North Korea's aging fighter jets now equipped with a new weapon resembling a specific Western cruise missile

North Korea has released images showing a missile attached to a Su-25 aircraft. The weapon resembles Western cruise missiles, such as the German-Swedish Taurus, suggesting it could give Pyongyang the ability to strike targets from a distance using its Soviet-era jets.

The unveiling occurred on Sunday during a ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of North Korea's air force. State media published photographs of the missile at Kalma Airfield while leader Kim Jong Un inspected the facility. In the images, the missile is visible on a Su-25 Grach fighter as Kim greets a military official.

Additional photographs show the missile positioned next to the aircraft inside the hangar, indicating it was deliberately highlighted for the leader. Analysts speculate that the missile could be a Russian design, a copy of a Western system, or even a staged decoy to project enhanced capabilities.

The missiles dimensions and rectangular body are reminiscent of cruise missiles such as the Taurus KEPD-350, the British-French Storm Shadow, and the US Anduril Barracuda 500M. Cruise missiles are typically designed to target fortified positions with large warheads while flying within the atmosphere using jet propulsion. Russias Kh-59 Mk2 is another similar weapon, reflecting the growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.

One notable feature is a circular sensor or seeker on the missiles nose, similar to the Taurus design. South Korea also operates the Taurus on its F-15K Strike Eagles, with an official range of about 300 miles, capable of reaching deep underground facilities while keeping aircraft safely distant from enemy defenses. Comparable missiles like the Storm Shadow and Kh-59 Mk2 have slightly shorter ranges in their export versions.

If North Korea has indeed developed this technology, it would substantially increase the strike reach of its Su-25 fighters. Historically, these jets were mainly limited to short-range attacks and close support of ground operations. There is no confirmed evidence yet that the missile has flown, nor is it clear whether Pyongyang can produce air-launched cruise missiles independently. However, reports indicate that Russia has provided advanced military expertise to North Korea in exchange for weapons and personnel to support its operations in Ukraine, raising concerns in Seoul about possible upgrades to Pyongyangs arsenal.

During the ceremony, other military assets were displayed, including MiG-29 fighters, reconnaissance drones, and missile launch vehicles. Kim Jong Uns young daughter, Kim Ju Ae, also attended, drawing attention as a potential future leader.

Requests for comment from Saab and MBDA, the companies behind the Taurus missile, were not answered.

Author: Sophia Brooks