North Korea on October 10 held a military parade on Kim Il Sung Square in the capital Pyongyang on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party.
In addition to new generation intercontinental ballistic missile systems and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, North Korea also displayed a variety of conventional weapons, including a main battle tank prototype that appeared to
North Korea’s ‘Armata – Abrams hybrid’ tank model
New North Korean tanks at the military parade on October 10.
In a video released by North Korean state television station KCTV, a formation of 9 unidentified tanks passing in front of the ceremony platform all wore desert-style yellow-brown camouflage paint similar to the American M1 Abrams, which is not suitable for the terrain.
`It seems to be intended to make viewers compare with modern Russian, Chinese or Western tank designs, which often use desert camouflage patterns in exhibitions,` military expert Tyler Rogoway commented.
Pyongyang has not released information about this tank line, causing analysts to make many comments about their true features.
The tanks all have 7 bearing wheels on each side, more than domestic designs previously announced by North Korea, including the new Songun-ho tank launched in 2010.
The North Korea Threat Tactics Report published by the US Army in 2015 described the Songun-ho model as a combination of `technology from Russian T-62, T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks.`
Meanwhile, Pyongyang’s new tank model has a new body shape and bears many similarities to the Russian T-14 Armata, including caged armor on both sides of the rear of the vehicle, where the engine is located.
The lower frame of the vehicle’s body, bearing wheels and suspension system are also covered with rubber skirts, similar to modern main tanks.
North Korea’s new tank advances through the ceremony platform in the early morning of October 10.
The new tank turret also has a more angular shape than previous vehicles, and is equipped with cage armor at the rear.
To the right of the turret are two anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launch tubes.
On the turret there are many boxes, possibly sensor clusters and sights for the vehicle commander and gunner, and many smoke grenade launchers.
`This configuration is quite similar to the APS Afghanit complex of the T-14 Armata. The North Korean system may use a similar principle, in which a small radar detects incoming ATGMs or anti-tank bullets and issues the command to launch the bullets.`
However, the location of the launch tubes also raises questions about their defense capabilities, especially with modern ATGM models that specialize in roof-breaking attacks like the American FGM-148 Javelin.
`The Soviet Union developed the first APS system in the late 1970s. However, the technology to miniaturize radar and other sensors, as well as create interceptor bullets, is very complex and likely remains out of reach.
Experts say that it is likely that many of the devices on these tanks are just incomplete prototypes, or even representative models of systems being developed by North Korea.
`Despite being likened to a cross between the T-14 Armata and the M1 Abrams, it is hard to believe that North Korea’s new tank design is as modern as Russian and American weapons. This vehicle may reflect ambitions
North Korea’s new tank seen from the side.
However, the presence of the new tank formation still shows North Korea’s achievements in heavy industry, demonstrating its ability to mobilize resources and military technology despite international sanctions.
`It is unknown whether these tanks will enter mass service or not, but they still demonstrate the ideas and capabilities of rapidly developing North Korea’s military capabilities. Model-mounted prototypes