

| Name | KPAF Su-25 Frogfoot |
| Manufacturer | Sukhoi (North Korean-assembled copies) |
| Country of Origin | North Korea / USSR |
| Introduction / In Service Since | 1980s / Active |
| Status | Operational |
| Category | Close Air Support (CAS) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Unit Cost | Classified |
| Length | 15.53 m |
| Wingspan | 14.36 m |
| Height | 4.8 m |
| Wing Area | 30 m² |
| Empty Weight | 9,800 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 17,600 kg |
| Maximum Speed | 950 km/h |
| Range | 750 km |
| Combat Radius | 375 km |
| Service Ceiling | 7,000 m |
| Rate of Climb | 50 m/s |
| Engine Type | 2 × Tumansky R-95Sh turbojets |
| Thrust (per engine) | 4,050 kgf |
| Total Thrust | 8,100 kgf |
| Internal Payload Capacity | 250–400 kg |
| Weapons Bay | None |
| Compatible Weapons | 30mm GSh‑30 cannon, unguided rockets, bombs, limited guided munitions |
| Hardpoints | 10 |
| Radar System | None (basic navigation only) |
| Navigation | Inertial + optical navigation |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) | Minimal defensive suite |
| Stealth Features | None |
| Primary Operator | Korean People’s Air Force (KPAF) |
| Conflict Usage | None publicly confirmed |
| Notable Missions | Training, readiness, close air support drills |
| Variants | Su‑25K, Su‑25UB (trainer) |
| Successor / Future Replacement | Undeclared |
| Notable Features | Armored cockpit, rugged airframe, short-field capability |
| Estimated Operational Life | 30+ years |
Originally developed by the Soviet Union’s Sukhoi design bureau, the Su-25 platform was reverse-engineered and locally manufactured in North Korea, emphasizing reliability, simplicity, and combat survivability. Its primary role is ground attack, striking enemy armor, fortifications, and troop concentrations.
The KPAF Su-25 Frogfoot is optimized for low-altitude, high-precision missions. With a maximum speed exceeding 950 km/h (Mach 0.8–0.85), the aircraft can operate effectively in close proximity to enemy air defenses. Its combat radius allows missions up to 750 km, while its robust airframe and reinforced cockpit provide protection against small arms fire and light anti-aircraft artillery.
The aircraft is equipped with a 30mm GSh-30 cannon, multiple hardpoints for unguided rockets, bombs, and limited guided munitions. While lacking advanced avionics seen in modern Western aircraft, the Frogfoot employs a simple, reliable navigation and targeting system suitable for low-tech, high-intensity conflict zones.
The KPAF Su-25 has been deployed in training exercises simulating conventional warfare scenarios, emphasizing its role in providing rapid, precise support to ground forces. Its rugged construction ensures operational readiness in austere airfields and adverse weather conditions.
In summary, the KPAF Su-25 Frogfoot remains a critical component of North Korea’s tactical airpower, combining durability, firepower, and battlefield versatility.
The KPAF Su-25 Frogfoot is North Korea’s domestically produced variant of the Russian-designed Su-25, specifically engineered for close air support and battlefield interdiction missions. Designed to operate in hostile environments, this aircraft combines rugged durability with potent firepower, making it a central asset in the Korean People’s Air Force (KPAF) tactical aviation fleet.
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