North Korea held training competitions between the Unified Forces of the Korean People’s Army, during which the latest tank, known in the West as the M-2020, was displayed.
Andriy Tarasenko, an armoured vehicle researcher, reported this.
The training included the M-2020, Chonma-216 tanks, and the light multi-purpose American helicopter MD 500.
The tank’s real name is unknown; it was named after the year it first appeared, 2020. The specifications of the new combat vehicle are likewise unknown to the international population.
The tank’s appearance is reminiscent of both the Russian “Armata” and the American Abrams.
Tarasenko suggests that the combat vehicle’s layout is conventional, with a four-person crew and a first-line ammunition load housed in a slot behind the turret, which also houses the blowout panels.
The crew is likely positioned identically to the American Abrams, with the loader on the left side of the turret. This layout provides for easier handling of the ammo load in the niche behind the turret.
The commander and gunner are located on the left side of the turret. The commander has a combined sight, and observation is accomplished by rotating the entire turret; therefore, the view is not panoramic. The gunner uses a similar sighting device.
The M-2020 also has a 30mm automatic grenade launcher and a launcher for two anti-tank missiles, likely to be used in transport and combat roles.
The tank has an active defence system that includes two laser irradiation sensors and four radar systems mounted on the sides of the turret. The battle tank has 12 countermeasure dispensers that protect it all around from incoming projectiles.
The positioning of radars and missiles on the M-2020 is similar to the Chinese GL series of active protection systems. The tank was most likely built on the developments of its predecessor, Songun-915, which, according to some scholars, equated to the degree of Soviet modifications to the T-72.
The Korean tank is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon and a 1200 horsepower engine.
During the exercises, dynamic protection of the sides and turret was shown. It is thought to be intended to counter tandem warheads. In addition, anti-cumulative grids cover the side skirts and the space behind the tank turret.
