North Korea Acquires U.S.-Made Beechjet 400A
North Korea has reportedly imported a U.S.-manufactured Beechjet 400A, according to a report from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA). The jet is believed to be serial number RK-109, formerly registered in China as B-3905.
The aircraft was first identified in satellite images released by 38north.org in July 2024 and later appeared in video footage from Pyongyang Airport. It was seen parked on a remote apron commonly used by aircraft linked to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s inner circle. Also visible was a PAC-750XL light turboprop, built in New Zealand, suggesting additional unauthorized aircraft imports. Reports indicate that three to four PAC-750XLs may have been brought into the country illegally.
The Beechjet 400A, now 29.1 years old, was originally operated in the United States from 1996 to 2009. It served as an air ambulance starting in 2008 before being exported to China. In China, it flew medical missions for Asia Medical Aid Flight and later for EoFaJet until 2020. Due to its medical outfitting, analysts believe the aircraft likely continues to serve in a similar role within North Korea’s government.
The news comes as recent satellite imagery also shows signs that North Korea is converting one of Air Koryo’s three Il-76TDs into an airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. The conversion includes a radome installed on top of the fuselage, potentially transforming the transport aircraft into an Il-76A-50 variant for military surveillance use.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com