Executive Summary

The Korean People’s Army Air Force’s (KPAF) 15 May 2025 live-fire missile exercise and accompanying static display are highly likely demonstrative posturing rather than evidence of genuine technological progress in its Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) capabilities. The new MRAAM displayed at the event was most likely an existing static model of the Chinese PL-12 that was lightly modified by KPAF personnel unfamiliar with the intricacies of modern missile design.

It is likely that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has expanded its missile inventory to include the Chinese-produced PL-11, but this system offers performance broadly comparable to the KPAF’s existing Medium Range Air to Air Missile (MRAAM) inventory. Overall, KPAF air combat capabilities are highly likely to remain confined to third-generation air-to-air missile systems for at least the next 3 to 5 years.