Russia to send MiG-29s and Su-27s to DPRK in exchange for troops

Defense Express writes about it.

Russia plans to transfer an unspecified number of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea as part of a deal for DPRK troops stationed in combat zones, though they are not yet engaged in battles. Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, confirmed this during the Reagan National Defense Forum, as reported by Aviation Week.

While these aircraft are not fifth-generation fighters, they remain formidable, Paparo remarked.

In addition to modern aircraft, North Korea may also receive Russian technologies for ballistic missiles and air defense systems. This deal follows Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia's Su-35 production facility in 2023, sparking speculation about potential Su-35 transfers. However, analysts now believe Moscow is opting for MiG-29s and Su-27s instead.

Currently, North Korea's air force relies on aging Soviet-era models, including 18 MiG-29s and 34 Su-25s from the 1980s. The majority of its fleet consists of outdated MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and other older aircraft, many of which are likely non-operational. The addition of MiG-29s and Su-27s would represent a significant qualitative upgrade for Pyongyang's aviation capabilities.

Quantities remain uncertain, but Russia’s available fleet includes 70 older MiG-29s, 14 modernized MiG-29SMTs, and various Su-27 variants, according to The Military Balance. The extent of the transfer may depend on how much technology Russia is willing to share with its North Korean ally.