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Analysis: Secret Insights into the Combat Capabilities of North Korea's New Cheonma-2 Tank.
The M2024, recently renamed Cheonma-2, represents North Korea’s entry into the development of next-generation main battle tanks. This model incorporates a turret design similar to that of the M1A2 Abrams and integrates features seen in Russian technology, such as active protection systems and explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks similar to those on the T-14 Armata. These combined elements suggest a hybrid approach, influenced by foreign designs and adapted to North Korea’s operational needs. The Cheonma-2 highlights North Korea’s intention to produce a next-gen tank with modern capabilities, drawing on international design elements while aiming for increased technological self-sufficiency.
Kim Jong-un visiting the Cheonma-2 Main Battle Tank development workshops at the North Korean Academy of Defense Development (Picture source: North Korea MoD)
During Kim Jong-un's visit to the North Korean Academy of Defense Development on May 29, 2024, the new battle tank, previously known under the codenames M2020 and M2024, was officially named "천마-2호," translated as "Cheonma-2" or "Cheonma-No.2." This name symbolizes the evolution of North Korea's tank production, which began with Soviet and Chinese models like the T-34 and Type 59, and has now transitioned into a modern era where the country aims to achieve strategic defense autonomy.
North Korea began producing domestic tanks in the 1970s and 1980s with the Chonma-ho series, inspired by the Soviet T-62. This model was gradually improved with advancements in armor, firepower, and mobility. The introduction of the Songun-915 in the 1990s, incorporating elements from the Russian T-72 and Chinese Type 88, marked a shift toward greater internal capabilities, although foreign technologies continued to be integrated.
In the early 21st century, North Korea unveiled the Pokpung-ho model, followed more recently by the M2020/M2024 prototypes, now formalized as the Cheonma-2. The development of the Cheonma-2, initially presented during the military parade in October 2020 for the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea, benefited from increased investment, including the expansion of the Kusong tank plant. This facility’s production capacity was doubled, highlighting the strategic importance North Korea places on this new tank.
On March 14, 2024, the M2024 variant of the Cheonma-2 was deployed during joint exercises involving North Korean army tank and mechanized units. This show of force coincided with joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, emphasizing Pyongyang's interest in strengthening its military deterrent. The Cheonma-2, and particularly the M2024 model, is designed to enhance operational capabilities and reflects North Korean principles in armored vehicle design.
Kim Jong-un driving the Cheonma-2 Main Battle Tank (Picture source: North Korea MoD)
The Cheonma-2 features a redesigned turret, inspired by the American M1A2 Abrams, equipped with 21 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks to counter incoming projectiles. Six smoke grenade launchers allow for the creation of a smoke screen to conceal the tank in the event of a threat, and an opening on the left side of the gun may serve for an observation or sighting device. Additionally, the turret includes an advanced protection system featuring a laser warning receiver designed to alert the crew if the tank is targeted by enemy laser-guided systems, particularly those from opposing tanks, thereby enhancing the vehicle's responsiveness and survivability on the battlefield.
The turret also includes a rotating anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher, similar to the TOW launcher on the American Bradley. These missiles, potentially identified as Bulsae-3, are similar to the Russian Kornet. Each side of the turret is equipped with ERA components, smoke grenade launchers, and active protection system (APS) units. The top of the turret includes sophisticated equipment, such as meteorological sensors, antennas, observation systems, a panoramic sight for the commander, a gunner sight, an episcope, blowout panels, and a storage basket.
According to some analysts, the circular element observed on the left side of the turret could be a manual shell ejection hatch, suggesting that the Cheonma-2 might be manually loaded. However, this configuration raises questions about the efficiency and safety of such a setup in combat situations. The tank is powered by an engine of over 1,200 horsepower, providing a top speed of 65 km/h with an estimated weight between 50 and 55 tons.
The Cheonma-2's main armament includes a 125mm smoothbore gun, similar to the Soviet 2A46, capable of firing various types of projectiles and potentially coupled with an autoloader. Secondary armament consists of a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 30mm automatic grenade launcher, providing enhanced firepower for close combat situations.
The Cheonma-2's chassis has a notable resemblance to that of the Russian T-14 Armata, integrating ten ERA blocks on each side for improved side protection. Steps facilitate crew access, while two periscopes under the gun enhance the driver's visibility. At the rear, large grilles allow for engine heat dissipation, and a modified exhaust system includes a cutout in the cage armor, improving thermal dissipation.
The suspension system, inspired by Soviet designs, consists of seven road wheels per side, with a drive sprocket at the rear and an idler wheel at the front. The upper part of the suspension is shielded by armor plates, while the lower part is protected by polymer or rubber skirts to cover the road wheels. Like the latest Russian models, the Cheonma-2 is equipped with cage armor at the rear of the turret and on the sides, enhancing its protection against anti-tank infantry weapons. However, the lack of similar armor on the rear hull, especially around the engine area, suggests a potential vulnerability.
The Cheonma-2 represents a major step forward for North Korea’s military industry, demonstrating Pyongyang’s ambition to reduce its reliance on foreign technologies while equipping itself with modern assets capable of responding to regional threats. As tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, the introduction of this new tank, with its evocative name "Cheonma," or "Heavenly Horse," symbolizes North Korea's determination to reinforce its military deterrence against increasingly powerful regional alliances.
The development and production of the Cheonma-2 illustrate North Korea's ability to design military equipment that meets its strategic needs, drawing inspiration from advanced military technologies observed in Russia, the United States, and China. However, the real performance of this tank in combat conditions remains untested, and questions linger about the reliability and effectiveness of its integrated systems, such as the APS and the assumed manual loader. Despite these uncertainties, the Cheonma-2 represents a significant addition to North Korea’s arsenal, strengthening its ground combat potential in a tense geopolitical context.