North Korea unveiled its latest main battle tank, the Cheonma-2, at the 2024 National Defense Development Exhibition.
North Korea unveiled its new main battle tank, the Cheonma-2, at the 2024 National Defense Development Exhibition. The tank has a futuristic design that Western media claims resembles Russia’s T-14 Armata. Both tanks feature automated turrets and low-profile hulls.
Western experts believe that the Cheonma-2 inherits the T-14’s composite armor and active protection systems. However, despite the similarities, some aspects of the tank may be less advanced. For example, the electronics and sensor integration of the Cheonma-2 are likely not up to par with the T-14, which uses more modern Russian technology. The new tank’s engines and mobility may also be inferior to its Russian counterparts, as North Korea still faces challenges in producing high-performance powertrains.
The Cheonma-2’s exterior design combines elements from various tanks, including the American M1 Abrams and the Iranian Zulfiqar. The front of the turret has sloped armor plates similar to those found on the M1 Abrams. The tank’s hull is reinforced with slat armor like the T-14, while the frontal part is slightly different from its Russian counterpart.
The Cheonma-2’s primary armament includes a 125mm smoothbore gun, similar to that used in other North Korean tanks. The tank is also equipped with a coaxial machine gun and an AGS-30 grenade launcher. Interestingly, the Cheonma-2 is armed with two Bulsae-3 missiles, which are mounted on a retractable launcher. These missiles, although reminiscent of the Soviet 9K111 Fagot, have a larger diameter.
The tank's active protection system, located on the bottom of the turret, includes four launchers designed to intercept threats such as anti-tank missiles. This system, similar to the Russian Afganit, was successfully tested at an arms exhibition in Pyongyang. In addition, the Cheonma-2 received new panoramic sights and smoke grenade launchers.
The nine tanks shown at the parade are believed by Western media to be experimental models. An interesting point: during the parade, the Cheonma-2 was painted in desert camouflage, which raised questions on social media, given the lack of desert areas on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea unveiled its new main battle tank, the Cheonma-2, at the 2024 National Defense Development Exhibition. The tank has a futuristic design that Western media claims resembles Russia’s T-14 Armata. Both tanks feature automated turrets and low-profile hulls.
Western experts believe that the Cheonma-2 inherits the T-14’s composite armor and active protection systems. However, despite the similarities, some aspects of the tank may be less advanced. For example, the electronics and sensor integration of the Cheonma-2 are likely not up to par with the T-14, which uses more modern Russian technology. The new tank’s engines and mobility may also be inferior to its Russian counterparts, as North Korea still faces challenges in producing high-performance powertrains.
The Cheonma-2’s exterior design combines elements from various tanks, including the American M1 Abrams and the Iranian Zulfiqar. The front of the turret has sloped armor plates similar to those found on the M1 Abrams. The tank’s hull is reinforced with slat armor like the T-14, while the frontal part is slightly different from its Russian counterpart.
The Cheonma-2’s primary armament includes a 125mm smoothbore gun, similar to that used in other North Korean tanks. The tank is also equipped with a coaxial machine gun and an AGS-30 grenade launcher. Interestingly, the Cheonma-2 is armed with two Bulsae-3 missiles, which are mounted on a retractable launcher. These missiles, although reminiscent of the Soviet 9K111 Fagot, have a larger diameter.
The tank's active protection system, located on the bottom of the turret, includes four launchers designed to intercept threats such as anti-tank missiles. This system, similar to the Russian Afganit, was successfully tested at an arms exhibition in Pyongyang. In addition, the Cheonma-2 received new panoramic sights and smoke grenade launchers.
The nine tanks shown at the parade are believed by Western media to be experimental models. An interesting point: during the parade, the Cheonma-2 was painted in desert camouflage, which raised questions on social media, given the lack of desert areas on the Korean Peninsula.