoi in 2019 and Beijing, Guangzhou and Dalian in 2018, as Kim Jong Un engaged in worldwide diplomacy.
