Military service in South Korea. Army of North Korea: strength and armament, draft age and service life. Chemical and biological weapons

DPRK Air Force North Korea photo , the People's Democratic Republic is one of the most secret states in the world. Even in the era of the dominance of satellite reconnaissance means, their composition and organization are far from being fully known.

The flag of the DPRK Air Force (left) and the emblem of the Air Force of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (right)

The date of creation of the DPRK Air Force is August 20, 1947. By the middle of 1950, they included one mixed air division (57th assault air regiment - 93 Il-10, 56th fighter - 79 Yak-9, 58th training - 67 training and communications aircraft) and two airfield technical battalions .
In the early days of the war on the Korean Peninsula, the DPRK Air Force acted quite actively, but very soon suffered heavy losses. By August 21, 1950, only 20 serviceable fighters and one attack aircraft remained in service. In the winter of 1950-1951, only light night bombers Po-2, Yak-11 and Yak-18 operated at the front from the air force. At the same time, within the framework of the Joint (Chinese-Korean) Air Army (JVA) on the territory of the PRC, North Korean aviation was being recreated.
By mid-1951, it included 156 aircraft and 60 trained pilots. The arrival of MiG-15 jet fighters began, gradually becoming the main type of combat aircraft of the North Korean Air Force. On the account of North Korean pilots during the Korean War, 164 official air victories.

The leader of North Korea, has the military rank of marshal, Kim Jong-un photo with employees of the 1st Guards Division of the Air Force and Air Defense

Despite the presence of a fairly developed military industry (including missiles), the Democratic People's Republic of Korea does not produce its own aircraft.
In subsequent decades, the DPRK Air Force developed on the basis of the supply of Soviet aircraft. There were also planes from China. To date, the North Korean Air Force has (according to various sources) from 1,100 to 1,500 and even (according to various sources) 1,700 aircraft and helicopters. The number of personnel reaches 110 thousand people. The structure and locations of air units are far from completely known.

Air force bases of the DPRK (North Korea), far from complete data

The most numerous type of combat aviation of the DPRK Air Force is fighter. The most modern aircraft in its composition are the MiG-29, delivered from the USSR at the turn of the 80s and 90s of the last century. Machines of this type are in service with the 57th Fighter Aviation Regiment, stationed in Onchon and included in the air defense system of the capital of the DPRK, Pyongyang.

The MiG-29 fighter is in service with North Korea, judging by the photo, the state of the air fleet is deplorable, the plane is painted with oil-like paint, and this is one of the government’s propaganda, after all, the leader is present in the photo

MiG-23ML fighters serve in the 60th Air Regiment (Pukchang). The most widespread type of fighter is the MiG-21 - the DPRK Air Force has about 200 such aircraft of several modifications, including Chinese copies of the "twenty-first" (J-7). They are armed with the 56th IAP in Hwangju, the regiment in Toksan and a number of other units. Finally, there are about a hundred extremely outdated J-6 and J-5 aircraft (Chinese "clones" of the Soviet MiG-19 and MiG-17F, respectively) in service, which are completely unsuitable for air combat in modern conditions.

MiG-19 of the DPRK Air Force at the air base of South Korea (relations between the two neighboring states are very tense), in fact, a Chinese-made aircraft that makes exact copies of our MIGs

In the photo - J-6, hijacked on May 23, 1996 by Captain Lee Chol-soo to South Korea, see photo above, this is the same aircraft. There are about a hundred extremely outdated J-6s and J-5s in service.

Aircraft and helicopter fleet of the DPRK Air Force (approximate data)

Fighters DPRK Air Force North Korea photo

• MiG-29/29UB - quantity 35/5
• MiG-23ML - 56 units
• MiG-21 PFM/bis/UM - 150
• J-7-40
• J-6-98
• J-5-ok. one hundred

MiG-21 is the most massive DPRK Air Force fighter, about 200 pieces are in service

Bombers North Korean Air Force

• H-5-80

Fighter-bombers, attack aircraft North Korea photo

• Su-7BMK -18 Su-25K/UBK - 32/4

Transport aircraft, Il-76-3 pieces, Il-62 - 2, An-24 - 6, An-2 - about 300
Educational,

