Military service in Korea. Will compulsory military service in South Korea be reduced? Bombs and rockets

Despite the very weak economy and almost complete international isolation of the DPRK, its Armed Forces (KPA - Korean People's Army) remain one of the strongest in the world. The KPA is being built under the slogans “juche” (“reliance on one’s own strength”) and “songun” (“everything for the army”).

During the Cold War, North Korea received military assistance from the USSR and China. By now it has completely stopped. Moscow is not satisfied with Pyongyang's low solvency, and Beijing is extremely dissatisfied with its policies. North Korea's only partner in military field– Iran, with which there is a constant exchange of technology. At the same time, Pyongyang continues its nuclear missile program and maintains huge conventional forces.

The country has a developed military-industrial complex, capable of producing almost all classes of military equipment: missiles, tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces and MLRS, ships, boats and submarines - both based on foreign projects and its own development. The only things that have not been created in the DPRK are airplanes and helicopters, although it is possible to assemble them from foreign components, if available.

Due to extreme secrecy North Korea information about its aircraft, especially about the number of equipment, is estimated.

Rocket Forces include a significant number of ballistic missiles of various ranges. There are up to 16 divisions of Hwasong-7 missiles, also known as Nodong-1 (3 launchers in each division, a total of 200 to 300 missiles, flight range up to 1300 km), 1 OTR R-17 regiment (28 launchers , flight range - 300 km), as well as the Hwasong-5 OTR created on the basis of the R-17 (up to 180 launchers, 300-400 missiles, range - 330 km) and Hwasong-6 (up to 100 launchers, 300- 400 missiles, range - 500 km), up to 8 divisions of TR KN-02, created on the basis of the Russian TR "Tochka" (4 launchers in each, a total of at least 100 missiles, range - 70 km), 6 divisions of old TR " Luna" and "Luna-M" (4 launchers each, 70 km). IRBMs or even ICBMs of the Taepodong series are being developed.

KPA Special Operations Forces are at least the fourth largest in the world (after the USA, China, Russia), and perhaps even second after the Americans - up to 90 thousand people. The North Korean MTR is led by the Light Infantry Control Bureau and the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff. CCOs have three components.

Special forces of the ground forces: 9 light infantry brigades, 3 sniper brigades (17th, 60th, 61st), 17 reconnaissance and 8 “regular” battalions. Airborne Forces: 3 “regular” (38, 48, 58th) and 4 sniper (11, 16, 17, 21st) airborne brigades, parachute battalion. Marine special forces: 2 naval sniper brigades (1 each in the Western and Eastern fleets).

Ground forces, numbering almost a million people, are divided into four strategic echelons. First echelon located directly on the border with South Korea and consists of infantry and artillery formations. If the DPRK starts a war, its task is to break through the South Korean border fortifications. If the first strike is delivered by South Korea and the United States, the task of this echelon is to prevent enemy troops from advancing into the interior of the country. The first echelon includes four infantry corps and one artillery corps.

1st Infantry Corps: 2, 13, 31, 46th Infantry Divisions, four brigades - tank, light infantry, self-propelled guns, MLRS. 2nd: 3, 6, 8th infantry divisions, 32nd light infantry brigade, two more light infantry brigades, as well as tank, self-propelled gun, MLRS, and airborne brigades. 4th: 26, 28, 33, 41st infantry divisions, four brigades - tank, two light infantry, airborne crossing. 5th: 5, 12, 25, 45th infantry divisions, 103rd tank brigade, 75th and 80th light infantry brigades, self-propelled gun brigade, MLRS brigade, airborne brigade. The 620th Artillery Corps includes seven self-propelled gun brigades and six MLRS brigades.

Second echelon located directly behind the first and consists of the most powerful tank and mechanized formations of the KPA ground forces. If the DPRK starts a war, its task is to develop an offensive into the depths of the South Korean defense (including the capture of Seoul) after its breakthrough by the forces of the first echelon. If South Korea and the United States start a war, the second echelon of the KPA must eliminate possible enemy breakthroughs through the location of the first.

The second echelon includes a tank and two mechanized corps. 806th MK: 4th, 7th, 47th and two more mechanized brigades, a light infantry brigade, a self-propelled gun brigade. 815th MK: 26th and four more mechanized brigades, a light infantry brigade, a self-propelled gun brigade. 820th Tank: 105th Armored Division, three armored tank brigades, 15th mechanized brigade, self-propelled gun brigade, MLRS brigade.

Third echelon provides the defense of Pyongyang, is a reserve and training base for the first two echelons. Includes five infantry and one artillery corps. 3rd Infantry: five infantry divisions (including two training reserves), tank and artillery brigades. 6th Infantry: three infantry divisions (including two reserve training divisions), an artillery brigade. 7th Infantry: 10th and 20th Infantry Divisions, four training reserve divisions, 87th Light Infantry Brigade, artillery brigade. 12th Infantry: motorized infantry and infantry divisions, tank and artillery brigades. 91st Capital Defense Infantry: four motorized infantry brigades, an MLRS brigade. Kandong Artillery Corps - six artillery and MLRS brigades each.

Fourth echelon located along the border of the DPRK with the PRC and the Russian Federation. It is, like the third, a training reserve, as well as a “echelon of last hope”. Includes two mechanized and four infantry corps. The 108th and 425th MK have the same structure - five mechanized brigades, a light infantry brigade, and a self-propelled gun brigade. The 10th and 11th infantry regiments each include one infantry and one training reserve division, and an MLRS brigade. 8th Infantry: three infantry divisions (including one training reserve), tank and artillery brigades.

9th Infantry: 24th and 42nd Infantry Divisions, training reserve infantry division, MLRS brigade. It is this corps that has the border with the Russian Federation in its area of responsibility. The ground forces also have 4 border guard and 22 engineering brigades.

KPA tank park has up to 4 thousand main and at least 250 light tanks. The oldest are the Soviet T-54 and T-55 (1000 of each) and their Chinese copies Tour 59 (175). There are 500 Soviet T-62s. On their basis, the DPRK created the Chonma family of tanks (at least 470 units).

The most modern North Korean tank is the Songun-915, known in the West and in Russia under the name Pokpun-ho. It is also based on the T-62, but using technologies from the more modern T-72 and T-80. It carries a 125-mm cannon, a 14.5-mm KPVT machine gun, coaxial launchers for the Balso-3 ATGM (a copy of the Soviet Kornet ATGM) and the Hwa Song Chon MANPADS (a copy of the Igla-1). No tank in the world has such a set of weapons. To date, 200–400 units of Songun-915 have been produced. Light tanks: 100 Soviet PT-76, 50 Chinese Toure 62, at least 100 own PT-85 "Shinhen" (an amphibious tank with an 85 mm cannon).

There are 222 Soviet BMP-1s, as well as more than 1,500 armored personnel carriers. The oldest are BTR-40 and BTR-152 (about 600 in total). Slightly newer are the Soviet BTR-60 (250 units), BTR-50 (50) and our own Type-73, created on the basis of the Chinese Toure 531 and better known as VTT-323 (at least 500). The most modern are 32 Russian armored personnel carriers-80A and up to 100 Type-69 armored personnel carriers created on their basis in the DPRK.

The KPA artillery includes numerous towed guns of Soviet, Chinese and domestic production. These are 500 A-19 and M-30, 300 D-74, 188 D-30, 50 Toure 59-1, 160 M-46 and up to 1000 similar guns of our own production, 200 D-20 and 100 ML-20. A significant part of these guns was converted into self-propelled guns by mounting them on the ATS-59 tracked transporter. There are at least 60 M-1973 and M-1983 Juche-po self-propelled guns with a firing range of up to 60 kilometers. Thus, the total number of self-propelled guns and towed guns exceeds 3000. Mortars (up to 7500) are mainly of our own production: M-1976 (82 mm), M-1978 (120 mm), M-1982 (140 mm).

