North Korea Expands Drone Program with New Hangar Construction at Panghyon Airbase

North Korea is reportedly constructing seven large hangars at Panghyon Airbase, signaling a significant expansion of its drone program, according to analysis by NK News. This development suggests a move towards deploying aircraft for regular reconnaissance missions and flight training.

New Hangars for Advanced Drones

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs reveals the frames for seven structures, each measuring approximately 148 feet by 131 feet, being built at Panghyon Airbase. These hangars are large enough to house both the Saetbyol-9 combat drone (with a 66-foot wingspan) and the Saetbyol-4 reconnaissance drone (115-foot wingspan).

“The structures are large enough to house both the Saetbyol-9 combat drone (with a 20-meter wingspan) and Saetbyol-4 reconnaissance drone (35-meter wingspan),” the report states, noting the similarity to U.S. hangars for Global Hawk drones.

Recent Drone Testing and Unveiling

North Korea has been actively developing its drone capabilities. In June 2023, the country tested new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designs at Panghyon Airbase. Subsequently, at least six individual models – two reconnaissance and four combat drones – were presented at a military parade and weapons expo.

Aircraft Factory Dismantlement

Interestingly, while expanding drone facilities, North Korea is simultaneously dismantling a nearby aircraft factory. Planet Labs imagery shows a large-scale dismantlement project that began in June at a factory southeast of the airbase, known as the Machine Plant Managed by Jon Tong Ryol.

“Work to dismantle three large production halls and a few other smaller structures at the southern branch of the valley factory complex started in early June. By mid-August, a five-hectare (12-acre) area of land where they previously stood was completely cleared,” the report details.

Potential Nuclear Connection

The factory complex has been linked to North Korea’s nuclear missile program. It was the site of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on July 4, 2017 – North Korea’s first ICBM launch.

Ongoing Developments

While the exact purpose of these new hangars remains unclear, their construction, along with the dismantling of the nearby factory, points to a significant shift in North Korea’s military aviation strategy, with a clear emphasis on Drone Technology.

DroneXL’s Take

The expansion of North Korea’s drone program highlights the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern military operations. This development aligns with global trends in drone technology advancement, as seen in recent drone technology articles on DroneXL. While North Korea’s actions raise concerns, they also underscore the need for continued innovation and responsible development of drone technology for peaceful purposes worldwide.

What are your thoughts on North Korea’s expanding drone program? Share your views in the comments below.

Featured photo courtesy of KCTV.