• CJ-6-180
• JJ-5-135
• L-39C-12

Korean Air Force helicopters

• Mi-26-4
• Mi-8-15
• Mi-2-ok. 140
• Z-5 - approx. 40
• MD 500 - approx. 90

Also obsolete is bomber aviation, numbering about 80 H-5 aircraft - Chinese copies of Soviet Il-28 front-line bombers, related to the level of technology of the middle of the 20th century. They are equipped with regiments in Orang and Uizhu. According to Western sources, no more than half of all H-5s are in flight condition. Probably about the same percentage of combat readiness in other branches of aviation. Fighter-bomber and attack aircraft are concentrated in the 55th air regiment stationed in Sunchon. It includes about two dozen obsolete Su-7BMKs and about twice as many as modern Su-25s.
Auxiliary aviation
The basis of military transport aviation is a large number (about 300) of light single-engine An-2s. Carrying out ordinary transportation in peacetime, in the military they are supposed to be used for landing reconnaissance and sabotage groups behind enemy lines. Heavier aircraft (for example, An-24 or Il-7b) in the Air Force - a few units. The situation is somewhat corrected by the use of Air Core for military transportation - formally civilian, but actually part of the Air Force. 1996 Training aviation is represented by about three hundred Chinese-made G-6 (copy of the Yak-18) and JJ-5 (two-seat version of the J-5), as well as a dozen Czechoslovak L-39Cs. The training of flight personnel is carried out at several air bases concentrated in the north-eastern part of the country. The North Korean helicopter fleet is dominated by light vehicles.
Among them, American-made MD 500 helicopters, acquired in Germany as civilians, and already armed in North Korea, stand out.

MD 500 Helicopters Inc purchased in Germany, later the Malyutka ATGM was installed as a weapon on them

Air defense systems of North Korea

S-200 on a launcher in the museum Hungary

North Korea has a very powerful and deeply echeloned (albeit obsolete) air defense system. In particular, there is:

• 24 launchers for long-range S-200 air defense systems,
• 240 medium-range complexes S-75 and 128 - S-125.
• Military air defense is represented by the Krug, Kub, Strela and Igla MANPADS. And the anti-aircraft artillery park is measured by an astronomical figure - 11 thousand anti-aircraft guns!

Armed forces of the countries of the world

Despite the very weak economy and the almost complete international isolation of the DPRK, its Armed Forces (KPA - Korean People's Army) remain one of the largest and strongest in the world. The KPA is being built under the slogans "Juche" ("self-reliance") and "Songun" ("everything for the army"). During the Cold War, North Korea received military aid from the USSR and China. At present, this assistance has completely stopped: from Russia - due to the low solvency of Pyongyang, from China - because of its extreme dissatisfaction with the policy of the DPRK. Practically the only partner of the DPRK in the military field is Iran, with which there is a constant exchange of military technologies. At the same time, Pyongyang continues to develop its nuclear missile program and maintain a huge conventional force. The country has a developed military-industrial complex capable of producing almost all classes of military equipment: missiles, tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces and MLRS, warships, boats and submarines, both based on foreign projects and our own samples. Only airplanes and helicopters have not been created in the DPRK, although it is possible to assemble them from foreign components (if any).

Due to the extreme secrecy of North Korea, information about its armed forces, especially about the number of equipment, is approximate and estimated, and this is how they should be approached.

Rocket troops KPA include a significant number of ballistic missiles of various ranges.

Special Operations Forces The KPA are at least the fourth largest in the world (after the USA, China, Russia), and perhaps even the second after the American ones. CCOs include three components.

Special forces of the ground forces - 12 brigades, 25 battalions.

Airborne - 7 brigades, 1 battalion.

Marine special forces - 2 brigades.

Ground troops, whose number is almost 1 million people, are divided into 4 strategic echelons. Includes up to 20 cases.

The tank fleet of the KPA has up to 4,000 main tanks and at least 250 light tanks.

There are more than 1.7 thousand infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

The total number of self-propelled guns, towed guns and mortars can reach 10 thousand units. The number of MLRS exceeds 5 thousand units.

