Engineering:Saetbyol-9
| Saebyeol-9 | |
|---|---|
Saebyeol-9 on parade in Pyongyang, July 2023 | |
| General information | |
| Other name(s) | 샛별-9, Morning Star-9 |
| Type | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| National origin | North Korea |
| Manufacturer | Korean People's Army Air Force |
| Management and usage | Korean People's Army Air Force |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 2022 |
| First flight | 2022 |
| In service | 2022-Present |
| Developed from | MQ-9 Reaper |
Saebyeol-9 (Korean: 샛별-9; lit. Morning Star-9) is a North Korean unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) first publicly revealed in July 2023. It has been described by North Korean state media as a "multi-purpose attack drone" capable of both reconnaissance and strike missions.[1]
History
The UAV was first observed via satellite imagery at Panghyon Airbase in September 2022.[2] It was officially unveiled during the military parade in Pyongyang on 27 July 2023, where it appeared alongside another UAV, the Saebyeol-4.[1]
Design
Analysts note that the Saetbyol-9 closely resembles the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, leading to speculation that North Korea is imitating its design.[3] Key assessed characteristics include:
- Approximate wingspan: 20 m
- Length: ~9 m
- Wing and fuselage hardpoints visible for carrying bombs or missiles
- Likely reconnaissance and strike capability, though with less advanced avionics than U.S. UAVs[4]
Strategic significance
Analysts argue the Saetbyol-9 demonstrates Pyongyang’s intent to field more advanced UAVs, though its actual operational capability remains uncertain.[2] The system may serve propaganda purposes by displaying parity with advanced foreign drones, while in practice being limited by weaker propulsion, communications, and sensor technology.[3]
See also
- Saebyeol-4
- Korean People's Army Air Force
- MQ-9 Reaper
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Imitation Is the Sincerest Form: North Korea Unveils Two Types of Copycat UAVs". 4 August 2023. https://www.38north.org/2023/08/imitation-is-the-sincerest-form-north-korea-unveils-two-types-of-copycat-uavs/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "North Korean Strategic UAV Activity at Panghyon Airbase". 2025. https://beyondparallel.csis.org/north-korean-strategic-uav-activity-at-panghyon-airbase/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "North Korea plays an imitation game with new UAVs". August 2023. https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/military-balance/2023/08/north-korea-plays-an-imitation-game-with-new-uavs/.
- ↑ "North Korea's strategic drones 'not as advanced as US aircraft': think tank". 2 April 2025. https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/04/02/north-korea-uncrewed-aerial-vehicle/.
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