There are also 1,000 Soviet 120mm M-43 mortars. The number of MLRS exceeds 5000. This is at least 3774 Chinese towed Toure 63, produced under license in the DPRK, 500 Soviet BM-21, our own BM-11, M-1973, M-1990, 100 Chinese Toure 63, 50 Soviet towed RPU-14 and 100 BM-14, 200 own M-1968 and Soviet BMD-20 (200 mm), from 200 to 500 Soviet BM-24, own M-1984 and M-1990 (240 mm).

Anti-tank weapons: ATGM "Malyutka", "Konkurs", up to 1100 ATGM "Fagot", as well as at least a thousand self-propelled anti-tank missiles M-1974 (100 mm).

In terms of the number of almost all classes of equipment, the KPA ground forces occupy at least fourth place in the world. Such a huge quantity largely compensates for its archaic nature. This especially applies to artillery; in terms of guns, the KPA is in second place in the world after the PLA. North Korean artillery is capable of creating a real sea of fire in the front-line zone; it is physically impossible to suppress such a number of guns.

DPRK Air Force Organizationally they consist of 6 air divisions and 3 anti-aircraft missile brigades. 1st AD: 24th bomber ap (equipped with old Chinese N-5 bombers, created on the basis of Il-28), 35th fighter ap (Chinese J-6 fighters, copies of MiG-19), 55th attack ap (the most modern attack aircraft - Su-25 attack aircraft), the 57th fighter aircraft (the most modern - MiG-29), the 60th fighter aircraft (MiG-23ML/UB and MiG-21PFM fighters), two transport aircraft (An- 2 and their Chinese counterparts Y-5), helicopter regiment. 2nd AD: bomber ap (N-5), 46th IAP (J-6, MiG-21), 56th IAP (MiG-21PFM/bis), 58th IAP (MiG-23ML/UB) , 72nd IAP (MiG-21, J-7), as well as three more IAPs, a transport ap (An-2/Y-5), a helicopter regiment. 3rd AD: 4th and 11th IAP (armed with the oldest J-5 fighter, a Chinese copy of the MiG-17), 86th IAP (J-6, MiG-21), 303rd IAP (J-6) , helicopter regiment. The 5th Transport Hell includes five regiments.

The 6th transport hell includes the airline Air Koryo, which includes passenger planes transporting top officials DPRK and KPA, as well as seven helicopter regiments, including the only regiment of Mi-24 attack helicopters and the 64th regiment of American MD-500 helicopters, acquired in the 80s through intermediaries. The 8th Training Hell includes an aviation academy and four training aircraft regiments. Anti-aircraft missile brigades: 3, 66, 116th.

KPA Air Force Strike Aviation includes up to 86 extremely outdated Chinese N-5 bombers, from 18 to 27 Su-7 attack aircraft, 34–35 relatively new Su-25s (including 4 UBK) and up to 40 intermediate-aged Chinese Q-5 attack aircraft. Fighters: up to 107 extremely outdated Chinese J-5 and Soviet MiG-17, up to 109 J-6 and MiG-19, up to 232 MiG-21 and J-7, up to 56 MiG-23, 16–35 MiG-29 (in including up to 6 combat training MiG-29UB). There are 2 electronic warfare aircraft based on the An-24 (another may be in storage).

The DPRK does not have transport aviation in the classical sense. Air Koryo has 3 Il-76, 4 Il-62, up to 5 An-24, up to 14 Il-14, 2–3 Il-18, 2 Tu-134, 3 Tu-154 (1 more in storage). Two Tu-204s are designed to transport management and some critical cargo. Up to 300 An-2 and Y-5 are used by the Special Forces to transport special forces. Training aircraft: up to 35 MiG-15bis, MiG-15UTI and JJ-2, up to 49 CJ-6, up to 97 CJ-5 and Yak-18, up to 135 JJ-5 (training version of J-5) and MiG-17U.

Combat helicopters: 20–47 Mi-24D. Multi-role helicopters: up to 68 Mi-8T and Mi-17, 4 Mi-26, up to 108 Mi-2, up to 23 Z-5 (Chinese copy of Mi-4) and Mi-4 (1 more in storage), 5–8 Mi amphibians -14, up to 87 MD-500.

All ground-based air defense is included in the Air Force. It consists of 2 regiments (6 divisions) of the S-200 air defense system (36 launchers), 41 divisions of the S-75 air defense system (246 launchers), 32 divisions of the S-125 air defense system (128 launchers), at least a division of the KN-06 air defense system (from 8 PU). The KN-06 is a local version of the Soviet S-300PT/PS air defense system or the Chinese HQ-9. In service are up to 6,000 MANPADS (4,500 Strela-2 and their Chinese copies HN-5, 1,500 Igla-1 and their local analogues NT-16РGJ), several thousand ZSU and anti-aircraft guns, including up to 250 ZSU-57 -2, 148 ZSU-23-4, 1500 ZU-23, 1000 61-K, 400 KS-12, 524 KS-19.

Almost all of the KPA Air Force and Air Defense equipment is extremely outdated, even the Su-25, MiG-29 and KN-06 can only be considered relatively new. To a certain extent, this is compensated by quantity, but in this case this factor is much less important than for ground forces. However, the actions of the aviation of any enemy of the DPRK at low altitudes will be extremely difficult due to the mountainous terrain and the huge number of MANPADS and anti-aircraft guns in the North Korean air defense. Old planes may well be used as kamikazes, including those with nuclear weapons.

Naval forces are divided into the Western Fleet (includes 5 naval regions, 6 squadrons) and the Eastern Fleet (7 naval fleets, 10 squadrons). Due to geopolitical reasons, the exchange of ships between fleets is impossible even in peacetime, so each fleet relies on its own shipbuilding base.

In terms of the number of combat units, the DPRK Navy is perhaps the largest in the world, but almost all of the ships are extremely primitive. In particular, they do not have air defense systems at all. However, the DPRK Navy has very significant potential for operations in coastal waters. Their strongest point is large number small submarines capable of both landing special forces groups on the enemy coast and operating against enemy ships in shallow waters. In regular border skirmishes between North Korean and South Korean combat boats, the advantage, as a rule, is on the side of the former.

The basis submarine fleet consist of 22 old submarines of project 633/033 (Soviet, Chinese and own construction). It is possible that up to 4 very old Soviet submarines of Project 613 have survived. There are 30–40 small submarines “Sang-O” (built according to our own design), 23 ultra-small submarines “Yugo” of Yugoslav design (another 10 in reserve) and up to 10 “Yono” (Iranian "Ghadir").

In service are at least 2 patrol ships (frigates) of the Najin type, 1 catamaran Soho (possibly decommissioned), up to 30 corvettes (including 2-3 of the newest Nampo type). Missile boats: up to 8 old ones Soviet project 205, 4 of their Chinese analogues of Project 021, up to 10 of their local analogues of the Soju type, up to 6 very old Soviet Project 183R, up to 6 of their local analogues of the Sohung type, up to 6 of their newest own Nongo type (with local analogues of the Russian Anti-ship missiles X-35 "Uran").

The DPRK Navy is practically the only fleet in the world that continues to operate torpedo boats (mostly of its own designs) on a large scale. This is up to 100 "Sing Hong" hydrofoils, 42 "Kusong" types, up to 3 Soviet project 206M, up to 13 Soviet project 183. Patrol boats: 54 "Chongjin" type, 18-33 "Sinpo" type, 59 "" type Chaho", 6 Chongzhu type, 13–23 Chinese project 062 Shanghai-2, 19 Soviet project 201M. Minesweepers: 19 Yukto-1 type, 5 Yukto-2 type, up to 6 Pipa-go type boats.

Landing ships and boats are focused on conducting operations only within the Korean Peninsula itself, so they are small, but there are a lot of them. These are 10 Hanto-type TDKs, 18 Hunnam-type TDKs, 15 Hanchon-type TDKs, 51 Chongjin-type landing craft, 96 Nampo-type TDKs, 140 Konban-type hovercrafts.

