North Korea's Air Force: A Force to be Reckoned With

The Korean Peoples Army Air Force (KPAF) is the unified military aviation force of North Korea. It is estimated to have a strength of over 110,000 personnel and operates a notional inventory of over 400 fighter aircraft.

The KPAF is responsible for providing air defense for North Korea, as well as conducting offensive operations against South Korea and other potential adversaries. The KPAF has a long history of involvement in North Korean military operations, including the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1965-1973). In recent years, the KPAF has been involved in a number of incidents with US and South Korean forces, including the 2017 North Korean fighter jet incident in which North Korean fighters came within 5 meters of a US RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and shadowed the aircraft for 22 minutes.

Despite its relatively small size, the KPAF is a well-equipped and capable force. The KPAF operates a variety of fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29, Su-25, and F-7. The KPAF also has a number of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) systems.

Conclusion

The KPAF is a potent force that plays a vital role in North Korea's defense strategy. The KPAF is likely to continue to be a source of tension between North Korea and its neighbors in the years to come.