Aircraft Reported in Service

A dozen Aero L-39C Albatros advanced training jet aircraft were reportedly delivered before 1990. If so, these L-39Cs were former Soviet Air Force aircraft. If any L-39C’s indeed are operated by the DPRKAF, they are most likely operated by the Kimchaek Air Academy, based at Chongjin.

At least one example of the P-63 was reportedly delivered prior to 1950. However, this remains unconfirmed.

A few of these 1930s flying boats are said to have been delivered in 1951. Not confirmed. Amazingly, an MBR-2 was reported to have strafed Kimpo airfield during the early hours of 16 June 1951.

Examples of the famed Il-2 Stormovik are said to have been delivered in 1948. Most likely this is a misidentification with the later Ilyushin Il-10 Beast.

No less than 10 of these twin-engine transports are said to have entered service in 1951, being withdrawn in 1991. Not confirmed. However, one Il-12 was shot down on the last day of open hostilities, June 27, 1953. It is probable that this particular Il-12 belonged to a Russian unit.

Some of these Soviet primary gliders were reportedly one of the first non-Japanese aircraft to enter service in 1945/46. Not confirmed.

An unknown quantity of La-7s was reportedly supplied to North Korea. On June 26, 1950, two DPRKAF fighters identified as La-7s reportedly made firing passes on two 68th FS F-82 Twin Mustangs. No combat ensued, as the American pilots were under orders to “keep a low profile.” However, the following day, on June 27, two La-7s was claimed as shot down by Maj J W Little of the 339th (AW)S, and 1st Lt ‘Chalky’ Moran of the 68th (AW)S, both flying F-82 Twin Mustangs. A third La-7 was claimed two days later, on June 29, by 1st Lt W T Norris of the 9th FBS. Presumably, this is a misidentification with the improved Lavochkin La-9/-11 series.

Two two-seat conversion trainers said to have entered service in 1950. Not confirmed.

An early Soviet jet fighter, a number of La-15s are said to have been delivered to the DRPKAF. Unlikely.

A few of these gliders were reportedly left behind by the Japanese. Unconfirmed.

A few reportedly delivered in 1989. Unconfirmed.

Some said to have been delivered in the early 1970s. Unconfirmed.

Some Su-20 close support aircraft is said to have reached North Korea. Not confirmed.

Twenty reported in service in 1997, unlikely.

Several Tu-2 light bombers were reportedly supplied before 1950. However, it is possible that the Tu-2’s all belonged to the Chinese PLAAF. Nine Tu-2s were shot down by US fighters during the war, eight of which on November 30, 1951. Thirty-five said to have been delivered in 1950, being withdrawn from use in 1968. Some said to have remained in service as late as 1958. Not confirmed.

No less than 70 said to have been received, beginning in 1948. Most likely a mis-identification with the Yak-9.

Ten said to have been delivered for use as fighter trainers. Not confirmed.

One Yak-11 was claimed as shot down on 27 June 1950. No concrete information exists on Yak-11 basic trainers in North Korean service. It is possible that some Yak-11s were delivered during the 1950s for basic flight training, although confirmation of this is lacking.

One Yak-15 was claimed as shot down in 1953. Probably a mis-identification for the MiG-15.

No less than 22 said to have been delivered in 1950. Unconfirmed.

Some two-seat Yak-17UTI conversion trainers said to have been delivered to the DPRKAF. Although a few Yak-17UTIs were exported to China, it is unlikely that any reached North Korea.

A contemporary of the MiG-15, some Yak-23s allegedly reached North Korea. Unconfirmed.

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