Recent satellite images show that North Korea is close to completing its first airborne early warning aircraft, which experts view as a significant addition to its air force capabilities once it enters service.
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Although North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose a major security threat to South Korea, the United States, and other countries, its air surveillance capabilities remain behind its competitors. Most of its fighter jets and military aircraft are also outdated.
According to 38 North, a website specializing in North Korean affairs, commercial satellite images taken on Tuesday revealed an Il-76 aircraft parked at an airport in Pyongyang, with a large radar dome installed on its upper structure. The radar dome indicates that the aircraft is equipped with a radar system.
The site described the near-completion of the aircraft as "a major upgrade to an air force that has not seen new aerial capabilities in years."
The radar dome is noted for its triangular design on top, a pattern observed on some Chinese early warning aircraft, but not on American or Russian planes.
The site suggested that this might indicate support or influence from China, although the triangular design alone is not definitive evidence. -(Agencies)
