North Korea mass produces missile launchers...

Today's world military (May 5) has the following content: North Korea mass-produced KN-25 missile launchers; Pakistan's J-10C fighter jets electronically suppressed India's Rafale jets; the US will send more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.

North Korea mass produces KN-25 missile launchers

According to the latest images released on social media on May 3, North Korea has begun mass production of the KN-25, one of the most powerful missile launch systems in the world .

The KN-25 missile launcher system is equipped with guided missiles capable of attacking targets 380km away. It is a combination of a traditional multiple launch rocket system and a tactical ballistic missile.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the production line of the KN-25 missile launch system as North Korea seeks to expand its long-range precision strike capabilities. Photo: armyrecognition.com

The KN-25 is deployed in two configurations: a tracked chassis version, currently in series production, featuring six launchers arranged in two rows of three 600mm rocket launchers each; and a wheeled transporter version equipped with four launchers, optimized for high-speed road mobility.

The KN-25 system allows North Korea to attack military targets such as airports, command and control centers, logistics centers, radar facilities and other critical enemy infrastructure.

The mass production of the KN-25 shows that the KN-25 is no longer a prototype or a limited-scale test launcher, but has become a central pillar of Pyongyang's modern artillery doctrine, creating a significant leap forward in both deterrence and attack capabilities.

Pakistan's J-10C fighter jet electronically suppresses India's Rafale aircraft

Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has just released a statement that four Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets were electronically jammed by Pakistani forces in late April near the border area, forcing them to retreat and make an emergency landing in Srinagar.

According to the minister, the Pakistan Air Force deployed Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, backed by advanced electronic warfare systems, to disrupt the Rafale's radar and communication systems. The Indian side has yet to confirm the information.

A J-10C single-engine multirole fighter. Photo: PAF

Bulgarian Military reported that the Chengdu J-10C is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by China's Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. The J-10C was introduced to the Pakistan Air Force in March 2022 after India purchased 36 Rafale jets from France.

Powered by a WS-10B turbofan engine, the J-10C fighter can reach speeds of Mach 1.8 (over 2,200km/h), with an operational range of about 2,011km with external fuel tanks. An active electronically scanned array radar provides the aircraft with improved target detection and tracking capabilities.

The J-10C is equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including the PL-15 long-range missile with a range of more than 193km, and the PL-10 short-range missile with advanced infrared homing.

While there are few specific details about the J-10C's electronic warfare suite, defense analysts believe the aircraft may incorporate systems similar to the KG300G or KG600, Chinese-developed jammers capable of interfering with enemy radar and communications systems. These systems may use digital radio frequency memory technology, allowing them to record and manipulate incoming radar signals, create false targets, or overwhelm enemy sensors. Such capabilities would be crucial in countering the Rafale's sophisticated defenses, particularly the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, which is designed to protect the aircraft from a variety of threats.

* US to send more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine

The New York Times on May 4 quoted several US officials as saying that the Patriot air defense system currently located in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine this summer after maintenance.

Sources declined to provide details about US President Donald Trump's stance on the decision.

Israeli soldiers run away from a Patriot launcher as they prepare to launch a missile in the town of Gadera, Israel. Photo: Getty

Patriot is a mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. Each battery typically consists of a phased array radar, a command and control station, and up to eight launchers, each capable of carrying four missiles. The missile system has improved range and accuracy.

The system's radar can track 100 targets at the same time and has an operating range of about 161km.

The system delivered from Israel is a specialized variant, called the MIM-104D “Yahalom.” Israel has upgraded its Patriot system to better handle low-flying drones, precision-guided munitions and short-range missiles. Software improvements improve target discrimination, allowing the system to distinguish between decoys and real threats, and is optimized for rapid response in high-intensity combat environments.

Ukraine currently operates eight Patriot systems, two of which are under maintenance.

MAI HUONG (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-5-5-trieu-tien-san-xuat-hang-loat-be-phong-ten-lua-kn-25-251456.html