North Korea Unveils New 8x8 Fire Support Armored Vehicle Resembling Western Designs.

June 3, 2024 — Recent social media posts have revealed that North Korea's defense industry is developing a new 8x8 fire support armored vehicle, drawing significant attention due to its striking similarity to modern Western combat wheeled armored vehicles. The new vehicle is built on the M2020 8x8 armored chassis, first unveiled during the 75th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea on November 10, 2020.
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During a recent visit to the Academy of Defense Sciences, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un examined an array of newly developed weapons systems, including a cutting-edge wheeled tank destroyer, highlighting advancements in the country's defense capabilities. (Picture source: KCNA)

During the military parade in November 2020, the M2020 was showcased in configurations such as an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) carrier and a Mobile Gun System (MGS). Observers have noted that the M2020 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle bears a strong resemblance to the American Stryker wheeled armored vehicle, suggesting a possible effort by North Korea to emulate advanced Western military technology.

The newly developed tank destroyer variant based on the M2020 chassis stands out with its formidable arsenal. It is armed with a 105 mm rifled cannon, a significant firepower against armored targets. What's more, it boasts a 12.7mm twin machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun, both mounted in a remotely controlled turret, enhancing its versatility and operational effectiveness.

This development marks a significant step forward in North Korea's military capabilities, indicating ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces. The resemblance to Western designs, particularly the Stryker, may raise concerns among international observers regarding the proliferation of advanced military technology. As North Korea continues to advance its military hardware, the international community will be closely monitoring these developments, assessing their potential implications for regional security and stability.

North Korea's recent advancements in military equipment have garnered significant global attention, particularly with the unveiling of their new 8x8 fire support armored vehicle. This vehicle, based on the M2020 8x8 chassis, is a testament to North Korea's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities with modern and formidable hardware. The M2020 chassis, initially presented during the 75th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, has been adapted into a tank destroyer equipped with a 105 mm rifled cannon, a 12.7mm twin machine gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun in a remotely controlled turret.

This development underscores Pyongyang's commitment to modernizing its military forces and demonstrates a significant leap in defense technology. The striking resemblance of North Korea's new armored vehicle to Western designs, particularly the American Stryker, has raised eyebrows among international military analysts. This similarity suggests a potential strategy by North Korea to replicate advanced Western military technology to bolster its capabilities. The global community is watching these developments closely, as the proliferation of such advanced military equipment could have significant implications for regional security dynamics. North Korea's progress in military technology not only signals its determination to strengthen its defense posture but also poses new challenges for international arms control and stability in the region.