MACSI(Military Archive Country Strength Index)
ⓘ The ten scoring axes are weighted per country by coastal, nuclear, industrial, and geostrategic tier, then judged from real-world knowledge rather than stored database attributes — see methodology.
01 / Overview
North Korea
Government
Single Party
Population
26.16M
Area
120,538 km²
GDP (Nominal)
$24.0B
Active Personnel
1.20M
Reserve Personnel
6.00M
Defense Budget
$6.0B · %25 GDP
Conscription
Universal
Nuclear Status
Nuclear Power
1 years 7 months 21 days
TIME WITHOUT CONFLICT
02 / Military Strength · 76 metrics · 9 categories
33
MACSIMilitary Archive Country Strength Index
| # | Country | Overall | Land | Air | Naval | Leadership | Strategic | Industry | C4ISR | Logistics | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #39 |  Portugal | 34 | 25 | 30 | 40 | 45 | 25 | 25 | 40 | 35 | 42 |
| #40 |  Indonesia | 33 | 35 | 32 | 35 | 35 | 15 | 30 | 25 | 30 | 52 |
| #41 |  North Korea | 33 | 55 | 25 | 20 | 30 | 48 | 35 | 20 | 30 | 5 |
| #42 |  Azerbaijan | 33 | 42 | 36 | 22 | 40 | 25 | 25 | 35 | 25 | 21 |
| #43 |  Morocco | 32 | 48 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 22 | 25 |
Comparison countries are selected automatically based on global rankings.
Personnel Structure
Total Population: 26.2M
Active1.2M
Reserve6.0M
Paramilitary1.8M
Economic Burden
$6.0B 25% of GDP
0% 5%+
Per Capita $229/yr
Per Soldier $5,000/yr
Above World Average (avg 2.3%)
Strategic Infrastructure
Military Airports 40
Total Airports 82
Major Ports 10
Coastline 2,495 km
Oil Production 10K bbl/day
All Military Metrics 76 metrics · 9 categories
01 Personnel 8
- Active Personnel 1,200,000
- Reserve Personnel 6,000,000
- Paramilitary Personnel 1,800,000
- Total Military Personnel 7,200,000
- Available for Military Service 6,000,000
- Reaching Military Age Annually 300,000
- Conscription Status Universal
- Conscription Duration (days) 1,095 day
02 Land Forces 12
- Total Tanks 5,000
- IFV Count 2,500
- APC Count 2,500
- Recon Vehicle Count 1,000
- MRAP Count 0
- Towed Artillery Count 3,500
- Self-Propelled Artillery Count 5,000
- MLRS Count 2,400
- Mortar Count 5,000
- ATGM Launcher Count 5,000
- SHORAD Count 0
- MANPADS Count 5,000
03 Air Forces 12
- Total Aircraft 940
- Fighter Aircraft Count 450
- Ground Attack Aircraft Count 30
- Bomber Aircraft Count 10
- Transport Aircraft Count 200
- Tanker Aircraft Count 0
- AWACS Count 0
- Trainer Aircraft Count 150
- Total Helicopters 200
- Attack Helicopter Count 200
- Transport Helicopter Count 100
- UAV Count 200
04 Naval Forces 11
- Total Ships 967
- Aircraft Carrier Count 0
- Amphibious Assault Ship Count 0
- Cruiser Count 0
- Destroyer Count 0
- Frigate Count 0
- Corvette Count 4
- Total Submarines 70
- SSN Count 0
- SSBN Count 0
- Patrol Boat Count 380
05 Strategic Forces 9
- Nuclear Status Has Nuclear Weapons
- Nuclear Warhead Count 30
- Deployed Warhead Count 10
- ICBM Count 20
- SLBM Count 0
- IRBM Count 10
- Triad Status Partial
- BMD Capability ✗ No
- Space Assets ✓ Yes
06 Budget & Economy 10
- Defense Budget (USD) 6,000,000,000 USD
- Defense Budget (% of GDP) 25 %
- Defense Budget per Capita (USD) 229 USD
- GDP (Nominal, USD) 24,000,000,000 USD
- GDP (PPP, USD) 60,000,000,000 USD
- Arms Exports (USD) 100,000,000 USD
- Arms Imports (USD) 500,000,000 USD
- Defense Industry Rank 10
- Defense Industry Size (USD) 2,000,000,000 USD
- Defense Sector Employment 500,000
07 Logistics & Infrastructure 6
- Military Airport Count 40
- Total Airport Count 82
- Major Port Count 10
- Oil Production (bbl/day) 10,000 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves (bbl) 600,000,000 bbl
- Coastline (km) 2,495 km
08 Demographics 5
- Total Population 26,160,000
- Military Age Population 9,000,000
- Urban Population (%) 63 %
- Literacy Rate (%) 100 %
- Area (km²) 120,538 km²
09 Government & Alliances 3
- Government Type Single Party
- NATO Member ✗ No
- UN Security Council P5 ✗ No
03 / Inventory · 439 systems · 79 categories · 7,194 units
Force Composition
Not yet entered. This chart will populate automatically once inventory data is added.