In terms of the number of almost all classes of equipment, the KPA ground forces occupy at least 4th place in the world. Such a huge amount of it largely compensates for its archaism. This is especially true for artillery, in terms of the number of barrels of which the KPA is in second place in the world after the PLA. North Korean artillery is capable of creating a real “sea of ​​fire” in the frontline zone, but it is physically impossible to suppress such an amount of artillery.

air force The DPRK organizationally consists of 6 air divisions and 3 anti-aircraft missile brigades.

There are up to 200 bombers and attack aircraft, up to 600 fighters, more than 300 training aircraft, up to 300 helicopters for various purposes.

All ground air defense is included in the Air Force. It includes up to 80 divisions of air defense systems, up to 6 thousand MANPADS, up to 11 thousand ZSU and anti-aircraft guns.

Almost all the equipment of the KPA Air Force and Air Defense is extremely outdated. To a certain extent, this is compensated by a large number, but in this case the quantity factor is much less important than for ground forces. However, the actions of any enemy aircraft at low altitudes will be extremely difficult due to the mountainous terrain and the huge number of MANPADS and anti-aircraft guns in the North Korean air defense. Old aircraft may well be used as kamikaze, incl. and with nuclear weapons.

Navy The DPRK is divided into the Western Fleet (includes 5 naval regions, 6 squadrons) and the Eastern Fleet (7 VMR, 10 squadrons). Due to geopolitical reasons, the exchange of ships between fleets is impossible even in peacetime, so each fleet relies on its own shipbuilding base.

In terms of the number of combat units, the DPRK Navy may be the largest in the world, but almost all of these units are extremely primitive. In particular, North Korean ships and boats do not have air defense systems at all. However, for operations in coastal waters, the DPRK Navy has a very significant potential. Their strongest point is the presence of a large number of small submarines capable of both landing spetsnaz groups on the enemy coast and acting against enemy ships in shallow water. In the course of regular skirmishes between North Korean and South Korean combat boats, as a rule, the advantage is on the side of the former.

There are up to 100 submarines of various classes, at least two patrol ships (frigates), up to 30 corvettes, up to 40 missile boats.

The DPRK Navy is practically the only fleet in the world that continues to massively operate torpedo boats (at least 100 units). There are up to 200 patrol boats, up to 30 minesweepers, more than 300 landing ships and boats.

Coastal defense covers the entire coast of the DPRK. It consists of 6 brigades.

In general, the noticeable technical backwardness of the KPA is largely compensated by the huge amount of weapons, equipment and personnel, the good level of combat training and the fanaticism of the military. In addition, the KPA is very well adapted to operations in the mountainous terrain that occupies most of the Korean Peninsula. This makes it the most dangerous opponent even for the three strongest armies in the world (American, Chinese, Russian) and completely invincible for everyone else.

A study by the state-owned Korea Institute for Defense Analysis shows that if the period of military service is reduced by a month, the number of soldiers available for military action will decrease by 10,000 people. A three-month cut would result in a shortage of about 33,000 people, the agency said.

And some officials are concerned that the 18-month service life will be too short for soldiers to master military training.

“In addition to the training period in boots, soldiers need at least nine months to familiarize themselves with military sciences. [Even] according to the current 21-month service period, only 10-20 percent of conscripts are considered fully combat-ready.” said an army officer who refused to reveal his identity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Supporters (who do exist) argue that reducing the military staff with the introduction of a shorter period of service is "a step in the right direction."

"We need to stop playing games with numbers" said Lim Tae-hoon, head of the Korean Army Human Rights Center, "We can ... turn reserve forces into more advanced, more qualified ones."

