Russia to Arm Kim Jong Un with Deadly Su-35 Jets—Will North Korea’s Air Force Rival the U.S.?

During his September 2023 visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the Yuri Gagarin aircraft factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This facility drew significant attention from international media. Kim closely observed the final assembly of Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets, as well as the new Sukhoi Superjet (SJ)-100 passenger aircraft, and witnessed a test flight of the Su-35.

Notably, Kim’s keen interest in the Su-35 multi-role supersonic fighter has raised eyebrows among analysts. The Su-35, an advanced upgrade of the Su-27, features overhauled radar, avionics, and engines, positioning it as a 4.5-generation fighter that bridges the gap between fourth-generation and fifth-generation stealth aircraft. The Su-35 has been in service with the Russian military since 2014, and Kim’s inspection of the fighter sparked speculation about North Korea’s intentions to acquire Russia’s latest jets.

Currently, North Korea’s air force is largely composed of outdated aircraft, including MiG-15s and MiG-17s from the Korean War era. While North Korea operates the MiG-29, it is an aging platform that entered service in 1985 alongside the Su-27. This aging fleet leaves North Korea at a considerable disadvantage compared to the combined air capabilities of South Korea and the United States, underscoring its urgent need for modernization.

Analysts have speculated that improved bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea could lead to a potential deal for advanced fighter jets. Kim’s detailed inspection of the fighter production process has fueled rumors that North Korea may seek to procure the Su-35 to bolster its air force capabilities.

Possible Su-35 Acquisition in Exchange for Troop Deployment

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, he suggested the possibility of supplying precision weapons to Pyongyang, raising further speculation that North Korea may acquire the coveted Su-35 fighters.

Recent reports indicate that North Korea has deployed over 10,000 troops to Russia, which analysts believe may be part of a broader deal. Pyongyang could seek advanced military technologies in exchange, including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) re-entry capabilities and construction expertise for ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Some experts suggest, however, that Kim’s primary goal is to secure the Su-35 fighters.

According to the Kyiv Post, North Korea is expected to receive between 20 and 30 Su-35 fighters in return for its military support, providing Pyongyang with a much-needed upgrade to its aging air force. The cost of acquiring Su-35s is estimated at $50 million per unit, potentially totaling $2 billion for 30 aircraft. This deployment of troops may represent a relatively low-cost exchange for North Korea to obtain cutting-edge fighter jets.

Strategic Implications of Acquiring Su-35 Fighters

Military analysts at Bulgarian Military have noted that North Korea’s deployment of fighter pilots to Russia last September could help alleviate Russia’s pilot shortage amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In return, North Korea could negotiate for advanced technologies to modernize its air force.

The Kyiv Post further reported that Iran has secured a license from Russia to produce Su-35 jets. There are indications that Su-35s could be part of Russia’s compensation to Iran and North Korea for their military support. The report highlights growing suspicions that Russia is receiving drones, ammunition, and missiles from Iran and North Korea in exchange for technology, military expertise, and advanced weaponry.

Iran has reportedly been granted licenses to produce up to 72 Su-35 jets, while details regarding the production of Su-30 fighters remain undisclosed. The Su-30 is a long-range, multi-role fighter capable of air-to-air interception and all-weather operations, while the Su-35 offers enhanced engines, electronic warfare systems, and advanced avionics.

Potential Impact on Regional Air Superiority

If North Korea successfully acquires Su-35s, it would significantly enhance its air capabilities, challenging South Korea’s current air superiority. The Su-35’s combination of speed, range, and advanced avionics places it among the most formidable fighters in the world. It can reach Mach 2.35, has a range of 3,600 kilometers (2236 miles), and has a combat radius of 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). It is designed for high-speed, high-altitude engagements.

China became the first foreign buyer of the Su-35 in 2015, purchasing 24 units for approximately $2.4 billion. Iran has also secured a purchase agreement, while attempts by Indonesia and Egypt to acquire the Su-35 have stalled.

The Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter developed to counter the U.S. F-22 Raptor, entered combat service in December 2020. Featuring advanced stealth technology, the Su-57 can carry a wide array of missiles, boasts a top speed of Mach 2.0, and has a range of 3,500 kilometers (2174 miles).

Some experts have warned that North Korea could also seek to acquire Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, which would pose a significant threat to South Korea’s air forces. According to Yang Wook, a researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, “North Korea’s current air defenses are incapable of detecting or intercepting stealth fighters like the F-35A. By acquiring the S-400 system, North Korea aims to close this critical gap in its air defense capabilities.”