North Korea's Cheonma 2 Tank - A Closer Look

The Cheonma-2 is a prototype North Korean main battle tank (MBT) that represents a significant evolution in the country's armored vehicle design. Unveiled during the 75th anniversary military parade of the Workers' Party of Korea in October 2020, the tank has since been showcased in various military events, including a parade on April 25, 2022, and military exercises in March 2024.
*Design and Features:*
*Armor and Layout:* The Cheonma-2 exhibits design influences from both the American M1 Abrams and the Russian T-14 Armata tanks. It features composite armor with a turret front angled similarly to the M1 Abrams and side armor plates with slat armor protecting the engine, akin to the T-14. The tank is equipped with seven road wheels, indicating a larger size compared to previous North Korean tanks, which typically have six. In July 2023, during a parade, the Cheonma-2 was observed with new explosive reactive armor (ERA), leading to this design being referred to as the M2024 model.
*Armament:* The primary weapon is believed to be a 125 mm smoothbore gun derived from the Russian 2A46, similar to those used on the Chonma-216 and Songun-915 tanks. Secondary armaments include a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, an AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher mounted on the turret roof, and two Bulsae-3 anti-tank guided missiles housed in a folding launcher on the right side of the turret. The Bulsae-3 is reportedly a reverse-engineered version of the Russian 9M133 Kornet missile, featuring a 150 mm diameter for enhanced penetration capabilities.
*Mobility:* Initially, the Cheonma-2 was thought to be powered by a 1,200 horsepower diesel engine, similar to that used in the Songun-915 tanks. However, images from a May 2024 visit to the Academy of National Defense Science revealed engine components resembling those of the German Leopard 2, suggesting the possibility of different or upgraded powerplants. The tank's weight is estimated to be over 50 tons, with a compact design suited for the mountainous terrain of the Korean Peninsula.
*Sensors and Countermeasures:* The Cheonma-2 is equipped with advanced targeting systems, including separate sights for the commander and gunner, potentially featuring thermal imaging for improved night-fighting capabilities. It also includes a muzzle reference system to enhance firing accuracy while on the move. Notably, the tank is fitted with a hard-kill active protection system (APS) similar to the Russian Afghanit, with multiple launchers positioned around the turret to intercept incoming threats. Footage from North Korean state media has shown the APS successfully intercepting RPG-7 style rounds, indicating a significant advancement in defensive technology.
*Operational Status:*
As of March 2024, at least nine Cheonma-2 tanks exist in the updated M2024 standard. Mass production is believed to be planned at the Kusong tank plant, which has undergone modernization to facilitate large-scale manufacturing of this new MBT.
*Strategic Implications:*
The development of the Cheonma-2 signifies North Korea's commitment to modernizing its armored forces, moving away from older Soviet-era designs towards more advanced and indigenously developed platforms. While the tank incorporates design elements from foreign MBTs, its indigenous development reflects North Korea's efforts to enhance its military capabilities despite international sanctions and limited access to foreign technology.

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Chatgpt brought me to this video

[@lunchie80]

Likely rubbish or massively overrated and now redundant. Considering the performance of their troops in a certain current conflict, even if these were good, a few Mavics will sort them out That is assuming they don't just drive haphazardly into each other first. *Plays clown music*