Reducing the number of military personnel and their period of service was an election promise

조선인민군 , Joseon inmingun) - the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The KPA includes: Ground Forces, Air and Anti-Aircraft Forces, Naval Forces, since 2012 - Strategic Missile Forces, and since 2017 - Special Tactical Forces. The total number of professional servicemen in the army is, according to various estimates, from 850 to 1200 thousand people. There are about 4,000,000 people in the reserve. The mobilization reserve is 4.7 million people, the mobilization resources are 6.2 million people, and there are 10 million people fit for military service. The vast majority of the troops are located in the area of ​​the Demilitarized Zone on the border with South Korea. Since the country has been in a state of temporary truce since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the armed forces are in constant combat readiness, periodically conducting various kinds of small operations against the opponents of the DPRK. However, in March 2013, the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, Kim Jong-un, announced that he had broken all non-aggression agreements concluded with South Korea, and also annulled the treaty on the denuclearization of the peninsula due to the growing conflict with South Korea and the United States.

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Air Force

Among the helicopters there are: 24 - Mi-24, 80 - "Hughes-500 D", 48 - Z-5, 15 - Mi-8 / -17, 139 - Mi-2.

The powerful air defense system includes more than 9,000 anti-aircraft artillery systems: from light anti-aircraft guns to the most powerful 100-mm anti-aircraft guns in the world, as well as self-propelled anti-aircraft guns ZSU-57 and ZSU-23-4  Shilka. A serious shortcoming of North Korean air defense is the virtual absence of more or less modern anti-aircraft missile systems. There are several thousand anti-aircraft missile launchers - from stationary S-75 systems (180 launchers, installed around the capital), S-125 (140; capable of shooting down low-flying targets), S-200 (from 2 to 40) and mobile "Cube" and Strela-10 to portable installations - but all these are outdated anti-aircraft systems.

Naval Forces

The Naval Forces of the DPRK include two fleets: the Eastern Fleet, operating in the Sea of ​​Japan (the main base is Yohori), and the Western Fleet, operating in the Korean Gulf and the Yellow Sea (the main base is Nampo). Basically, the fleet is designed to solve combat missions in the 50-km coastal zone.

Missile weapons

North Korean Special Operations Forces

The number of special troops of the Korean People's Army is estimated to be between 88,000 and 121,500 troops. The task of the KPA special forces includes conducting reconnaissance and sabotage operations, conducting operations in cooperation with the regular armed forces of the KPA, organizing a "second front" in the rear of the South Korean army, countering the special operations of military intelligence of the United States and South Korea, combating anti-government forces inside the country and ensuring internal security.

Structurally, the KPA special forces are divided into three categories: light infantry, reconnaissance and sniper units. Organizationally, special forces are represented by 22 (possibly 23) brigades (including two sniper brigades of amphibious assault, one located on the east, the other on the west coast). Also, the special forces include 18 separate battalions (17 reconnaissance, including reconnaissance battalions of the Navy and Air Force, and 1 airborne).

The management of special forces is carried out by two main structures of the Ministry of People's Armed Forces of the DPRK: the Office of the Command of Special Units and the Intelligence Directorate.

National nuclear forces

On December 31, 2017, the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un, on the air of the country's Central Television announced the completion of the creation of national nuclear forces.

nuclear program

Presumably, since the beginning of the 1990s, the DPRK began to develop nuclear weapons.

On February 22, 1990, the chairman of the KGB of the USSR, Vladimir Kryuchkov, in a memorandum to the Central Committee of the CPSU "On the issue of creating atomic weapons in the DPRK" wrote:

The DPRK continues scientific and experimental design work on the creation of atomic weapons. North Korean leaders, in particular Kim Jong Il, who personally control these studies, seek to achieve military superiority over South Korea, and also pursue the prestigious goal of becoming one of the states possessing such weapons. The nuclear research center of the DPRK, located in Yongbyon, Pyonganpukto province, has completed the development of the first atomic explosive device. Its testing is currently not planned in the interests of concealing from the world community and controlling international organizations the very fact of the production of nuclear weapons in the DPRK.

It is believed that 8,000 irradiated uranium fuel rods were reprocessed, yielding between 45 and 50 kg of weapons-grade plutonium. From the resulting plutonium, it is possible to produce from 6 to 12 nuclear charges.

The well-known American nuclear specialist Siegfried Hecker, following a trip to the nuclear research centers of the DPRK in November 2010, stated that he had received information about the completion of construction in the DPRK near the city of Yongbyon (Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center) of an enrichment plant for the production of enriched uranium with approximately 2,000 Pakistani P-2 gas centrifuges. The capacity of this plant for the production of highly enriched weapons-grade uranium is up to 60 kg/year.

