Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a joint offensive drill featuring new main battle tanks equipped with an "active protection system," stating that ground troops will be extensively equipped with this tank, as reported by state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim oversaw "a coordinated offensive tactical drill of infantrymen's and tankmen's sub-units" at the Pyongyang Training Base No. 60 under the Capital City Defence Corps of the Korean People's Army. The drill involved tests to assess the new main battle tank's active protection system, which successfully intercepted anti-tank missiles and drones attacking from various positions and directions.
Kim praised the tank for its striking power, mobility, and self-defense capacity, declaring it "unequaled in the world." He emphasized that the army would be equipped with these tanks, highlighting improvements in the tank's survivability and its mobile self-defensive complex capable of detecting and neutralizing threats.
The leader noted that the new tanks have overcome the previous limitations of the armored forces, particularly in night operations. He stressed the importance of improving the tank's performance to align with modern warfare trends and urged rapid progress in completing war preparations across all army units.
The new main battle tank demonstration follows the unveiling of the Chonma-20 tank at a military parade last year. Photos released by state media showed Kim's daughter, Ju-ae, riding in a tank with her father, marking her latest appearance at a military event.
The drill focused on enhancing the tactical subunits' offensive capabilities, involving drones striking an enemy's command post, anti-tank missiles hitting targets, and rear strike subunits destroying enemy drones and helicopters. This coordinated action enabled tanks and infantrymen to launch attacks, according to the KCNA.