Image source: Photo: KCNA
Currently, North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that has a full production cycle of its own main battle tanks. It should be noted that initially, the licensed production of Soviet T-62s, designated Cheongma, was established in the country, which were constantly being modernized.
If the initial versions had practically no external differences from the "sixty-second" (except instead of the 12.7mm anti-aircraft DShK, a 14.5mm KPVT was installed), then later there were options with a laser rangefinder, additional armor, installed dynamic protection, etc.
Image source: Photo: KCNA
The newest versions, known as the Chongma-216, have already received modified chassis and turrets, 1,100 hp engines, modern fire control systems, external anti-tank missile launchers, and paired automatic grenade launchers. Igla-1 anti-aircraft missile systems were used to repel attacks from the air. In the Russian media, this version was dubbed the "Combine of Death."
These tanks not only participated in parades, but were also repeatedly seen at various exercises and events similar to the Russian tank biathlon. Under the control of experienced crews, they can be a formidable force capable of causing significant damage to any potential enemy.
Image source: Photo: KCNA
Other models of modern tanks have also been created in the DPRK, and we will talk about them in future publications.
Roman Katkov