Status & Age Distribution
Status
Active 351 Reserve 1 Retired 87
Age Profile
55years
average
%9
<10 yrs
Aging Fleet
1945–2024
Suppliers
Countries
-
Russia 248 -
People's Republic of China 32 -
Japan 21 -
United States 21 -
Germany 17 -
Czech Republic 12 -
United Kingdom 6
Inventory 439 systems · 32 categories · 7,194 units
⌕
ARMOURED VEHICLES
DOM Cheonma-2 —
Tanks · ACTIVE
DOM Chonma-ho NaN
Tanks · ACTIVE
Cromwell NaN
Tanks · ACTIVE
IS-2 NaN
Tanks · ACTIVE
IS-3 NaN
Tanks · ACTIVE
KV-13 —
Tanks · ACTIVE
Leopard 2 —
Tanks · ACTIVE
NKPz —
Tanks · ACTIVE
Object 906 (PT-85) —
Tanks · ACTIVE
PT-76 100
Tanks · ACTIVE
DOM PT-85 —
Tanks · ACTIVE
DOM Pokpung-ho 600
Tanks · ACTIVE
+25 more
ARTILLERY & MISSILE SYSTEMS
10.5 cm leFH 18 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
120-PM-43 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30) —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
150 mm mortar —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
152 mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20) —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
60 mm mortar M2 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
82-PM-37 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
82-PM-41 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
D-20 200
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
D-30 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
M1938 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
M1943 —
Towed Artillery & Mortars · ACTIVE
+40 more
AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS
9K32 Strela-2 —
MANPADS · ACTIVE
9K34 Strela-3 —
MANPADS · ACTIVE
9K38 Igla —
MANPADS · ACTIVE
FIM-92 Stinger —
MANPADS · ACTIVE
HN-5 600
MANPADS · ACTIVE
SAM-3 —
MANPADS · ACTIVE
9K35 Strela-10 —
SHORAD Systems · ACTIVE
Pantsir-S1 —
SHORAD Systems · ACTIVE
51T6 Gorgon —
Medium-Range SAM · ACTIVE
9M311 —
Medium-Range SAM · ACTIVE
HQ-2 —
Medium-Range SAM · ACTIVE
R-73 —
Medium-Range SAM · ACTIVE
+14 more
MINES & EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
FIREARMS
Browning Hi-Power —
Pistols · ACTIVE
CZ 75 —
Pistols · ACTIVE
CZ 82 —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Colt Pistol Model 1927 —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Coonan .357 Magnum —
Pistols · ACTIVE
FN Baby Browning —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Makarov PM —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Star A-40 —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Tokarev —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Type 54 semi-automatic pistol —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Type 59 pistol —
Pistols · ACTIVE
Colt M1911 —
Pistols · RETIRED
+86 more
GRENADE LAUNCHERS & GRENADES
GP-25 —
Underbarrel Grenade Launchers · ACTIVE
Type 89 grenade launcher —
Standalone Grenade Launchers · ACTIVE
AGS-17 —
Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL) · ACTIVE
F1 grenade —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
M26 grenade —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
NGOS —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
RG-42 —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
RGD-33 grenade —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
RGD-5 —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
RKG-3 anti-tank grenade —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
RPG-43 —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
anti-tank hand grenade —
Hand Grenades · ACTIVE
+10 more
OPTICS & TARGETING
MILITARY VEHICLES
FIGHTER & ATTACK AIRCRAFT
A.19 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Chengdu J-7 40
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
La-9 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Lavochkin La-11 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
MiG-15bis —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
MiG-21 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
Shenyang J-5 —
Air Superiority Fighters · ACTIVE
+14 more
BOMBER AIRCRAFT
TRANSPORT & CARGO AIRCRAFT
HELICOPTERS
Ka-29TB —
Attack Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-24 —
Attack Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mi-24A —
Attack Helicopters · RETIRED
Harbin Z-5 48
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
MD Helicopters MD 500 87
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-1 —
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-17 —
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-4 —
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-8 —
Utility / Transport Helicopters · ACTIVE
Mi-8/17 —
Utility / Transport Helicopters · RETIRED
NH 500 87
Utility / Transport Helicopters · RETIRED
UAV / DRONES
