Kim Jong-un observed armored vehicles, drawing a parallel to the "second tank revolution" event.
Kim Jong Un Takes Pride in North Korea's Tank Modernization
In a recent visit to a "pivotal" tank factory, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, showered praise on the advancements made in creating homegrown tanks with improved combat qualities. According to state news agency KCNA, Kim commended the scientists and technicians for their progress in enhancing the tank's mobility and maneuverability through the development of an integrated power unit and innovative updates to its active defense system, passive defense means, and radio electronic warfare system. Moreover, he expressed delight in the upgrades provided for tank crew comfort, such as modifications to the vehicle's design and thermal power system.
Kim emphasized that modernizing the army's arsenal, particularly with new land and armored vehicles, is an imperative step in fortifying the military. This sentiment aligns with Pyongyang's ambition for a "second armored revolution."
As per news reports, a week prior, Kim attended the launch ceremony of a new multipurpose destroyer, the "Chwae Ren." The commander of the East Sea Fleet of the Korean People's Army Navy, Vice Admiral Pak Gwan Sob, proclaimed during the ceremony that they had achieved their dream of owning powerful weapons capable of seizing maritime dominance from arrogant imperialist pirates.
The recent drive to modernize North Korea's tank and armored vehicle fleet is evident in the rapid technological advancements and expanded production capacity, under Kim Jong-un's watchful eye. Key improvements include:
- Firepower & Protection: Upgraded structural designs, high-thrust engine reliability, and advanced firepower systems are some of the highlights, along with electronic warfare equipment and crew comfort features [1][3][5].
- Production Infrastructure: A robust foundation for serial production has been laid, with a focus on large-scale manufacturing of cutting-edge tanks and self-propelled artillery [1][4][5].
- Conventional Force Priorities: The modernization effort focuses on conventional weapons, as demonstrated by conflicts like Ukraine, where drones, artillery, and armor played crucial roles [3][5].
In the near term, Kim aims to replace outdated armored vehicles with state-of-the-art tanks in a short amount of time, prioritizing rapid modernization of the army's armored divisions [4][5]. Future plans include the expansion of production capacity for next-generation tanks, with an emphasis on mobility through high-output engines and maneuverability through optimized structural designs [1][2][5].
Strategic partnerships with countries like Russia may contribute to North Korea's access to modern armor systems, though the details remain undisclosed [3][5]. The ongoing reforms reflect Pyongyang's dual strategy: bolstering conventional deterrence while advancing its nuclear capabilities as part of a broader military-industrial overhaul [3][4].
- Kim Jong Un's hope is to implement rapid modernization of North Korea's armored divisions, with plans to replace outdated vehicles with state-of-the-art tanks in a short period.
- Pyongyang is focusing on enhancing the firepower and protection of its tanks, integrating high-thrust engines, advanced firepower systems, and electronic warfare equipment, all aimed at boosting combat qualities.
- As part of Pyongyang's ambition for a "second armored revolution," the recent drive to modernize North Korea's tank and armored vehicle fleet has been accompanied by the development of a robust production infrastructure, enabling large-scale manufacturing of cutting-edge tanks and self-propelled artillery.
- The politics of General-News and radio broadcasts in Pyongyang are buzzing with the news of the ongoing reforms, emphasizing the importance of this modernization effort in fortifying the military and seizing maritime dominance.