Coastal defense covers the entire coast of the DPRK. It consists of 6 brigades (11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21st). Includes a significant number of Chinese HY-1 and HY-2 anti-ship missile systems, Soviet Sopka anti-ship missile systems, SM-4-1, M-1992, M-46, ML-20 guns.

In general, the noticeable technical backwardness of the KPA is largely compensated by the huge number of weapons, equipment and personnel, good level combat training and fanaticism of military personnel. In addition, the KPA is very well adapted to operations in mountainous terrain. This makes it a dangerous opponent even for the three strongest armies in the world (American, Chinese, Russian) and completely invincible for everyone else.

/Alexander Khramchikhin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political and Military Analysis, vpk-news.ru/

Legally, South Korea (hereinafter referred to as South Korea) is still a warring country. We should not forget that in 1953 the Korean War did not end in peace, but only in a truce, a ceasefire agreement. There is no peace treaty in Korea, that is, a formal agreement that would end the state of war, so from an international legal point of view, the Korean War is not over yet.

There are three types of armed forces in Korea: army, air force and navy. At the head of the army, according to the American model, is the Committee of Chiefs of Staff, which plays the role of the General Staff and carries out operational management armed forces. There is also a Ministry of Defense in Korea, but it is civil organization, responsible for the budget of the armed forces, their supplies and personnel issues. In addition, Korea has an independent maritime border guard, as well as civil defense units.

They usually serve in the army for 22 months.

From the beginning of January 2011, the training course for a young fighter in the South Caucasus will now last from 5 to 8 weeks. In addition, the Ministry of Defense of the South Caucasus reported a change in the terms of military service not only in defense, but also in law enforcement agencies and public institutions. It has been decided to cancel weekends on Saturdays. Soldiers Marine Corps who began service on February 27 will serve for 21 months. NCIS officers will now serve for 23 months. Also, the service life of special police forces and prison guards will be 21 months.

It is also reported that the maximum conscription age in the South Korean Armed Forces will be increased from 31 to 36 years.

In the naval forces and air forces - 24-25 months (from January 2011 - 23-24 months), alternative service - 26 months. The army in Korea is not mercenary, but conscript. The length of service depends on the type of military service, on the candidate’s family circumstances, and on a number of other factors, but in general it ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 years. The attitude towards conscription in Korea is very serious. Almost all men serve in the army, regardless of their education or the connections of their parents.

There are no deferments for studying in Korea(students are recruited into the army directly from universities), deferments due to illness are given very reluctantly. I have the right to a deferment:

Who is less than 141 cm tall or weighs less than 44 kg.

Who has myopia greater than 10 diopters.

Who suffers from diabetes or some other chronic diseases.

According to the South Korean law on conscription, persons with tattoos are exempt from conscription into the army, since their appearance “will cause disgust among fellow soldiers” (this is due to the fact that in South Korea tattoos are still considered symbols of shame and are associated with bandits and gangsters).

“Mowing” is not customary in Korea. In many cases, this, as they say, is more expensive for oneself: a man who has not served in the army raises considerable doubts in the HR departments of serious companies when applying for employment.

According to the laws of the Republic of Korea, for refusal to serve in the army - 18 months behind bars. They leave the prison cell with a “wolf ticket”. With the indelible mark of a “refusenik”, he will not see a decent job, will not make a career, will not become a student at a prestigious university...

South Korean military personnel were allowed to change their gender.
The Supreme Court of the South Caucasus has made some changes to the current legislation of the country.
In particular, from now on, South Koreans who would like to change their gender do not have to serve in the army before doing so, as was previously required by law.
A South Korean court allowed residents of the country to undergo gender reassignment surgery in 2006. However, it was possible to obtain the right to the procedure only if several conditions were met. For example, a man who intended to become a woman had to serve in the country's armed forces or prove to the authorities that the operation was not a way to avoid being drafted into the South Korean army.
The court found that this condition was too strict, since it was practically impossible to prove the connection between the desire to change gender and the intention to avoid military service. However, the court left the remaining restrictions in force. Thus, only people over 20 years of age who are not married and do not have children can become transsexuals in the South Caucasus.
According to data announced by the South Korean Supreme Court, for recent years the number of people wishing to change their gender from male to female in the country has increased significantly. If in 2006 only 15 men decided to undergo surgery, then in 2008 there were 29 of them.