A-175 «Akula» —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · ACTIVE
MQM-107 Streaker —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · ACTIVE
Tupolev Tu-143 —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · ACTIVE
Tupolev Tu-243 —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · ACTIVE
Yakovlev Pchela —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · ACTIVE
Tiptchak —
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · RETIRED
SPECIAL MISSION AIRCRAFT
MBR-2 —
Maritime Patrol & ASW Aircraft · ACTIVE
Mil Mi-14 —
Maritime Patrol & ASW Aircraft · ACTIVE
Cessna O-1 Bird Dog —
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · ACTIVE
Cessna 325 —
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · RETIRED
O-1A Bird Dog —
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · RETIRED
O-1C Bird Dog —
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · RETIRED
TRAINING AIRCRAFT
SURFACE COMBATANTS
DOM Choe Hyon-class destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
G-88 destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
G148-class destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Kit-class destroyer 2
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Lieutenant Pushchin-class destroyer 2
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Nargen-class destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
P-class destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
T-class destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Type A destroyer 2
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Type S-1 destroyer 2
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Type S-43 destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
Type S-67 destroyer —
Destroyers · ACTIVE
+13 more
SUBMARINES
DOM Sinpo-class submarine —
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) · ACTIVE
DOM Sang-O-class submarine —
Midget / Coastal Submarines · ACTIVE
Una-class midget submarine —
Midget / Coastal Submarines · ACTIVE
DOM Yono-class midget submarine —
Midget / Coastal Submarines · ACTIVE
DOM Yugo-class midget submarine —
Midget / Coastal Submarines · ACTIVE
X-class submarine 20
Midget / Coastal Submarines · RETIRED
N-class submarine —
Conventional Submarines · ACTIVE
Pietro Micca-class submarine —
Conventional Submarines · ACTIVE
Project 613 submarine 4
Conventional Submarines · ACTIVE
Romeo-class submarine 20
Conventional Submarines · ACTIVE
Lima-class submarine —
Research & Rescue Submarines · RETIRED
AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE SHIPS
MINE WARFARE & PATROL
DOM Kusong-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
DOM Nongo-class fast attack craft —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
Project 183R —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
Project 205 Moskit 12
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
DOM Sinhung-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
Type 021-class missile boat 4
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
Type 062 gunboat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · ACTIVE
A56-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · RETIRED
No.5-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · RETIRED
No.67-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · RETIRED
P 4-class torpedo boat —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · RETIRED
Project 183 Bolshevik —
Patrol Boats & Fast Attack Craft · RETIRED
+1 more
NAVAL WEAPON SYSTEMS
BALLISTIC MISSILES
DOM Hwasong-12 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-13 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-14 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-15 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-17 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-18 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-19 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-20 —
ICBM · ACTIVE
DOM Pukguksong-1 —
SLBM · ACTIVE
DOM Pukguksong-3 —
SLBM · ACTIVE
DOM Pukguksong-5 —
SLBM · ACTIVE
R-21 —
SLBM · ACTIVE
+1 more
NUCLEAR BOMBS & WARHEADS
ATGM
3M6 Shmel —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
9K11 Malyutka —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
9K111 Fagot —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
9K115 Metis —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
9M113 Konkurs —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
9M133 Kornet —
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) · ACTIVE
ANTI-SHIP MISSILES
HY-2 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
KS-1 Komet —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
Kh-35 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
P-15 Termit —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
