Chinese JH 7 "Flying Leopard" fighter jet appeared in North Korea

German military experts have identified a photo showing a fighter jet in Pyongyang, North Korea, as China's JH 7A "Flying Leopard" fighter bomber. If confirmed, this poses a real threat to South Korea's Air Force. The JH 7A, developed in the 1990s, is a fourth-generation multi-purpose fighter with advanced technology and strong air combat and ground attack capabilities. While it is not as advanced as China's newer J-16 fighter, the JH 7A's low cost and long-range capabilities make it appealing to North Korea's Air Force, which lacks effective air-to-surface strike platforms. North Korea's focus on weapon development is driven by self-defense and the need to maintain its regime's security and sovereignty. The country faces significant gaps in air and naval capabilities compared to South Korea.