Or even more so the Americans.
Let me remind you of the three largest US bases in South Korea. US Air Force Base Osan Air Base. One of the two largest US air bases in Korea. Located in Pyeongtaek city. It houses the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing. It is equipped with A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and F-16 Fighting Falcon light fighters. The headquarters of the 7th is also located there. air army USA. His mission is to defend South Korea from attacks from North Korea.
US Air Force Base Gyeongsang (Kunsan Air Base). Along with Osan Base, one of the most powerful US Air Force bases on the peninsula. Located in the west of South Korea, near the Yellow Sea. It is home to the 8th Airlift Wing, also known as the Wolf Pack. Its A-16 fighters are equipped with the latest navigation systems and night vision devices, which allows them to fight at any time of the day.
Another base is Camp Humphreys. US Army base near the city of Pyeongtaek. Already, about 17,000 military personnel are stationed there.
Be that as it may, the infantry is still seizing the land; neither massive bombings nor nuclear strikes on North Korea will be able to break the population and military of this country! The entire country is riddled with a network of underground shelters and tunnels. Yes, and the existing army, albeit equipped with outdated weapons, but fanatically loyal, will first erase the southerners along with the American bases, and with luck, will drown the aircraft carrier group, no matter how 100 submarines are available, including those equipped with ballistic missiles with thermonuclear filling. They may make a few unsympathetic mushrooms over American cities, and don’t discount the special forces, each of whose fighters is ready to act alone on enemy territory.
Southern Seoul is 25 km from the 38th parallel, which forms the Seoul-Incheon agglomeration with a population of 23.5 million people, the fourth largest in the world... Just in the range of conventional artillery.
And you can laugh with appearance leader of the country and believe the rumors spread by liberal propaganda, but do not underestimate the North Koreans. These are the best fighters in the world today.
The term of military service in the North Korean army is 10 years or more, in some cases 3-4 years. During this time, special forces soldiers become unique professionals. In addition, they also gain combat experience on enemy territory. One of their tasks when passing a kind of exam is to penetrate enemy territory and carry out some task.
In total, according to available information, the DPRK special forces include 12 infantry brigades, 10 sniper brigades, 17 reconnaissance battalions and 1 airborne battalion for a total of 120 thousand special forces.
The total number of personnel in the army is, according to various estimates, from 850 to 1200 thousand people. There are about 4,000,000 people in the reserve. The mobilization reserve is 4.7 million people, mobilization resources are 6.2 million people, and 10 million people are fit for military service.
99% of the country's population has military training. Mountainous terrain, this is almost the entire territory, is stuffed with long-term fortifications, systems volley fire and artillery. And besides, the ideological component on the highest level, they have nothing to lose. Win or die, do not surrender - these are not empty words for the North Koreans. So those who try to democratize, especially on the ground, will have to learn all the delights of a large-scale guerrilla war.
The actual number of missile systems and artillery is perhaps 2-3 times greater than indicated below.
The combat strength of the ground forces includes 20 corps (12 infantry, 4 mechanized, armored, 2 artillery, capital defense), 27 infantry divisions, 15 tank and 14 mechanized brigades, a brigade of operational-tactical missiles, 21 artillery brigades, 9 brigades of multiple launch rocket systems fire, missile regiment of tactical missiles. It is in service with: about 3,500 medium and main battle tanks and over 560 light tanks, more than 2,500 armored personnel carriers, more than 10,400 artillery pieces (including 3,500 towed and 4,400 self-propelled), over 7,500 mortars, more than 2,500 MLRS, about 2,000 ATGM installations, 34 installations of tactical missiles, 30 installations of operational-tactical missiles, 11,000 anti-aircraft artillery installations (of which about 3,000 are in stationary positions), about 10,000 MANPADS
As of 1996, the DPRK Air Force consisted of six air divisions (three combat, two military transport and one training), directly subordinate to the National Aviation Command.
The DPRK Air Force and Air Defense personnel number about 110,000. The service life of a conscript in the Air Force and Air Defense Forces is 3-4 years.
As of 2007, the DPRK Air Force was armed with about 1,100 aircraft and helicopters, making the DPRK military aviation one of the most numerous in the world. Most of them are modernized Soviet and Chinese cars of outdated models, but there are also modern examples.
The Air Force has about 590 combat aircraft. The basis of their fleet is MiG-17/J-5 (107), MiG-19/J-6 (159), MiG-21/J-7 (159). The troops also have Su-25 (34) and MiG-29 (20). There are about 300 transport aircraft of different brands.
Among the helicopters there are: 24 - Mi-24, 80 - Hughes-500 D, 48 - Z-5, 15 - Mi-8/-17, 139 - Mi-2.
The powerful air defense system includes more than 9,000 anti-aircraft artillery systems: from light anti-aircraft machine gun installations to the world's most powerful 100-mm anti-aircraft guns, as well as self-propelled anti-aircraft installations ZSU-57 and ZSU-23-4 "Shilka". A serious drawback of North Korean air defense is the virtual absence of more or less modern anti-aircraft missile systems. There are several thousand anti-aircraft missile launchers - from stationary complexes S-75 (180 launchers, installed around the capital), S-125 (140; capable of shooting down low-flying targets), S-200 (40), S-200 (from 2 to 40 ) and mobile "Cube" and "Strela-10" up to portable installations- but all these are outdated anti-aircraft systems.
The Navy is armed with about 650 ships with a total displacement of 107 thousand tons. They include 5 guided missile corvettes, 18 small anti-submarine ships, 40 missile, 134 torpedo and 108 artillery boats, 203 landing boats, more than 100 submarines (of which 22 are diesel submarines project 633, 29 - small submarines of the "San-O" type). It is armed with anti-ship missiles of the P-15 Termit type (SS-N-2 Styx).
Coastal defense: 2 launcher regiments anti-ship missiles“Silquorm” and C-2 “Sopka” (total 52 complexes), 122-, 130- and 152-mm guns (288 units).
Seven types of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ones with a range of up to 7.5 thousand km. In the first salvo, up to 500 tactical and strategic missiles, not counting tens of thousands of small missiles from multiple launch rocket systems.
Presumably, the DPRK has at its disposal from 12 to 15 nuclear warheads and various missile launch vehicles for them. Although some sources claim that up to 70 charges.
The first to try to eliminate the leader of the young republic were the southerners, who organized the terrorist attack in Pyongyang back in 1946.
"Pyongyang. Spring 1946. March 15. This day, as if by order, turned out to be clear and relatively warm. Muslin and, like feathers, light smoky-white clouds floated over the city, illuminated bright sun. The capital of the DPRK became prettier before our eyes and looked solemn. Dressed in kumachi, she resembled a huge poppy field. On the streets and squares are the red flags of our Motherland and the national flags of the Korean state.
On this significant day, the Korean people freely celebrated their great national holiday for the first time - the 27th anniversary of the anti-Japanese movement. Organized columns of demonstrators and simply groups of townspeople walked in an endless stream to the central square, which was already so crowded with people that there was nowhere for an apple to fall. Several thousand people gathered there. And people kept walking and walking...
Representatives of the city authorities, the Korean People's Army and police services, as well as our line guards and the patrol service of the Pyongyang garrison, were responsible for maintaining order in the capital. At the government podium are Chairman of the Provisional People's Committee Kim Il Sung, leaders of the new democratic government, representatives of party organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea, youth and other public organizations of Pyongyang, member of the Military Council of the 25th Army, Lieutenant General Lebedev.
At the rally, a letter was read to the Soviet government and the people of our country. The Soviet representative also made a detailed speech at the meeting. The speech of our military leader was fiery, passionate and made an exceptionally high, truly indelible impression on the demonstrators. As soon as he proclaimed a toast in honor of unbreakable friendship Soviet people with Korean and other countries of Asia and Oceania, a real ovation broke out, which did not stop for a long time.
The rally was drawing to a close. Who would have thought that it was on this solemn day for the Koreans that attackers would quietly sneak into the column of students passing next to the government rostrum, intending to commit terrorist attack. One of the attackers, walking in a column, when he approached fifteen steps to the podium, threw a grenade. There was a slight hiss and a barely visible smoky tail. It seemed terrible tragedy inevitable...
Below, near the podium, stood several of our officers, and among them, junior lieutenant Yakov Novichenko, a brave Siberian warrior. That's the only thing he accepted important decision. Seeing the “flying death”, he caught it in a jump with his right hand. What to do? There is nowhere to throw it. There are people all around. Pressing the grenade to his stomach, the officer fell to the ground. There was an explosion. Fortunately, the commanders on the podium and next to him were not injured. The rally participants responded to the grenade explosion with a powerful surge of indignation and indignation.
Well, what happened to Novichenko? It was difficult to determine whether he was alive or dead because the grenade exploded underneath him. Two Korean soldiers and our junior commander lifted Yakov Tikhonovich and carried his bloody, lifeless body on a stretcher to an ambulance. How did it turn out? later life fearless warrior? Thank God he survived.
Major of the medical service Elizaveta Bogdanova from our sanitary company, who was on duty at the hospital at that time, made the following entry: “At first glance, in front of us was a completely mutilated man, who had nothing alive left: he had been torn off right hand, numerous injuries to the chest, the left eye was knocked out, numerous wounds in other parts of the body, especially the toes were damaged, in which solid fragments stuck out...”
Subsequently, the leading surgeon of the hospital, Colonel of the medical service Smirnov, will tell him:
“Happy is your God, Yakov Tikhonovich, it’s as if you were born in a shirt. And if it weren’t for the voluminous book, Alexander Stepanov’s novel “Port Arthur” (600 pages, published in mid-1944, on the personal instructions of I. Stalin, in thick cardboard crust in gray-blue calico. Auth.) which was under the overcoat and tightly pressed to the stomach with a waist belt, then, in all likelihood, no surgical intervention of ours would have been required.
If it weren’t for her, your savior, then you, a soldier, would be in the next world. Now rejoice, you will live long. The old woman with the scythe thoroughly riddled it. There was almost no living space on your body. Frankly, we literally snatched you from her clutches."
Every day, dozens, and by the evening hundreds of Korean townspeople gathered at our hospital to learn about the state of health of the brave and decisive commander of the Red Army. The award sheet, signed by the regiment commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kazarinov, in which the junior lieutenant served, noted: “With his heroic deed, Y. Novichenko showed selfless devotion to his Motherland, the All-Union Communist Party Bolsheviks, with honor and dignity fulfilled the task assigned to him to protect the peaceful public procession of demonstrators and his patriotic duty "...
This life story was filmed in a joint Soviet-North Korean film in 1985, called “A Second for a Feat”, at the same time Novichenko was awarded the highest distinction - the Korean hero star.
And the assassination attempt on the leader of the DPRK and his associates was far from the last.
The time has come for Southerners to answer for their actions:
Evening of January 21, 1968. The clock hands are counting down the last hours of the fading day. At the beginning of ten, patrol policemen guarding the territory near the presidential residence of Chongwadae in Seoul notice an approaching group of people in the uniform of the South Korean Armed Forces (ROKA - Republic of Korea's Army). “And why the hell don’t these soldiers sit in the barracks in the evening?” - shivering in the wind and looking displeasedly at the unexpected visitors, one of the policemen heads towards them, intending to find out the reason for the appearance of the military at such an inopportune time...
He was not destined to hear an answer - everything was swallowed up by the roar of a suddenly bursting fiery hell - heavy machine gun fire and exploding hand grenades. Even buses passing by on the street were damaged by a hail of bullets and shrapnel flying literally in all directions (and, unfortunately, several passengers died). In a fierce battle, the police who arrived in time, having a significant numerical superiority, managed to kill five attackers and capture one alive. But the interrogation of the prisoner at the headquarters of the national police did not take place, the unknown fighter committed suicide in front of the amazed guards who did not have time to stop him... At the same time, during military clashes, a high-ranking policeman, the chief of the police department, Chae Kyu-sik ( Choe Kyu-shik). Most of those who attacked the residence managed to break through the police ring, knock down hastily erected barriers and begin to retreat, breaking up into several small groups.
As a result of the large-scale countermeasures that immediately began. During the sabotage activities that continued until February 3, South Korean military personnel and police managed to capture only one North Korean special forces soldier alive. In addition to the previously killed 6 participants in the attack on the residence of South Korean President Park Chung-hee, another 22 special forces soldiers preferred death in battle to capture. Two of the commandos, despite everything, at the cost of incredible efforts, still managed to break through and enter the territory of the DPRK!
The South Koreans suffered incomparably big losses- the total number of victims came close to 140, with a ratio of almost 1:1 in terms of the number of killed and wounded.
This was the debut of the reconnaissance and sabotage group, formed from 31 soldiers of detachment No. 124 and arriving from the DPRK with the aim of destroying the inhabitants of the presidential residence - the Blue House in Seoul.

