Breaking News: North Korea Secretly Unveils Tianma-2 New Locally Made Main Battle Tank.

During a defense exhibition held in Pyongyang, North Korea revealed an upgraded version of its locally made Cheonma-2 main battle tank, the Tianma-2. The event, which commenced on November 21, 2024, showcased the latest advancements in North Korean military technology, and this enhanced tank design has drawn significant attention. 
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The newly unveiled Tianma-2 main battle tank was on display at a defense exhibition in Pyongyang, North Korea, showcasing its advanced armor, Active Protection System (APS), and modernized design on November 21, 2024.(Picture source: North Korea Press Agency)

According to our first analysis of the picture released by the North Korean press agency, the Tianma-2 exhibits a design closely resembling modern Western and U.S. main battle tanks, with notable similarities to the German Leopard 2A7/A8. The layout features a front-left driver position, a centrally located turret, and a rear-mounted powerpack. The tank is operated by a three-person crew, supported by an automatic loading system for its primary weapon, a 125mm smoothbore cannon. 

The turret design now integrates modular composite armor, offering enhanced protection against kinetic energy projectiles (APFSDS rounds) and shaped charges (HEAT rounds). The modular construction enables swift replacement of damaged armor sections in the field, a characteristic of many advanced main battle tanks. Additionally, Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) covers the front and sides of the hull, while wire cage armor is installed at the rear to defend against rocket-propelled grenades and other shaped charge threats. 

One of the most striking updates is the integration of an Active Protection System (APS), which bears similarities to the Trophy APS from Israel and its European counterparts. The APS system on the Tianma-2 includes radar sensors on each side of the turret for threat detection, along with countermeasures designed to intercept incoming anti-tank missiles and projectiles. To bolster the tank's defenses further, the turret roof is outfitted with a counter-drone anti-tank launcher system, a feature that reflects North Korea's emphasis on countering emerging aerial threats. 

The upgraded turret also includes a remotely operated weapon station (ROWS) equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, as well as launchers capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The tank features a panoramic sight system for battlefield awareness and engagement for the commander and gunner, providing enhanced target acquisition and tracking capabilities. 

The Cheonma-2, initially introduced as the M2020 during a military parade on October 10, 2020, has undergone significant developments since its first public appearance. It was officially named "Cheonma-2" following a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the Academy of Defense Development on May 29, 2024. The original Cheonma-2 showcased North Korea’s ambition to modernize its armored forces, and the new Tianma-2 version builds on that foundation by integrating advanced technology and enhanced battlefield survivability. 

The unveiling of the Tianma-2 highlights North Korea’s continued focus on developing indigenous military technology capable of rivaling global standards. The inclusion of advanced features such as APS, modular armor, and drone countermeasures signals a shift towards equipping its forces with tanks designed for high-intensity, modern combat scenarios. 

Given the technological leaps displayed in its design, the emergence of the Tianma-2 in North Korea's arsenal is likely to draw close scrutiny from regional and global military analysts. While North Korea has not provided official specifications or performance data, the visual evidence from the exhibition underscores its aspirations to field a capable and modern main battle tank. This development adds a new dimension to the regional security landscape, as the Tianma-2 could potentially bolster North Korea’s armored forces, influencing tactical and strategic calculations in the Korean Peninsula and beyond.