Saetbyol-9
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Other name샛별-9, Morning Star-9
National originNorth Korea
| Saebyeol-9 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Other name | 샛별-9, Morning Star-9 |
| Type | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| National origin | North Korea |
| Manufacturer | Korean People's Army Air Force |
| Primary user | 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]
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: ~21 m[4]
- 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[5]