Part Leadership is carried out by the State Defense Committee of the DPRK, headed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Subordinate to the committee is the Ministry of People's Armed Forces, the Ministry of People's Security, the Ministry of Security state security and reserve components of the armed forces. The tasks of operational control and combat readiness are resolved by the General Staff. Accommodation Nickname (((nickname))) Patron Motto Colors March Mascot Equipment Wars (((wars))) Participation in Korean War 1950-1953, minor clashes with the South Korean and US armies Insignia Commanders Current commander Kim Jong Il Notable commanders

Korean People's Army(Korean: 조선인민군 - Joseon inmingun) - army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is Marshal of the DPRK Kim Jong Il. The KPA includes: ground forces, air force, naval forces, 2nd Artillery Corps and special operations forces. The total number of personnel in the army is, according to various estimates, from 850 to 1200 thousand people. There are about 4 million people in the reserve. The vast majority of the troops are located in the Demilitarized Zone area on the border with South Korea. Since the country has been in a state of temporary truce since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the armed forces are on constant combat readiness, periodically conducting various kinds minor operations against opponents of the DPRK.

Story

The history of the existence of the Korean People's Army in the DPRK dates back to the formation of the Anti-Japanese People's Guerrilla Army (ANPA), created on April 25, 1932 on the basis of partisan detachments of Korean communists who fought against the Japanese occupiers in Manchuria, where more than 1 million Koreans lived, and in the northern regions of Korea . In 1934, it was reorganized into the Korean People's Revolutionary Army (KPRA). The KPRA, in cooperation with the Chinese people's revolutionary forces, carried out a number of operations against the Japanese occupiers in northeast China. One of the commanders of the KPRA was Kim Il Sung. In 1945 she participated together with the troops Soviet Army in battles against imperialist Japan.

Korean Army in Shenyang

On the other hand, in 1939, the Korean Volunteer Army (KVA) was formed in Yan'an, China, under the command of Kim Mu-jong and Kim Du-bong, with up to 1,000 bayonets by 1945. After the defeat of Japan, the KDA united with units of the Chinese communists in Manchuria and by September 1945 had increased its strength to 2,500 people (at the expense of the Koreans of Manchuria and northern Korea. However, the attempt of an organized passage of the Army into Korea in October 1945 was negatively received by the Soviet authorities.

At the beginning of 1946, the Provisional People's Committee of North Korea began to create the first regular military units. The first units were completed on the basis of the principle of voluntariness. In mid-1946, one infantry brigade and two schools for training command and political personnel for the army were formed.

In 1947-49, the Korean People's Army was finally formed. An infantry division, a separate tank brigade, separate artillery, anti-aircraft artillery and engineering regiments, and a communications regiment were additionally formed; The formation of the Air Force and Navy began. The KPA included the 5th and 6th Korean Infantry Divisions, which participated in the Chinese Civil War as part of the People's Liberation Army of China.

In the first half of 1950, due to tensions with South Korea, the reformation of the DPRK army was completed. Its total strength, together with the troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at the beginning of the war amounted to 188 thousand people. The ground forces (numbering 175 thousand people) consisted of 10 infantry divisions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15), of which 4 (1, 10, 13 , 14th) at the stage of formation, 105th Tank Brigade, other units and subunits. The Air Force consisted of one air division, numbering 2829 people. and 239 aircraft (93 Il-10 attack aircraft, 79 Yak-9 fighters, 67 special aircraft). The Navy had 4 divisions of ships, the total number of the fleet was 10,307 people. The leadership of the armed forces was carried out by the Ministry of Defense through the General Staff and commanders of the branches of the armed forces and branches of the armed forces.

On June 25, 1950, the KPA invaded South Korea. During the Korean War (1950-1953), the KPA became a cadre army. 481 soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the DPRK, over 718 thousand people were awarded orders and medals. February 8 has long been celebrated in the DPRK as KPA Day.

Current Status

Organizational structure of the armed forces

In accordance with the Constitution of the DPRK of 1972, the leadership of the People's Armed Forces (PAF) is exercised by the Defense Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (GKO); The chairman of the State Defense Committee is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (since 1993 - Marshal of the DPRK Kim Jong Il), the deputy chairman is General O Geuk Rsl. The Chairman of the State Defense Committee of the DPRK commands and directs all the Armed Forces and is in charge of the defense of the country as a whole. The State Defense Committee is authorized to declare martial law in the country and issue orders for mobilization. The term of office of the State Defense Committee is equal to the term of office of the Supreme People's Assembly. Subordinate to the State Defense Committee is the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces (Minister - Vice-Marshal Kim Yong Chun, since February 11, 2009), which includes the Political Department, the Operations Department and the Logistic Services Department. Also subordinate to the Committee is the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of State Security and the reserve components of the armed forces. The General Staff (Chief of the General Staff - General Lee Yong Ho, since February 11, 2009), acting as an advisory committee to the Ministry of the National Military Forces, and the headquarters of the Air Force and Navy exercise direct leadership of the National Military Forces, solve the problems of operational management and combat readiness.

The NAF includes the Korean People's Army (about 850 thousand people), consisting of ground forces, air force, navy and special operations forces, troops of the Ministry of Public Security (15 thousand people) and the Ministry of State Security (20 thousand people). ), Workers' and Peasants' Red Guard (RKKG, from 1.4 to 3.8 million people) and Youth Red Guard (IKG, from 0.7 to 1 million people), Training detachments (50 thousand people), - people's security detachments (100 thousand people).

In the DPRK, there is compulsory military service; citizens are subject to conscription upon reaching 17 years of age. The mobilization reserve is 4.7 million people, the mobilization resources are 6.2 million people, including 3.7 million people fit for military service.

Ground forces

The number of ground forces is about 950 thousand people. The period of military service in the ground forces is 5-12 years.

The combat strength of the ground forces includes 20 corps (12 infantry, 4 mechanized, armored, 2 artillery, capital defense), 27 infantry divisions, 15 tank and 14 mechanized brigades, a brigade of operational-tactical missiles, 21 artillery brigades, 9 brigades of multiple launch rocket systems fire, missile regiment of tactical missiles. In service there are: about 3,500 medium and main battle tanks and over 560 light tanks, more than 2,500 armored personnel carriers, more than 10,400 artillery pieces (including 3,500 towed and 4,400 self-propelled), over 7,500 mortars, more than 2,500 MLRS, about 2,000 ATGM installations , 34 installations of tactical missiles, 30 installations of operational-tactical missiles, 11,000 anti-aircraft artillery installations (of which about 3,000 are in stationary positions), about 10,000 MANPADS.

Air Force

As of 1996, the DPRK Air Force consisted of six air divisions (three combat, two military transport and one training), directly subordinate to the National Aviation Command.

Emblem of the DPRK Air Force

Among the helicopters there are: 24 - Mi-24, 80 - Hughes-500 D, 48 - Z-5, 15 - Mi-8/-17, 139 - Mi-2.