P-270 Moskit —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
P-70 Ametist —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
SY-1 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
YJ-6 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · ACTIVE
FKR-1 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · RETIRED
HY-1 —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · RETIRED
S-2 Sopka —
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · RETIRED
AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES
AIR-TO-SURFACE MISSILES
CRUISE MISSILES
BALLISTIC (CONVENTIONAL)
CSS-8 —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-11A —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-11B —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-5 NaN
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-6 30
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM KN-02 NaN
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM KN-25 —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
R-11 missile family —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
R-17 Elbrus —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Taepodong-1 —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Taepodong-2 —
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · ACTIVE
DOM Hwasong-10 —
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.) · ACTIVE
+3 more
UNGUIDED AERIAL MUNITIONS
12.5 kg bomb —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · ACTIVE
FAB-250 —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · ACTIVE
FAB-500 —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · ACTIVE
S-3W —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · ACTIVE
600 kg minbomb m/50 —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · RETIRED
FAB-3000 M-46 —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · RETIRED
FAB-3000 M-54 —
General Purpose (Iron) Bombs · RETIRED
Molotov cocktail —
Incendiary & Napalm Bombs · ACTIVE
ROKS flamethrowers —
Incendiary & Napalm Bombs · ACTIVE
TO-55 —
Incendiary & Napalm Bombs · ACTIVE
RADAR SYSTEMS
RECON SATELLITES
LAUNCH VEHICLES
DOM Chŏllima-1 —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · ACTIVE
DOM North Korean kerolox space launch vehicle —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · ACTIVE
Satellite Launch Vehicle —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · ACTIVE
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · ACTIVE
DOM Unha —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · ACTIVE
Soyuz-2 —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · RETIRED
Strela —
Military Space Launch Vehicles · RETIRED
RECENT ACQUISITIONS & MODERNIZATION NEED
LAST 5 ACQUISITIONS
- 2024AK-12
- 2024Hwasong-19
- 2023Hwasong-18
- 2020Hwasong-17
- 2019Hwasong-11A
SYSTEMS 20+ YEARS IN SERVICE
- 78y82-PM-41
- 78yZiS-3
- 78yPPSh-41
- 78yDShK
- 78yRGD-33 grenade
04 / Defense Sector · 4 companies · 56 systems produced · 31 deals
Full Companies List4 defense companies→All Produced Weapons List56 weapon systems→All Defense Deals31 defense deals→
DEFENSE TRADE BALANCE annual estimate · from DB
Defense Industry Size
$2.0 Mr
annual output value
Sector Employment
500 K
total employees
↗ EXPORTS
$100 M
↘ IMPORTS
$500 M
⚖ NET BALANCE
$-400 M
NET IMPORTER
In exports
In imports
Export per Capita $3.8 per citizen
Import per Capita $19.1 per citizen
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE & SECTOR STARS
OWNERSHIP DISTRIBUTION
Fully State1
SECTOR STARS
WIDEST PORTFOLIO
🎯 North Korea SECTOR HERITAGE
OLDEST COMPANY
North Korea NEWEST COMPANY
National Aerospace Development Administration Sector average age 46 years
PRODUCTION PROFILE
ALL COMPANIES 4 companies · 3 active · 1 defunct
Sort:
| Company | Revenue | Systems | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Committee of Space Technology DEFUNCT | — | 1 | — |
| National Aerospace Development Administration | — | 2 | — |
| North Korea | — | 7 | — |
| Ryu Kyong-su Tank Factory | — | 1 | — |
Production 56 systems · 12 categories
Show:
⌕
ARMOURED VEHICLES
ARTILLERY & MISSILE SYSTEMS
FIREARMS
SURFACE COMBATANTS
SUBMARINES
MINE WARFARE & PATROL
NAVAL WEAPON SYSTEMS
BALLISTIC MISSILES
Hwasong-19 82
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-20 77
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-17 55
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-18 53
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-12 52
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-14 51
ICBM · 1 country
Hwasong-15 45
ICBM · 1 country
ENDED Hwasong-13 37
ICBM · 1 country
Pukguksong-5 65
SLBM · 1 country
Pukguksong-3 65
SLBM · 1 country
Pukguksong-1 63
SLBM · 1 country
Hwasong-16B 75
IRBM
BALLISTIC (CONVENTIONAL)
Hwasong-11B 61
