North Korea has unveiled a previously unseen short-range air defense system mounted on a tracked platform, drawing comparisons to Russia’s Pantsir-S1.
The system was presented at the “Development of National Defense—2025” exhibition in Pyongyang, where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered remarks.
Defence Blog reported on October 5 that the system was displayed alongside other advanced technologies, including artificial AI-integrated weaponry.
Comparison between a North Korean missile and Russia’s 9M335, showing similarities in body shape and stabilizer design. (Photo: Open source)
Kim Jong Un said that North Korea is “developing or improving weapons systems to respond effectively to changes in modern warfare,” emphasizing the introduction of “the latest scientific advancements, including artificial intelligence technologies.”
Images released from the exhibition show the system mounted on an eight-roadwheel tracked chassis, differing from previous North Korean wheeled air defense designs. The vehicle features a dual six-missile launch setup—12 missiles in total—with a radar unit mounted at the rear of the module.
The design suggests a focus on enhanced mobility and survivability in rough terrain, allowing the system to accompany ground forces and provide short-range air defense against drones and low-flying aircraft.
Analysts suggest the chassis 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.
While the system’s specifications remain undisclosed, Defence Blog notes that its configuration closely resembles the Russian Pantsir-S1, although without the twin automatic cannons typically found on the Russian version.
According to Defence Blog, North Korea has already obtained the naval version of the Russian Pantsir, known as Pantsir-ME, which has been installed on its first domestically built destroyer.
The debut of the new tracked system indicates Pyongyang’s continued effort to expand its short-range air defense capabilities and reduce dependence on imported technology.
Earlier, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un inspected several munitions factories, highlighting a fourfold increase in shell production and praising the arms industry’s role in boosting the country’s combat readiness.
The announcement followed reports that Pyongyang has supplied Russia with missiles and artillery worth billions of dollars and deployed thousands of personnel to support Russian operations.
-f223fd1ef983f71b86a8d8f52216a8b2.jpg)
Every day we fight Russian disinformation and bring reports directly from the frontlines. Your help makes us stronger.
Related articles