The powerful air defense system includes more than 9 thousand anti-aircraft artillery systems: from light anti-aircraft machine gun installations to the world's most powerful 100-mm anti-aircraft guns, as well as self-propelled anti-aircraft installations ZSU-57 and ZSU-23-4 "Shilka". There are several thousand anti-aircraft missile launchers - from stationary systems S-25, S-75, S-125 and mobile “Kub” and “Strela-10” to portable installations.

Naval forces

San-O class small submarine

The DPRK Navy includes two fleets: the Eastern Fleet, operating in the Sea of Japan (main base - Yohori), and the Western Fleet, operating in the Korean Gulf and the Yellow Sea (main base - Nampo). Basically, the fleet is designed to solve combat missions in the 50-km coastal zone.

As of 2008, the strength of the DPRK Navy is 46,000 people. The conscription service life is 5-10 years.

The Navy is armed with about 650 ships with a total displacement of 107 thousand tons. They include 3 guided missile frigates, 2 destroyers, 18 small anti-submarine ships, 40 missile, 134 torpedo and 108 artillery boats, 203 landing boats, more than 100 submarines (of which 22 are Project 633 diesel submarines, 29 are small submarines boats of the "San-O" type). The ship-to-ship anti-ship missiles of the Styx type are in service.

Coastal defense: 2 regiments of Silkworm and Sopka anti-ship missile launchers (52 complexes in total), 122-, 130- and 152-mm guns (288 units).

Missile weapons

North Korean Special Operations Forces

The number of special forces of the Korean People's Army is estimated to range from 88,000 to 121,500 troops. The tasks of the KPA special forces include conducting reconnaissance and sabotage operations, conducting operations in cooperation with the regular armed forces of the KPA, organizing a “second front” in the rear of the South Korean army, countering special operations of military intelligence of the United States and South Korea, fighting anti-government forces within the country and ensuring internal security.

Structurally, the KPA special forces are divided into three categories: light infantry, reconnaissance and sniper units. Organizationally, the special forces are represented by 22 (possibly 23) brigades (including two amphibious assault sniper brigades, one located on the east coast, the other on the west coast). The special forces also include 18 separate battalions (17 reconnaissance battalions, including naval and air force reconnaissance battalions, and 1 airborne battalion).

The management of special forces is carried out by two main structures of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK: the Directorate of Special Units Command and the Intelligence Directorate.

Nuclear program

5 MW experimental reactor at the Yongbyon Research Center

Presumably, from the beginning of the 90s, the DPRK began developing nuclear weapons. Back in February 1990, the Chairman of the KGB of the USSR reported to the USSR Government about the presence of nuclear weapons in the North Koreans. The 8,000 rods received from Pakistan in exchange for the missiles sold may have been recycled. From the resulting plutonium it is possible to produce from 5 to 10 nuclear charges. Today, after testing a nuclear warhead with a yield of 5-10 kilotons, the DPRK supposedly has from 10 to 12 nuclear warheads and missile launch vehicles for them.

Military doctrine

The military doctrine is based on elements of Soviet military doctrine, Chinese light infantry tactics and experience gained during the Korean War of 1950-1953. Basic principles of the doctrine:

Military-economic potential of the DPRK

Jongmaho tank drawing

The military industry of the DPRK allows for an annual production of 200,000 units of automatic small arms, 3,000 heavy guns, 200 tanks, 400 armored vehicles and amphibians. North Korea produces its own submarines, fast missile boats and warships other types. Its own production allows the DPRK to maintain numerous armed forces with relatively low military expenditures. The defense industry has three production areas: weapons production, military supply, and dual-use products.

The DPRK has built 17 factories for the production of firearms and artillery, 35 factories for the production of ammunition, 5 factories for the production of tanks and armored vehicles, 8 aircraft factories, 5 factories for the production of military ships, 5 factories for the production of guided missiles, 5 factories for the production of communications equipment, 8 chemical and biological weapons factories. In addition, many civilian factories can be converted at minimal cost to produce military products. Over 180 defense plants have been built underground in mountainous regions.

At the moment, the DPRK's military-industrial complex generally satisfies the needs of the Korean People's Army for artillery and small arms. Domestic enterprises produce self-propelled artillery units of the M-1975, M-1977, M-1978 Koksan, M-1981, M-1985, M-1989 and M-1991 types, and M-1973 armored personnel carriers.

The production of tank samples has been launched: the world's largest amphibious tank M1985 (Type-82), the Chonmaho tank, created on the basis of the Soviet T-62, as well as the newest Pokphunho tank, created on the basis of the Soviet T-72 and its characteristics are approaching to the Russian T-90.

The DPRK produces spare parts for many Air Force aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29, and Su-25. Up close settlement Tokhyon has the largest aviation plant in the DPRK; a smaller aviation plant is located in Ch'ongjin. A significant part of the Navy's ships were built at North Korean shipyards based on Soviet and Chinese designs, as well as domestic developments.

The rapidly developing missile technology of the DPRK makes it possible not only to provide its army with surface-to-surface missiles, but also to export them to other countries. Work is actively underway in the field of creating intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear technologies.

In general, despite the difficult economic situation, the DPRK is capable of producing most of the weapons necessary for combat operations. At the same time, the DPRK needs supplies of high-tech equipment, spare parts and components, as well as technologies from abroad, in particular from the CIS countries.

The products of the DPRK military-industrial complex are exported to a number of countries around the world, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. So, in

Each state has only two allies - its army and navy. The phrase, uttered by one of the Russian tsars in the 19th century, is still relevant today. It’s just that with the development of technology, aviation and missile forces were added to the usual branches of the military.

The DPRK army is the 4th largest in the world.

North Korea in this regard is no worse than other sovereign states. Moreover, according to estimates from relevant departments, the armed forces of the DPRK are the 4th largest army in the world. Which forces not only neighbors, but also distant states to reckon with the DPRK.

However, the size of the DPRK army is easily offset by its technical equipment and training. And if the KPA is all right with the latter, then the equipment that the North Korean Armed Forces have, to put it mildly, does not shine. For example, tank brigades consist of T-55 and T-62. Cars from the early 1960s of the last century. Needless to say, these machines became obsolete already in the 1970s.

The DPRK army does not shine with military equipment.

True, this state of affairs does not prevent the KPA from conducting regular exercises near the borders of its neighbor, South Korea.

The DPRK army received a particularly strong impetus after the end of the civil war on the Korean Peninsula (1950–1953). This conflict is considered the most destructive in the second half of the 20th century.

Following the results of 3 years of fierce battles, losses on both sides reached several million people. 80% of the entire infrastructure of the peninsula, transport and industrial, received critical damage.

Political outcome The war was the final division of the Korean people and the peninsula into two equal countries - the DPRK and the Kyrgyz Republic. The border between states is a demilitarized zone.

When was the DPRK armed forces formed?

The official date of formation of the DPRK Armed Forces is July 27, 1953. Serious military groups, cannon and rocket artillery are stationed on both sides, provocations and propaganda activities are constantly taking place.

1953 is the official date of formation of the DPRK Armed Forces

Officially, the war between the DPRK and the Kyrgyz Republic ended in 1991. However, nothing has actually changed. It is acceptable to say that the situation has worsened. The Soviet Union collapsed. The Warsaw Pact countries came under the banner of NATO or were destroyed.

Seeing the example of Yugoslavia, the leader of the North Korean people, Kim Jong-un, authorized the development of the DPRK's nuclear program, whose armed forces needed to be strengthened against a possible attack from capitalist countries. This led to tougher sanctions against them.

Constant sanctions have led to the bleeding of the economy of one of the last communist countries in the world. Only $5 billion is allocated for military needs. Which is prohibitively little. Especially looking at the budget of the Armed Forces of the USA (Almost 1 trillion dollars). It is on this note that it is worth moving on to the history of the formation of the KPA.

