North Korea's to increase production of Main Battle Tank New Generation.

According to Sputnik, citing satellite imagery released by Planet Lab on June 30, 2023, it appears that an accelerated production of the new North Korean main battle tank has recently been observed. The Kusong tank plant in North Korea has undergone significant renovations, doubling its size with a new manufacturing hall and additional production structures between October 2022 and June 2023. 
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North Korean state media rare showcased the testing of their latest battle tank iteration during combat exercises at the Kusong proving grounds, underscoring the practical implications of these enhancements. (Picture source: Russia MoD )

The latest generation of North Korea's Main Battle Tank (MBT) was first unveiled to the public in October 2020 during a military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). Subsequently, for the second time, this tank was showcased during another military parade held on February 9, 2023.

It is evident that North Korea's Kusong tank plant complex has recently undergone substantial renovations, notably featuring the construction of an expansive new manufacturing hall, as confirmed by Planet Labs' satellite imagery analysis. Completed between October 2022 and June 2023, this overhaul has resulted in a facility twice the size of its previous incarnation and encompassing various production-related structures across a sizable 9.3-hectare expanse.

Concurrently, North Korean state media showcased the testing of their latest battle tank iteration during combat exercises at the Kusong proving grounds, underscoring the practical implications of these enhancements. These developments correspond to North Korea's broader aim to enhance its military capabilities, reflecting an ongoing trend of general enhancement in military capacities across the Asia-Pacific region.

This new tank, which has yet to receive an official name, features a crew arrangement with a driver positioned at the front and a commander and gunner located in the turret. The turret is constructed through welding and incorporates composite armor for enhanced protection. Similar to the Russian T-14 Armata, the hull appears to be equipped with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) on its front and sides. Notably, tube launchers on the turret potentially indicate the presence of an Active Protection System (APS), similar to the Russian Afganit system.

The tank's main armament is comparable to the Soviet-made 125mm gun, possibly derived from the 2A46 model. This gun is capable of firing a range of projectiles, including Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS), High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), and High-Explosive Fragmentation (HEF) rounds. Complementing this, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted on the left side of the turret, while a remote weapon station, armed with a 30mm automatic grenade launcher, is situated at the front. Additionally, the turret boasts two launchers for guided anti-tank missiles.

The tank's suspension system is characterized by seven road wheels on each side, safeguarded by armor plates and polymer skirts. The turret is equipped with a variety of components, including sights, a laser rangefinder, and other related equipment.

If you wish to learn more, feel free to read the analysis authored by the Army Recognition editorial team on February 10, 2023, available here.