North Korean Army Assault Rifle

North Korea's AK-74 Clone: The Type 88

Copy of Soviet Assault Rifle Gradually Replacing Type 68

North Korea has been slowly phasing out its Type 68 assault rifle, a clone of the Soviet AK-47, in favor of the Type 88, a copy of the AK-74.

Salvaged from Spy Ship

The Type 88 first came to international attention when a few examples were salvaged from a North Korean spy ship that was sunk after a brief engagement with the South Korean Navy in 2010.

Design Similarities

The Type 88 is similar in design to the AK-74, but with some key differences. Most notably, the Type 88 has a polymer handguard and stock, as well as a different muzzle brake.

North Korean Production

The Type 88 is manufactured in North Korea and has been in service with the Korean People's Army since the early 1990s. It is believed to be the most common assault rifle in North Korea today.

Future Standard Issue

While the Type 68 is still in use by some North Korean units, the Type 88 is expected to eventually become the standard issue assault rifle for the Korean People's Army.

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