History of the Korean People's Army

Despite its long existence, the history of the KPA is poorly eventful. The figures below are rejected by a number of historians, but they are considered official in North Korea itself.

1932, April 25	Creation of the Anti-Japanese People's Guerrilla Army. It was this date that became the starting point for the existence of the DPRK army
1932 – 1941	Active counteraction of AUVs to the Japanese occupiers
1946	Formation of the first regular units of the DPRK army. Replenishment was due to volunteers
Mid 1946	Formation of additional infantry brigades and creation of a school for officers
1947 – 1949	The final formation of the North Korean army. At the same time, the Navy and Air Force appeared
1948, February 8	Official date of establishment of the Korean People's Army
1950, June 25	North Korea invaded South Korea
1953, July 27	The formal end of the Korean War and the creation of a demilitarized zone at the 38th parallel
1991	Official end to the Korean War

North Korea - armed forces formed from guerrilla units

The very beginning

Korea was one of the first countries to be invaded by Imperial Japan. Most of the country was occupied. The Japanese killed the entire political and military elite.

The policy pursued by foreigners on the peninsula most closely resembled assimilation. The cultural layer was gradually destroyed. Instead of Korean, Japanese was taught in schools. Subsequently, this greatly influenced the self-awareness of the Korean people and led to a split into two countries. But not all people accepted such trends.

Part of the population was active in partisan activities.

In 1932, several units united under a single command. One of the young commanders was Kim Il Sung. The group operated with varying degrees of success. The operations were carried out in North Korea, Manchuria and China. The Japanese brutally punished captured partisans, and towards the middle of World War II, members of the AUPA had to retreat beyond the Soviet border.

After the end of WWII, Korea was divided into two equal parts, North and South. Each zone was under the control of external forces. Above is the USSR, below is the USA. Even then, an invisible confrontation between the two powers began, which subsequently divided the world into 2 camps.

North Korea, whose Army was under the protection of the Soviet Union, turned into a powerful communist state. Kii Il Sung, who was personally acquainted with Stalin and Comrade Mao, was appointed head of the Korean People's Democratic Republic.

Comrade Kim Il Sung, head of the DPRK 1948-1994

The state needed its own armed forces. The North Korean army (weapons and personnel) initially began to be formed from volunteer units. Weapons and equipment were supplied from the USSR and China.

By the time the Korean War began, the total number of KPA troops numbered 185,000. In addition to ground units, North Korean naval and air forces appeared. In addition to the regular army, there were squads capable of facing the bayonet at any time.

Command was exercised by the Headquarters. In order to improve military training, officer schools were organized.

Korean People's Army in the 1950 War

On June 25, 1950, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the second half of the last century began. The KPA invaded the territory of the Republic of Korea and occupied Seoul without much resistance. Within a few weeks, most of its southern neighbor came under the control of North Korean troops. The remnants of the South Korean troops retreated to the Busan Perimeter. It seemed that this was the last line in the history of the Kyrgyz Republic.

However, South Korea had a powerful ally - the United States. IN short terms An American fleet located near occupied Japan approached the peninsula. The KPA attack choked. The vector of hostilities has changed. The DPRK army, whose weapons were small arms and light artillery retreated, suffering losses in manpower and equipment. The US advantage in the air was telling.

The combined troops of the Americans and Republicans soon began to approach Pyongyang. The situation with the Busan perimeter was repeated. But China and the USSR came to the aid of Kim Il Sung. The Chinese infantry corps were able to delay the advancing capitalists. This made it possible to increase reserves and reorganize the KPA.

The presence of the USSR was unofficial. Assistance was provided mostly in the form of supplies of weapons and equipment. In addition, aircraft piloted by Soviet pilots actively participated in air battles. This fact gave rise to jokes about the Korean pilots Li Xi Tsin.

In 1952 the front stabilized. No one could break through the enemy's defenses. A positional confrontation began. Moreover, oddly enough, the front line ran along the old border at the 38th parallel.

On July 27, the “hot” stage of the conflict on the Korean Peninsula ended. An agreement was signed to create a demilitarized zone. The reason for the end of the war, in addition to the depletion of human resources and the complete destruction of infrastructure, is the death of Joseph Stalin. After the death of the leader of the USSR, the command decided to withdraw from the conflict. Seeing this, China did not stand up to the Americans alone and provoked the signing of a peace treaty.

And although the battles stopped, clashes broke out more than once on the new border. The Cold War with South Korea continues. True, there were moments of improving relations.

For example, after the official end of the Korean War in 1991, economic and political ties began to be established. Appeared limited opportunity cross the demilitarized zone.

The idyll did not last long. The Soviet Union collapsed. The Americans felt impunity. Pro-communist regimes in Eastern Europe and South America began to be overthrown. The United States has not forgotten about the DPRK.

The country was imposed with sanctions. The main reason is the development of nuclear weapons by the DPRK. Moreover, Kim Jong-un tried to establish a dialogue with the “carriers” of democracy, but came across a blank wall.

North Korea's weapons and nuclear shield development

Seeing that the American side did not want to engage in dialogue and resolve all issues diplomatically, Kim Jong-un accelerated the development of the DPRK’s nuclear program.

The process of creating your own nuclear bomb continued despite increasingly stringent economic restrictions and trade bans.

Even in this situation, the DPRK government tried to come to an agreement with its opponents. At the beginning of the 2000s, they even managed to conclude a pact on the denuclearization of the peninsula. The Korean side stops developing nuclear weapons. The response step is the lifting of sanctions. Everything went well for a while. The restrictions have been lifted.

this year North Korea withdrew from international treaty on nuclear disarmament and deterrence

The economy began to grow, and with it the Korean People's Army. However, less than a few years later, the United States reintroduced the ban. This became the reason for the DPRK's withdrawal from the international treaty on nuclear disarmament and deterrence in 2013. Work on the weapon continued.

Since 1990 Pyongyang has repeatedly tested its nuclear device. Of course, North Korea's nuclear weapons are not perfect and are inferior in power to those of the United States or Russia. But an atom remains an atom. Tensions in the region are constantly growing. In addition to warheads, launch vehicles are being tested. The latter are capable of carrying a warhead at a distance of up to 3,500 km.

2016 was marked by elections in the United States, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were rushing to power. The last one won. One of the election promises was to resolve the Korean crisis.

In 2017 once aircraft carrier fleets began to conduct exercises near North Korean territory. However, things did not go further than maneuvers. Despite the increasing number of missile tests and the bickering between Trump and Kim on Twitter.

In 2017 The winter sports team was invited to participate in the 2018 Olympics. Winter views Sports in the UK are not very developed, so there was a temporary unification of the Korean people under a single flag. Possession of a nuclear arsenal provides its own benefit.

Organizational structure of the North Korean Armed Forces

The main governing body of the KPA is the GKO (Civil Defense Committee). It includes all other parts: Navy, Air Force, VMU, rocket troops, militias etc. The State Defense Committee is chaired by Marshal Kim Jong-un. He is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the North Korean Armed Forces, capable of declaring mobilization and martial law.

Structurally, the waxes of North Korea consist of:

Symbolism	Branch of the military	DPRK, Army, weapons, purpose	Army of the DPRK, number of personnel, thousand
		The main combat unit of the KPA. Designed for conducting ground operations. 70% of the composition is located along the border with the Kyrgyz Republic	1 020
	Navy	Designed to protect the DPRK's maritime borders and support ground units. Responsibilities also include coastal defense and amphibious maritime operations.	48
	Air Force	The structure includes fighter, assault, bomber and transport aviation. The KPA Air Force is equipped with Soviet and Chinese aircraft from the 70s and 80s	110
Images are not publicly available	Special Operations Forces	Designed for reconnaissance and sabotage operations	10

Other armed groups:

connections of the Ministry of Public Security;
law enforcement agencies of the Ministry of State Security;
militia Workers 'and Peasants' Red Guard;
youth Red Guard;
other units.

