The Latest Main Battle Tank "Chonma-20" Unveiled by Kim Jong Un
by Yang Nakgyu
Published 20 Mar.2026 07:27(KST)
Updated 20 Mar.2026 10:18(KST)
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw an attack drill involving a new main battle tank equipped with an active protection system and stated that this tank would be “deployed on a large scale” in the future. North Korea has recently been intensifying its development of strategic weapons with Russian support, while also focusing on improving its conventional forces, such as tanks and self-propelled artillery, which are considered to lag significantly behind South Korea. This is part of North Korea's so-called Combined Nuclear-Conventional Integration (CNI) strategy.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the 60th Training Base directly under the Pyongyang Defense Corps of the Korean People's Army on the 19th and observed the coordinated attack tactical exercises of infantry and tank units, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 20th. Yonhap News Agency
원본보기 아이콘According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 20th, Kim visited the 60th Training Base directly under the Pyongyang Defense Corps of the Korean People's Army the previous day and observed the coordinated attack tactical exercises of infantry and tank units.
The report stated that “various tests were conducted to inspect the active protection system of the new main battle tank,” adding that the system “clearly demonstrated its effectiveness” by intercepting incoming anti-tank missiles and drones approaching from different directions and lines with a ‘100% success rate.’ The active protection system of the tank is designed to automatically respond to and intercept enemy anti-tank weapons as they approach.
In October last year, North Korea unveiled its new main battle tank, the ‘Chonma-20,’ during a military parade. The official designation “Chonma-20 Series” and footage showing its actual deployment to units were presented for the first time at the parade.
The most notable feature of the ‘Chonma-20’ is its ‘hard-kill’ active defense system, which automatically reacts and intercepts enemy anti-tank weapons as they approach. This system is analyzed to be similar to Israel’s ‘Iron Fist.’ It appears that North Korea aims to accelerate the development of active defense systems, drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine.
Yoo Yongwon, a People Power Party lawmaker and former military journalist, stated, “North Korea's development of hard-kill active defense systems is ahead of ours,” and added, “North Korea has already showcased interceptor tests for counter-munitions, whereas our military has not yet conducted such tests, with completion targeted for October next year.”
At that time, North Korea also unveiled a new 155mm self-propelled howitzer, which symbolizes the modernization of its mechanized and artillery forces. This self-propelled howitzer, equipped with a 155mm caliber howitzer, is considered a key piece of mobile artillery equipment. It is analyzed as a new Western-style system, intended to modernize, extend range, and enhance mobility compared to the older Soviet-style 152mm series self-propelled howitzers.
This weapon significantly enhances the mobility and counterattack capabilities of the artillery, playing a crucial role in firepower battles. Along with changes in ammunition and training systems, it could diversify North Korea's options for striking South Korea and other regional targets.
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