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 1 country
Hwasong-11A 60
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 2 country
KN-02 50
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 1 country
ENDED Hwasong-6 42
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 8 country
ENDED Hwasong-5 39
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 7 country
KN-25 33
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 1 country
Taepodong-2 18
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 1 country
Taepodong-1 16
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) · 1 country
Pukguksong-2 67
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.) · 1 country
Hwasong-10 51
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.) · 2 country
Hwasong-7 39
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.) · 6 country
Hwasong-9 39
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.) · 3 country
HYPERSONIC MISSILES
RECON SATELLITES
LAUNCH VEHICLES
Unha-3 23
Military Space Launch Vehicles
Chŏllima-1 21
Military Space Launch Vehicles · 1 country
Paektusan-1 20
Military Space Launch Vehicles
Unha-2 11
Military Space Launch Vehicles
Unha 10
Military Space Launch Vehicles · 1 country
North Korean kerolox space launch vehicle 7
Military Space Launch Vehicles · 2 country
RECENT DEFENSE DEALS14 export · 17 import
| Direction | Year | Counterparty | Product / Service | Quantity | Amount | Type | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↗ | late 1980s |  Iran | Koksan | — | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 2024 | Russia | Koksan | 50 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 2023 | Russia | Hwasong-9 | — | — | export | confirmed | |
| ↘ | —→2012 | United States | MQM-107 Streaker | — | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 2009 |  Myanmar | D-20 | NaN | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 2000 |  Syria | Hwasong-9 | — | — | export | confirmed | |
| ↗ | 1998 |  Pakistan | Hwasong-7 | 20 | — | export | confirmed | |
| ↗ | 1998 | Iran | Hwasong-7 | 150 | — | export | confirmed | |
| ↗ | 1988 |  Peru | Type 68 assault rifle | 20,000 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 1986 | Peru | Type 68 assault rifle | 20,000 | $2 M | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 1982 |  Malta | Type 58 assault rifle | — | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1980 | Germany | MD Helicopters MD 500 | 87 | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1980 | People's Republic of China | Type 021-class missile boat | 4 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1973→1975 | Russia | Romeo-class submarine | 7 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1969→1971 | Russia | Sukhoi Su-7 | 18 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1968→1973 | Russia | Project 205 Moskit | 12 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | 1966→1967 | Russia | ASU-57 | 200 | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 1960 |  Vietnam | Type 58 assault rifle | — | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↗ | 1960 |  Cuba | Type 58 assault rifle | — | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↘ | —→1950 | Russia | BMD-20 | 200 | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↘ | —→1949 | Russia | Ilyushin Il-10 | 93 | — | gift | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Japan | Type 3 heavy machine gun | — | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↗ | — | Iran | Fajr-3 | 100 | — | license-production | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | Fugas-class minesweeper | — | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↗ | — |  United Arab Emirates | Koksan | — | — | second-hand | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | Object 704 | 100 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | RM-38 | — | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | G-5-class motor torpedo boat | — | — | gift | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | Project 183R | 10 | — | new-build | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | People's Republic of China | Chengdu J-7 | 40 | — | aid | Delivered | |
| ↘ | — | Russia | Yakovlev Yak-23 | — | — | new-build | Delivered |
1 / 4
ALL-TIME ARMS TRADE31transactions · inflation-adjusted
↗ EXPORTS
$6 M
14transactions
↘ IMPORTS
—
17transactions
Σ TOTAL
$6 M
31transactions
| Country | Export (→) | Import (←) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peru | $6 M | — | $6 M |
Sum of all defense deals in our database, adjusted to 2025 prices (CPI). Exports (→) are what this country sold, imports (←) what it bought. Covers only transactions recorded in our archive; the real historical total is higher.