The total number of regular waxers is approaching 1.2 million people. Moreover, most of the armed forces are concentrated near the southern border. If necessary, it is possible to mobilize another 4 million people. However, as a last resort, the entire combat-ready contingent is drafted into the army. According to rough estimates - 10 million. The figure is impressive, considering that the DPRK has a total population of 24 million people.

Armament of the DPRK

North Korea has an excellently developed military-industrial complex. The lion's share of the country's budget is invested in this industry. The industry is capable of producing any type of necessary equipment and equipment, except military aircraft. Cycle production processes completely closed and independent of external supplies.

The problem with the North Korean economy is the total embargo.

The DPRK does not have its own sources of gas and oil.

Therefore, we have to buy from our neighbors. Mainly from China.

Contrary to public opinion The DPRK is not a country closed to visitors. Tourists often come there, and residents of the state periodically work in Chinese factories and simply travel.

North Korean Ground Forces

The total number of ground forces is 1.02 million people. For the most part, conscript soldiers were drafted into the army at the age of 17. The duration of service varies - 5-12 years. The group includes 20 corps: 12 infantry, 2 artillery, a capital defense corps, 4 armored and motorized.

The KPA ground forces have a large number of cannon and rocket artillery. For the most part, all troops are deployed along the border with the Kyrgyz Republic. Moreover, some can fire at Seoul and its suburbs.

Weapons used by the DPRK ground forces:

	M1978 “Koksan”	170 mm self-propelled artillery installation, developed on the chassis Soviet tank T-62 or T-55
	BM-14	MLRS 100 mm installation
	BM-21 “Grad”	MLRS 120 mm installation
	BM-11	Independent Korean development based on Grad
	M-1992	Further development of BM-11
	VTT-323	MLRS mounted on tracked chassis
	M-1985	Multiple launch rocket system, 240 mm caliber
	M-240	240 mm rocket launcher
	“Competition”, “Baby”, “Bassoon”	Anti-tank guided missiles
	T-54/55 and Type 59	Soviet medium tank, with a 100 mm gun. (Last one is Chinese license)
	T-62	Almost MBT. Equipped with a 115 mm smoothbore gun
	PT-76	Soviet light amphibious tank
	Type 62/63	Light version of Type 59
	“Cheonmaho”	Korean modernization of T-62
	“Bokphungho”	T-72, produced in the DPRK. Obtained as a result of reverse engineering. Its parameters are close to the early T-90
	BTR-60, BTR-70, BTR-80, etc.	Armored personnel carriers
	OTR “Luna”	Soviet-made operational-tactical missile system
	TR R-17	OTRK equipped with R-17 missile

Despite the hype surrounding the DPRK, the KPA ground units are intended to defend the country’s borders. Most of the ground forces are stationed around the 38th parallel and consist of artillery. In general, along the entire demilitarized zone, on the SK side, long-term firing positions, bunkers, trenches and other fortifications have been built.

Navy

The KPA fleet is divided into Eastern and Western. Each consists of warships of different classes, submarines, cargo and landing ships. The main task of the Navy is to protect state borders and assist ground forces conducting ground operations. At the same time, the transfer of the fleet from the western sea to the eastern sea and back is impossible due to geographical features.

The fleet is equipped with the following vessels:

	“Najin”, “Soho”	Corvettes
	Project 613	Submarine, Soviet-made
	Project 633	Soviet and Chinese submarines
	Sang-Oh	Small submarines
	Project 205 “Wasp”	Missile boat
	“Hante”	Small landing craft capable of carrying tanks

One of the main doctrines of the DPRK fleet is launching missile attacks from small ships. This “mosquito” fleet tactic is used by many countries with limited budgets. Unlike ground units, service lasts 5-10 years.

Air Force

North Korean military aircraft are located at 70 airfields . The main part of the sites is built around the capital. This ensures that the city is protected from attacks by enemy aircraft. The helicopters in service are Soviet-Chinese production and captured helicopters captured during the Korean War.

Equipment used by the KPA Air Force:

Photo	Name	Type	Quantity
	MiG-29	Interceptors	35
	MiG-23	Interceptors	56
	MiG-21 / Chengdu J-7	Fighters	150
	MiG-19/Shenyang F-6	Fighters	100
	MiG-17	Combat training	242
	MiG-15	Training	35
	CJ-6	Training	180
	Su-7	Attack bombers. Often used as educational ones.	16
	Su-25		36
	Q-5		190
	IL-28	Frontline bomber	80
	An-2, An-24, An-148, Tu-204, Il-62	Transport aircraft of various tonnage	Up to 20 (An-2 – 200 pcs)
	MD-500	Multi-role helicopter	84
	Mi-2	Multi-role helicopter	139
	Mi-24D	Attack helicopter	20
	Mi-4, Mi-8	Transport helicopters	48, 15
	Tu-143	UAV	1
	Bee-1T		10

North Korean Air Defense Forces

Photo	Name	Quantity	Production
Anti-aircraft missile systems
	S-75	SAM	USSR
	S-125
	S-200
	Strela-10
	Circle
	KN-06/S-300		DPRK
	Beech		USSR, Russia
Man-portable anti-aircraft missile system
	Needle	MANPADS	SSSP

Strategic and tactical missile forces

The DPRK has successfully mastered the production of missiles of various classes. Production cycle entirely carried out by the military-industrial complex of North Korea. The first versions of missiles were developed with an eye on Soviet projects.

Subsequently, part of the developments was purchased from Ukraine (according to rumors). Ballistics are currently being actively tested intercontinental missiles, capable of carrying a nuclear charge.

Types of missiles:

Photo	Name	Range, km	Classification	Year of adoption
	Hwaseong-5	320	TBRMD	1985
	Hwaseong-6	700	TRKMD	1990
	Hwaseong-7	1000 – 1300	IRBM	1997
	No-Dong-2	2000	IRBM	2004
	Hwaseong-10	4000	IRBM	2009
	Hwaseong-13	7500	ICBM	2017
	Hwaseong-11	120	TBRMD	2007

TBRMD – Short-range tactical ballistic missile.
MRBM is a medium-range ballistic missile.
ICBM – intercontinental ballistic missile.

North Korean nuclear forces

The development of atomic weapons started back in 1990. This is evidenced by a memo from the Chairman of the USSR KGB Vladimir Kryuchkov. The paper talked about the successful progress of development atomic bomb and plans to test the device.

The nuclear program was developed at a research institute near the city of Yongbyon. Presumably, analogues of Pakistani P-2 centrifuges were used to enrich uranium. This made it possible to increase the production of weapons-grade uranium to 60 kg per year.

In 2013 passed the third test of a nuclear bomb with a yield of up to 10 kilotons. According to experts, at that time the DPRK already had up to 15 combat devices and carriers for them.
January 6, 2016 the 4th test occurred. According to official sources, the force of the detonated charge was equivalent to a hydrogen bomb. Another wave of panic swept across the world. Especially among the population of nearby countries.
September 9, 2016 carried out the 5th test. The main goal is an attempt to stop military exercises between the United States and the Republic of Korea. And also the liquidation of the American military base in South Korea.

KPA ranks

Marshals

Generalissimo;
Marshal of the DPRK;
Marshal of the KPA;
Vice Marshal.

Generality

Senior officers

Junior officers

Military uniform DPRK

NCOs

Soldier composition

Ideological work

Due to numerous sanctions imposed, North Korea is in a constant economic crisis. The economy is developing weakly. Most of the funds go to the army. Since 1990, the DPRK has followed a policy of giving priority to military industry and the armed forces.

This allowed us to concentrate on developing a nuclear program and ensure our sovereignty. What such a policy will lead to in the future is unknown.

Advantages and disadvantages of KNA

Advantages

high morale. The ideological indoctrination of the population is being carried out on a grand scale. Parades are held, children imbibe the Juche ideal from an early age. All this led to the unity of the people and the willingness to stand to the end;
number. Regular army - 1.2 million, reserve - 4 million, mobilization potential - 10 mln;
strong barrel and rocket artillery.
presence of a submarine fleet;
strong military-industrial complex;
presence of nuclear weapons;
global fortification of the country.