Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
North Korea has showcased a short-range air defense system with a design similar to that of Russia’s Pantsir on the sideline of the Defense Development-2025 exhibition in Pyongyang.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 5 shared a photo of the system from the exhibition, which was opened by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“Weapons systems are being developed or improved to respond effectively to changes in modern warfare, and the latest scientific advancements, including artificial intelligence technologies, are being actively introduced,” Kim said during the opening address.
The new air defense system is mounted on an eight-roadwheel tracked chassis, which may be adapted from existing North Korean vehicles such as the Pukguksong-2 ballistic missile launcher or self-propelled artillery systems like the M-1989 or Juche 107.
Similar to the most common versions of the Pantsir, the air defense system showcased by North Korea features a dual six-missile launch setup, with 12 missiles in total, in addition to a fire control radar and what appears to be an electro-optical trackers.
The North Korean system, however, lacks the twin automatic anti-aircraft cannons typically found on the Russian air defense system.
Short-range air defense systems are critical for protecting ground forces, infrastructure, and civilians from low-altitude aerial threats like drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft, especially helicopters. They provide rapid, localized defense, ensuring operational security and minimizing damage in dynamic battlefields or high-risk areas.
Several other types of weapons were showcased at the Defense Development-2025, including cruise and ballistic missiles, with one model even equipped with hypersonic gliders, in addition to a wide range of drones and armored vehicles.
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Defense cooperation between North Korea grew in recent years. The two countries signed a mutual defense pact in 2024. After that, thousands of North Korean troops were deployed to the Russian region of Kursk where they helped repel a Ukrainian attack.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Russia had supplied North Korea with a number of naval Pantsir systems, dubbed the Pantsir-ME, for its latest Choe Hyon-class destroyer. These claims were not confirmed by Pyongyang or Moscow, however.
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