MOST POPULAR PRODUCTSused by 21 countries
- #1Type 68 assault rifle8countryAssault Rifles
- #2Hwasong-68countryShort-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM)
- #3Type 58 assault rifle7countryAssault Rifles
- #4Hwasong-57countryShort-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM)
- #5Hwasong-76countryMedium-Range Ballistic Missiles (Conv.)
- #6Type 73 light machine gun5countryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
- #7Koksan5countrySelf-Propelled Artillery
- #8Chonma-ho4countryTanks
05 / History & Conflicts · 16 armed events
Fire Line Most active: Early Cold War
Alliance Network by past conflicts
🛡 Most Allied
People's Republic of China 35 wars Russia 14 wars Vietnam 8 wars Cuba 6 wars Germany 4 wars ◄── North Korea ──►
Based on conflicts fought on the same or opposing side.
War Statistics North Korea · 97 conflicts
97Conflicts
2Wins
4Losses
0Draws
2Ongoing
Highest Own Losses 27,915 1968 in the Vietnam War Highest Enemy Losses 1,163,777 Vietnam War Longest 28 years communist insurgency in Sarawak
Human Cost · North Korea
44,831Military
0Civilian
0Displaced
Data as of 2026; figures may vary by source.
📜 Chronological Conflict List
| Conflict | Years | Opponent | Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kursk campaign Special Op. | 2024–2025 | Intervention | Primary | Ongoing |
| full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war Interstate | 2022–present | Intervention | Secondary | Ongoing |
| ROKS Cheonan sinking | 2010–present | Intervention | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Bombardment of Yeonpyeong Proxy | 2010–present | South Korea | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| American military intervention in Somalia Intervention | 2007–present | CIA In support of: {{collapsible list| | Primary | Ongoing |
| Second Battle of Yeonpyeong Proxy | 2002–present | South Korea | Primary | Draw |
| First Battle of Yeonpyeong Proxy | 1999 | South Korea | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Battle of Yosu | 1998 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| 1996 Gangneung submarine infiltration incident | 1996–present | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| 1990 Surinamese coup d'état Coup | 1990–present | Government of Suriname Supported by: | Primary | — |
| War in Uganda (1986–1994) Civil War | 1986–1994 | UPDA UPA HSM (Auma) HSM (Lukoya) HSM (Ojuk) UUGM HSM (Kony) | Primary | — |
| 1982 Kenyan coup d'état attempt Coup | 1982–present | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Ogaden War Interstate | 1977–1978 | Somalia WSLF Arms supplies | Primary | — |
| 1977 Benin coup d'état attempt Coup | 1977–present | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Win |
| Third Indochina War Interstate | 1975–1991 | (until 1989) (from 1989) Arms supplies | Primary | — |
| 1975 spring offensive Special Op. | 1974–1975 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Win |
| 1972 Republic of the Congo coup d'état attempt Coup | 1972–present | Pro-Ange Diawara faction | Primary | — |
| 1971 JVP Insurrection Insurgency | 1971 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| 1969 in the Vietnam War Interstate | 1969–present | Anti-Communist forces: Kingdom of Laos Republic of China | Primary | Ongoing |
| 1968 in the Vietnam War Interstate | 1968–present | Anti-Communist forces: Kingdom of Laos | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Blue House raid Proxy | 1968 | South Korea | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Communist insurgency in Malaysia Insurgency | 1968–1989 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| 1967 in the Vietnam War Interstate | 1967–present | Anti-Communist forces: Kingdom of Laos Republic of China | Primary | Ongoing |
| 1966 in the Vietnam War Interstate | 1966–present | Anti-Communist forces: Kingdom of Laos Republic of China | Primary | Ongoing |
| Operation Rolling Thunder Special Op. | 1965–1968 | {{ubli| | }} | Primary | Tactical Win |