According to experts, after the third successful test of a nuclear warhead with a capacity of 6-10 kilotons in 2013, the DPRK allegedly had at its disposal from 12 to 15 nuclear warheads and various rocket carriers for them.

On January 6, 2016, the fourth nuclear test was carried out, according to North Korean officials, of a smaller version of the hydrogen bomb, which immediately caused a public outcry. A large number of countries opposed nuclear testing in the UN Security Council.

On September 9, 2016, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is demanding an end to the full-scale annual exercises conducted by Seoul and Washington off the coast of North Korea and the elimination of the US military base in South Korea.

military doctrine

The military doctrine is based on elements of the Soviet military doctrine, the tactics of the Chinese light infantry and the experience gained during the Korean War of 1950-1953. Basic principles of the doctrine:

More than 60% of the total number of formations and units of the ground forces, more than 40% of the units and formations of the Air Force and Air Defense are deployed south of the Pyongyang-Wonsan line. Air Force aircraft are based mainly on 30 of the 70 airfields around Pyongyang. About 60% of the ship's composition is located at forward bases on the east and west coasts. In the southern provinces, along the military demarcation line along the 38th parallel separating the DPRK and the Republic of Korea, the defense of the 4th army corps is equipped with a length of 250 km. In the strip of each corps, 5-6 tunnels were dug several kilometers long to connect the rear areas of the corps with the zone of the demarcation line. In practice, the southern regions of the country, when fulfilling the national task of turning the country's territory into an "impregnable fortress", represent a continuous zone of barriers. It is based on numerous underground shelters, fortified areas, defense areas for tank towers, and engineering barriers.

The antiamphibious defense of the eastern coast of the DPRK is carried out by three army corps in cooperation with the coastal missile and artillery units of the Eastern Fleet and the combat aviation command of the Air Force and Air Defense, part of the forces of the corps of the Korean Border Forces, having two mechanized corps in the operational depth.

The west coast in antiamphibious defense is covered by 4 army corps in cooperation with the coastal missile and artillery units of the Western Fleet and two combat aviation commands, as well as with part of the forces of the Korean Border Forces corps, having a tank corps in the operational depth. The Pyongyang zone is defended by the capital defense command.

For units and formations intended for antiamphibious defense of the western and eastern coasts, the main and reserve regimental and divisional defense areas equipped in engineering terms have been prepared.

Despite the fact that the Chinese leadership, demonstrating Beijing's dissatisfaction with the position of the DPRK on the nuclear issue, in early September 2003 deployed five divisions with a total strength of about 150 thousand people along the border with North Korea along a front of 1360 km, (2) only parts of the corps are located in the north Korean border troops, numbering up to 30 thousand people.

The military-economic potential of the DPRK

The military industry of the DPRK allows for an annual production of 200,000 units of automatic small arms, 3,000 heavy guns, 200 tanks, 400 armored vehicles and amphibians. North Korea produces its own submarines, high-speed missile boats and other types of warships. Own production allows the DPRK to maintain numerous armed forces at relatively low military spending. The defense industry has three branches of production: weapons production, military supply and dual-use production.

The DPRK has built 17 factories for the production of firearms and artillery, 35 factories for the production of ammunition, 5 factories for the production of tanks and armored vehicles, 8 aircraft factories, 5 factories for the production of military ships, 5 factories for the production of guided missiles, 5 factories for the production of communications equipment, 8 factories of chemical and biological weapons. In addition, many civilian factories can be converted to military production at minimal cost. Over 180 defense enterprises have been built underground in mountainous regions.

At the moment, the military-industrial complex of the DPRK as a whole satisfies the needs of the Korean People's Army in artillery and small arms. North Korean enterprises produce self-propelled artillery mounts of the M-1975, M-1977, M-1978 Koksan, M-1981, M-1985, M-1989 and M-1991 types, M-1973 armored personnel carriers.

