Introduction:
North Korea's military power is overestimated, in large part because of its frequent nuclear and missile tests, which create the illusion that North Korea's military is strong. But in fact, the North Korean army has a glaring flaw, and that is the air superiority of the DPRK. Regarding China's interest in providing North Korea with "J-10" fighters, but in fact, North Korea's aircraft are not only the first problem, so neither the "J-10" nor other types of fighters can save the North Korean Air Force. Next, let's take a look at what exactly went wrong with North Korea's air power and what caused it.
On the air power of the DPRK.
After World War II, North Korea was divided into two parts, and the Soviet Union had been helping North Korea, which gave North Korea a rapid increase in air power. In addition to the advanced fighters provided by the Soviet Union, the rapid development of the DPRK Air Force was also driven by training and support. In the 80s of the 20th century, the air power of the DPRK even surpassed that of South Korea, and it also participated in the battles in the Middle East and achieved good results in the battles. However, due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the DPRK's air force could not afford to maintain the ability to routinely replace **, and at the same time, due to financial reasons, could not import more advanced fighters. Since then, North Korea's air power has gradually declined. It can be said that the air power of the DPRK and the Soviet Union are closely linked, and when the Soviet Union collapsed, the DPRK was also dragged into the quagmire and could not keep up with the development of the international community.
North Korea's air power.
At present, North Korea's air power is only comparable to that of some African countries, and it is not as strong as some African countries as a whole. North Korea's air power still uses old Soviet fighter jets, but it also lacks the corresponding equipment and modern technology. Compared with the South Korean Air Force, there is a big difference in both quantity and quality. At present, the North Korean Air Force mainly uses fighters from the last century, while South Korea already has four and a half generations of fighters, and there is a big gap between the two.
Can the J-10 "save North Korea's air power?
North Korea is an ally of China, and some believe that if it helps North Korea, China can save itself with the J-10. However, this is a misconception. First of all, the North Korean driver cannot fly the "J-10", and even if China sends someone to teach, the North Korea does not have the corresponding equipment and combat system to cooperate. Secondly, the air power of the DPRK is not only **, it also involves the development of the entire army. North Korea's current situation is closely linked to its economic woes and long-term derailment. To reverse this situation, North Korea must undergo a comprehensive transformation that prioritizes economic development and international integration. The provision of a fighter plane is only intended to alleviate some of the problems of the DPRK, and does not essentially improve its situation.
The conclusion: the decline of air power in the DPRK was caused by the collapse and long development of the USSR. Their problem is not only in the equipment, but more importantly in the overall strength of the army. China's J-10 and other more advanced fighters cannot completely save North Korea's air power. In order for its military to develop, North Korea must undergo a sweeping change that prioritizes its economic development and its ties to the international community. This is the only way for North Korea to restore its air power. At the same time, we need to have an accurate understanding of North Korea's strength and not overestimate its own strength because of its nuclear facilities and missile tests.