Click to see full-size image. (The Korean Central News Agency)
North Korea unveiled an upgraded version of its most advanced main battle tank at the National Defense Development – 2024 exhibition, which opened its doors in the capital, Pyongyang, on November 22.
Leader Kim Jong Un attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which highlights the achievements of the country’s military-industrial complex.
Numerous examples of the North Korea’s latest domestically-produced weaponry, including a new version of the M2020 tank, were showcased at the exhibition.
The new version of the M2020 tank, also known as Chonma-2, appeared to be equipped with an active protection system with two launchers, each with four interceptor munitions, installed on sides of the turret. The system will significantly improve the tank’s defensive capabilities against incoming threats, especially anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
In addition, the tank was equipped with a remotely-controlled 30mm automatic grenade launcher instead of the previously used heavy machine gun.
The tank also appeared to be armed with at least two ATGMs, most likely the Bulsae-3, on the right side of its turret. The Bulsae-3 is reported to be the North Korean version of the Russian Kornet system, which is known for the accuracy of its guidance system, as well as its lethal warhead.
The number of M2020s currently in service with the North Korean military is unknown. However, the tank appears to be in production.
The unveiling of the tank came amid high tensions in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this year, Kim called South Korea “a foreign country and an apparent hostile country” after North Korea accused Seoul of sending drones over Pyongyang that scattered a “huge number” of anti-North leaflets.
North Korea has been also facing increasing pressure from the United States over its alleged support for the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
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