On the territory of the DPRK, spare parts are produced for many Air Force aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, Su-25. Near the settlement of Tokhyeon there is the largest aircraft factory in the DPRK, a smaller aviation enterprise is located in Chongjin. A significant part of the Navy ships was built at North Korean shipyards on the basis of Soviet and Chinese designs.

The rapidly developing missile technology of the DPRK makes it possible not only to provide its army with ground-to-ground missiles, but also to export them to other countries. Active work is being carried out in the field of creating intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear technologies.

In general, despite the difficult economic situation, the DPRK is able to produce most of the weapons necessary for combat operations. At the same time, the DPRK needs the supply of high-tech equipment, spare parts and assemblies, as well as technologies from abroad, in particular from the CIS countries. This problem is partially solved by purchasing equipment in China.

Products of the military-industrial complex of the DPRK are exported to a number of countries of the world, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. So, in 2008, about $100 million worth of weapons and military equipment were sold abroad (mostly rocket technology, multiple rocket launchers, and warships).

Ideological work

At the turn of the 20th-21st centuries, references to the so-called "songun ideas" began to appear in the DPRK mass media. The concept of songun is translated into Russian by the phrase "priority of the army."

"Joseon Inmingun" ("Korean People's Army") is an organ of the Ministry of People's Armed Forces of the DPRK.

Military ranks and insignia

	Original	Translation	Shoulder strap
Marshals 원수급 (元帥級)	대원수 (大元帥)	Generalissimo
	공화국원수 (共和國元帥)	Marshal DPRK
	인민군원수 (人民軍元帥)	Marshal of the Korean People's Army
	차수 (次帥)	Vice Marshal
	Original	Rank	Shoulder strap (army)	Shoulder strap (aviation)	Rank (navy)	Shoulder strap (navy)
Generals 장령급 (將領級)	대장 (大將)	Army General			Admiral of the Fleet
	상장 (上將)	Colonel General			Admiral
	중장 (中將)	Lieutenant General			Vice Admiral
	소장 (少將)	Major General			rear admiral
senior officers 좌관급 (佐官級)	대좌 (大佐)	Senior Colonel			Senior captain 1st rank
	상좌 (上佐)	Colonel			Captain 1 rank
	중좌 (中佐)	Lieutenant colonel			Captain 2 rank
	소좌 (少佐)	Major			Captain 3 rank
junior officers 위관급 (尉官級)	대위 (大尉)	Captain			Lieutenant Commander
	상위 (上尉)	Senior Lieutenant			Senior Lieutenant
	중위 (中尉)	Lieutenant			Lieutenant
	소위 (少尉)	Ensign			Ensign
Sergeants 하사관급 (下士官級)	특무상사 (特務上士)	Special Forces Senior Sergeant			Senior midshipman
	상사 (上士)	Staff Sergeant			Midshipman
	중사 (中士)	Sergeant			Chief ship foreman
	하사 (下士)	Lance Sergeant			Chief Petty Officer
soldiers 전사급 (戰士級)	상급병사 (上級兵士)	Senior Corporal			Sergeant Major 1 articles
	중급병사 (中級兵士)

Most people are indignant because of the specific way of life of its inhabitants. This is due to the propaganda of the regime in which they exist. Few people know about real life in this country, so it seems to be something creepy and unacceptable. Despite the peculiarities of the regime, the state is recognized in the world community and has both its own territory and the army, which is called upon to protect it.

Combat efficiency of the troops

The state has a weak economy, it is isolated from the whole world. However, the army is still considered one of the strongest in the world. It's called the army. The main slogans of the ideology of the DPRK are "Juche", which means "reliance on one's own strength", as well as "Songun", that is, "everything for the army."

The North Korean army (according to various sources, the number is from 1.1 to 1.6 million people) has a small budget. For example, in 2013 it was only $5 billion. Compared to the leading states, this figure is negligible. However, she is in the top five.

The North Korean army, which could be supplemented by 8 million reservists at any time, also has 10 nuclear warheads. The first tests on their launch were carried out in 2006.

Information about the armed forces

The North Korean army is no less closed than the state itself. All information about her weapons is approximate. This is especially true for the amount of technology.

