Discover North Korea's New Main Battle Tank the Cheonma-2.

During Kim Jong-un's visit to the North Korean Academy of Defense Development on May 29, 2024, it was announced that the new tank, previously known under the pseudonyms M2020 and M2024, has been officially named "천마-2호", which can be translated as "Cheonma-2" or "Cheonma-No.2". This development proves that North Korea's tank development has evolved since the Korean War, initially relying on Soviet and Chinese models such as the T-34 and Type 59.
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On March 14, 2024, North Korea showcased the M2024 variant of the Cheonma-2 main battle tank during combined exercises involving tank and mechanized units of the North Korean Army. (Picture source: KCNA)

In the 1970s and 1980s, North Korea started producing its own tanks with the Chonma-ho series, based on the Soviet T-62. This series saw several iterations with improvements in armor, firepower, and mobility. In the 1990s, the introduction of the Songun-915, which incorporated features from the Russian T-72 and Chinese Type 88, marked a shift towards greater self-reliance in defense production, though foreign technologies were still integrated.

In the 21st century, North Korea introduced the Pokpung-ho and more recently the M2020/M2024 models, now named Cheonma-2. The Pokpung-ho, appearing in the early 2000s, included upgrades influenced by the Soviet T-80 and Chinese Type 96. The Cheonma-2's development traces back to October 2020, when the M2020 model was revealed during a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Worker’s Party of Korea. Accelerated production of the new tank has been observed, with significant renovations at the Kusong tank plant in North Korea, including a doubling of production capacity.

On March 14, 2024, North Korea showcased the M2024 variant of the Cheonma-2 main battle tank during combined exercises involving tank and mechanized units of the North Korean Army. This demonstration occurred amid joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. The M2024 model incorporates features aimed at improving operational capabilities and highlights North Korea's tank design principles.

The Cheonma-2 features a redesigned turret, similar to the American M1A2 Abrams, equipped with 21 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks at the front to counteract incoming projectiles. It also has six smoke grenade launchers to create a smokescreen, a hole on the left side of the gun likely for an observation or vision device, and components resembling an active protection system (APS) to intercept threats.

The turret includes a launcher for two anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), which can pivot like the TOW launcher on the American Bradley. These are believed to be Bulsae-3 missiles, similar to the Russian Kornet. Each side of the turret features ERA components, smoke grenade launchers, and APS units. The top of the turret has meteorological equipment, antennas, observation systems, a commander’s panoramic sight, a gunner sight, an episcope, blowout panels, and a storage basket.

The tank is powered by an engine with at least 1,200 hp, allowing a maximum speed of 65 km/h and an estimated weight of 50 to 55 tons. It likely includes modern fire control and communication systems. The main armament is a 125mm smoothbore gun, similar to the Soviet 2A46, capable of firing various projectiles and potentially coupled to an automatic loading system. Secondary armament includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 30mm automatic grenade launcher.

The hull, similar to the Russian T-14 Armata, features ten ERA blocks on each side, steps for the crew, periscopes for the driver, large engine heat evacuation grilles, and a modified exhaust system. The suspension system consists of seven road wheels per side, with protective armor plates and polymer or rubber skirts. Wire cage armor on the rear of the turret and sides provides added protection, though the rear of the hull lacks this armor, indicating a potential vulnerability.