Korean People's Army (KPA)

Total Armed Forces:

acive - 1,082,000

reserve - 4,700,000

Defence Budget:

1999 - $1.3 billion

2000 - $1.3 billion

Army: KPA (Army)

active - 950,000

27 combat divisions

4,060 tanks

supporting artillery/air defense guns and missiles

Navy: KPA (Navy) (KPN)

active - 46,000

26 SSK submarines

3 frigates

310 patrol and coastal combatants

23 mine countermeasures

10 amphibious warfare ships

supporting coastal air defense artillery/air defense guns and missiles

Air Force: KPA (Air Force) ( KPAF)

active - 86,000

621 total combat aircraft including
3 light bomber regiments (80 aircraft)
15 fighter and fighter/ground attack regiments (541 aircraft)

320 helicopters including 24 armed helicopters

supporting air defense guns and missiles

Paramilitary Forces

active - 189,000

Assessment:

Information about the DPRK's military is unreliable and inaccurate. Despite the apparent capabilities of the military in defense of the homeland, the economic (particularly food supply) situation in the North severely hampers the effectiveness of the DPRK's military. The DPRK is apparently capable of defense of the homeland and offensive actions against all existing and foreseeable threats (Japan/South Korea/United States). However, although they have improved missile technology, their primary force strength is in sheer number of personnel and proximity to the southern border. The DPRK would have a difficult time sustaining prolonged warfare on the peninsula and their economic situation greatly deteriorates their ability to wage war on any level.

Trends:

Total number of personnel has increased over the past ten years, as has military spending. These increases reflect the unstable situation in the north. Technologically, the DPRK has an effective fighting force and modernization programs with technology from the former Soviet Union and China have increased its overall effectiveness. The situation on the peninsula seems to have eased following the watershed summit in Pyongyang in June 2000 between President Kim Jong Il of the DPRK and President Kim Dae Jung of South Korea. But it is too early to tell. In July 2000, the DPRK floated the idea that it would halt its missile program in exchange for satellite-launch technology but later denied it. North Korea still insists on continuing its missile technology trade to countries such as Iran and Pakistan. The President still depends on the military as a bedrock of support. The DPRK sees its controversial technology exports and missile program as a useful and effective bargaining chip to be used against the US and Japan. For the time being, North Korea seems to be more focused on attracting foreign investment, trade and aid.