27 March, 2025 Saebyeol-4. Source: Rodong Sinmun/NK News.
North Korea has tested the Saebyeol-4 strategic reconnaissance drone, which visually resembles the US RQ-4 Global Hawk.
The relevant photos were published by NK News.
The Saebyeol-4 was first introduced to the public in July 2023, but its technical specifications have remained undisclosed since then.
Analysis of the images suggests that its wingspan is approximately 30-35 meters and the fuselage is 10-15 meters long.
Saebyeol-4. Source: @MyLordBebo.Saebyeol-4. Source: @MyLordBebo.
The drone’s chassis is known to be derived from the Chinese J-7 fighter, which is itself a licensed copy of the Soviet MiG-21.
The basic chassis design remained unchanged, but the main landing gear wheels were repositioned from the inside to the outside, while the nose landing gear remained the same.
This may indicate that the Saebyeol-4 was developed using off-the-shelf solutions, some of which could be adapted during the design process.
It is likely that the drone also uses other components from the J-7, including the Chinese version of the P11-300 engine and some other systems.
Comparison of the chassis. Source: Minseok (James) KimComparison of the chassis. Source: Minseok (James) Kim
The exact weight of the Saebyeol-4 is unknown, but based on the specifications of the J-7 chassis, it can be assumed that it does not exceed 9 tons.
In general, the use of J-7 elements is not surprising – it is known that the DPRK has more than a hundred J-7/MIG-21s in its arsenal, some of which are definitely inoperable.
It is possible that the Saebyeol-4 borrowed only the landing gear and possibly the engine from this aircraft, while other elements may be new or taken from other aircraft.
North Korea does not have the technological and economic capabilities to replicate the solutions used in the original RQ-4 Global Hawk.
Under the distinctive hump in the front of the drone is an antenna for communication with the satellite constellation, which allows the drone to be controlled and transmit data from anywhere in the world.
RQ-4 (top) and Saebyeol-4 (bottom). Photo from open sourcesRQ-4 (top) and Saebyeol-4 (bottom). Photo from open sources
Although the DPRK has its own satellite constellation — the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite, which was launched in November 2023 — it is not known whether the constellation can provide uninterrupted communication over large areas of the Earth.
It is also unknown whether North Korea has any communication satellites at all. The use of Chinese satellites seems unlikely for now.
In the lower part of the RQ-4’s nose section is a high-resolution optical camera unit. Pyongyang could probably have received such equipment from China.
Illustrative photo of the North Korean Saebyeol-4. Photo from open sourcesIllustrative photo of the North Korean Saebyeol-4. Photo from open sources
A radar system with an active phased array antenna operating in SAR mode is installed under the fuselage of the original Global Hawk. The presence of such compact systems in North Korea is questionable.
It is also unlikely that the country possesses advanced navigation technologies, high-speed data transmission systems, and powerful onboard electronics.
The true purpose of Saebyeol-4 remains unknown, but it can be assumed that it serves as a flying laboratory, a platform for training air defense forces, or a repeater drone.