It is known that its military-technical complex is capable of producing various classes of military equipment:

• tanks;
• armored personnel carriers;
• rockets;
• artillery pieces;
• warships;
• submarines;
• boats;
• multiple launch rocket systems.

The only thing that is not created in the DPRK is airplanes and helicopters. Although in the presence of foreign components, their assembly is quite possible.

Partners of the DPRK

During the Cold War, the DPRK received substantial military assistance from its two major allies, the USSR and the PRC. The current situation has changed dramatically. Russia stopped aid due to poor solvency of the republic. China does not provide aid due to dissatisfaction with its policies. However, Beijing is still officially Pyongyang's patron and ally.

Iran remains the only partner today. North Korea is exchanging military technology with him. The state also continues to work on the nuclear missile program.

Opponents of the DPRK

The North Korean army is called upon to fight two main enemies - South Korea and the United States. Once upon a time, South Korea followed the path of capitalist and allied relations with the United States. As a result, it became a fairly successful state.

In North Korea, this was seen as a betrayal. Its entire ideology is supported by stubborn conservatives who are not ready for change. Even the death of the chief leader did not change the situation. His son and successor Kim Jong-un continues to strengthen the ideological principles. The elite that is in the DPRK will simply not allow him to make changes.

Despite a lot of shortcomings, the North Korean army will be able to fight against the United States. And the presence of nuclear weapons exacerbates the picture even more. Especially for neighboring states, which, in addition to South Korea, are China and Russia.

Military service

All men in the DPRK are required to do compulsory military service. It is the army of North Korea, whose service life is 5-12 years, that is very different from the armed fortifications of the whole world. At the same time, until 2003, this period was 13 years.

The draft age starts at 17 years old. Bypassing the service is almost impossible. It is thanks to the strength of the KPA that it is referred to as the strongest army in the world.

Echelons of defense

The North Korean army has a ground force of about one million people. They make up several echelons of defense.

The first one is located on the border with South Korea. It includes infantry and artillery formations. In the event of a possible war, they must break through the South Korean border fortifications or prevent enemy troops from going deep into the state.

The second echelon is behind the first. It consists of ground forces, tank and mechanized formations. His actions also depend on who starts the war first. If North Korea, then the second echelon will move deep into the South Korean defenses, including the capture of Seoul. If the DPRK is attacked, then the second echelon will have to eliminate the enemy's breakthroughs.

The task of the third echelon is in the defense of Pyongyang. It is also a training and reserve base for the first two echelons.

The fourth echelon is located on the border with China and Russia. It belongs to training-reserve connections. It is commonly called the "echelon of last resort".

In the country, women have long been able to serve as volunteers. Their service life until 2003 was 10 years, and after - 7 years. However, in many sources there is information that from 2015 all women will be required to do compulsory military service. Recruitment will be carried out immediately after receiving a school certificate.

Women will serve in the army until the age of 23. Many experts consider such measures of the authorities forced because of the famine of 1994-1998, which resulted in a low birth rate, which resulted in a shortage of the male population of military age.

North Korea is not a pioneer in this regard. For example, in Israel, Peru, Malaysia and other countries, women have been required to serve for a long time.

The main disadvantages of KPA

The North Korean army, which is most often reviewed without reliable information, can inspire fear in many countries. However, it has many shortcomings.

Weaknesses of the KPA:

• limited fuel resources will allow deployed combat operations to be carried out for no more than a month;
• the impossibility of Pyongyang holding a long-term defense due to insufficient food supplies;
• there are no means of modern technical reconnaissance, which reduces the effectiveness of artillery fire;
• coastal defense is carried out with the help of obsolete missiles, and the fleet as a whole is not distinguished by autonomy and secrecy;
• there are no modern air forces, air defense systems, and the available means will only allow a few days to counteract enemy forces.

At the same time, the KPA remains one of the strongest in all, mainly due to the fact that more than one million people are ready to defend it, while several million others can be called up from the reserve in a short time.

It is possible to check the effectiveness of the North Korean army only in a state of real war. However, this is feared all over the world. Not a single state, including the United States, is yet willing to unleash a conflict with Pyongyang.