The Fulcrum: 39°24’43.50″N, 125°53’25.70″E

Nearly all of the North Korean aircraft you can see on its airfields are ancient MiGs — 60s vintage or older.  But Sunchon Air Base, the home of the 57th Air Regiment, is where North Korea keeps some of its more modern aircraft — its Su-25 ground attack aircraft, and its MiG-29 fighters.

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On October 14, 2010, the North Korean ground crews rolled their wares out of their underground hangars.  It was a bright, clear day, giving us an excellent view when a passing satellite snapped these pictures of the aircraft lined up just outside the shelter entrances, like snakes sunning themselves on a rock.

MiG-29 base @ 1400' 14oct2010

MiG-29 base @ 3000'

These two examples, parked on the edge of the runway, give us a better look.

MiG-29s @ 600' 14oct2010

1 Response

  1. Just a friendly reminder to Joshua and anyone else that ‘kernbeisser’ still updates photos on his flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kernbeisser/

    I still can’t figure out what line of work this guy’s in in North Korea.

    Does anyone know if there are currently any Westerners who regularly enter NK to monitor infrastructure projects? I seem to recall there are, but need some help locating this information. Thanks!