| Guinea-Bissau War of Independence Interstate | 1963–1974 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| communist insurgency in Sarawak Insurgency | 1962–1990 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Vietnam War Proxy | 1955–1975 | {{Plainlist| | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Attack on the Sui-ho Dam Proxy | 1952–present | South Africa | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Ripper Special Op. | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Rat Killer Special Op. | 1951–1952 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Dauntless Special Op. | 1951–present | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Pohang Operation Special Op. | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Courageous Special Op. | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Killer Special Op. | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Thunderbolt Special Op. | 1951–present | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Operation Roundup Special Op. | 1951–present | Intervention | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Battle of Hoengsong Proxy | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Win |
| Battle of the Punchbowl Proxy | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Battle of Uijeongbu Proxy | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Battle of Bloody Ridge Proxy | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Battle of Maehwa-san Proxy | 1951 | Canada | Primary | — |
| Battle of Heartbreak Ridge Proxy | 1951 | Intervention | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Battle of the Soyang River Proxy | 1951–present | Intervention | Primary | Tactical Win |
| Third Battle of Wonju | 1951–present | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Operation Tomahawk Special Op. | 1951–present | {{cite web |url=http://www.indembassy.or.kr/pages.php?id=64 | Primary | — |
| Blockade of Wonsan Proxy | 1951–1953 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Chinese Spring Offensive Proxy | 1951 | (UNC) | Primary | Tactical Loss |
| Operation Pokpoong Special Op. | 1950 | South Korea  | Primary | Tactical Win |
| Second Phase Offensive Special Op. | 1950 | (UNC) | Primary | Decisive Win |
| UN offensive into North Korea Special Op. | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| First Battle of Seoul Proxy | 1950–present | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Battle of Taegu Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Battle of Hwanggan Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Win |
| Battle of Kyongju Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Battle of Nam River Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Battle of Pakchon Proxy | 1950–present | Intervention | Primary | — |
| Battle of Battle Mountain Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | Decisive Loss |
| Battle of the Bowling Alley Proxy | 1950 | Intervention | Primary | — |
| First Battle of Naktong Bulge Proxy | 1950 | United Nations | Primary | Decisive Loss |
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06 / Geostrategy · comparative
A
VSB
North KoreavsPortugal
01Personnel
Active Personnel
×44.4
Reserve Personnel
×28.6
Paramilitary Personnel
×45.0
Total Military Personnel
×30.4
Available for Military Service
+%20
Reaching Military Age Annually
+%200
Conscription Duration (days)
02Land Forces
Total Tanks
+%100
IFV Count
+%100
APC Count
+%100
Recon Vehicle Count
+%100
MRAP Count
=
Towed Artillery Count
+%100
Self-Propelled Artillery Count
+%100
MLRS Count
+%100
Mortar Count
+%100
ATGM Launcher Count
+%100
SHORAD Count
=
MANPADS Count
+%100
03Air Forces
Total Aircraft
×31.3
Fighter Aircraft Count
×22.5
Ground Attack Aircraft Count
+%100
Bomber Aircraft Count
+%100
Transport Aircraft Count
×20.0
Tanker Aircraft Count
=
AWACS Count
=
Trainer Aircraft Count
×15.0
Total Helicopters
+%567
Attack Helicopter Count
×33.3
Transport Helicopter Count
+%317
UAV Count
+%100
04Naval Forces
Total Ships
×48.4
Aircraft Carrier Count
=
Amphibious Assault Ship Count
=
Cruiser Count
=
Destroyer Count
=
Frigate Count
+%100
Corvette Count
+%100
Total Submarines
×35.0
SSN Count
=
SSBN Count
=
Patrol Boat Count
×38.0
05Strategic Forces
Nuclear Warhead Count
+%100
Deployed Warhead Count
+%100
ICBM Count
+%100
SLBM Count
=
IRBM Count
+%100
06Budget & Economy
Defense Budget (USD)
+%71
Defense Budget (% of GDP)
×17.9
Defense Budget per Capita (USD)
+%48
GDP (Nominal, USD)
+%983
GDP (PPP, USD)
+%533
Arms Exports (USD)
+%50
Arms Imports (USD)
+%140
Defense Industry Rank
+%200
Defense Industry Size (USD)
+%100
Defense Sector Employment
×25.0
07Logistics & Infrastructure
Military Airport Count
+%900
Total Airport Count
+%28
Major Port Count
+%233
Oil Production (bbl/day)
+%100
Oil Reserves (bbl)
+%100
Coastline (km)
+%39
08Demographics
Total Population
+%154
Military Age Population
+%20
Urban Population (%)
+%6
Literacy Rate (%)
+%4
Area (km²)
+%31
📚 Sources
- Publicly available open sources and databases.