Image Source: topwar.ru
North Korea continues to modify its newest Cheonma-2 tank (formerly known by the Western designation M2020), in particular, developing its defensive capabilities. Thus, the KCNA publication showed photographs showing the work of the active protection complex attached to this combat vehicle.
Previous placement of PU KAZ on Cheonma-2 along the base of the tower:
Image Source: topwar.ru
This is a "hard hit" KAZ designed for the physical destruction of incoming threats – ATGM, RPG shots and drones. In the first images, this complex included 4 built–in launchers for 12 interceptors - 2 launchers were located in the front, on the cheekbones, 2 on the sides along the base of the tower. Above each PU there was a casing with a radar for detecting threats. At that time, the Western press noted about this:
Image source: topwar.ru
However, apparently, this design has undergone major changes. In the new photos, the PU are not visible in their former places on the sides of the tower (although hypothetically they can hide under the skin). At the same time, it can be seen how the interceptor is shot from the rear of the turret, which may indicate the transfer of part of the missile launcher to the rotary blocks. This gives a significant advantage: one such unit is able to cover a huge sector, including an attack from above, which is critical for dealing with FPV drones.
Image source: topwar.ru
It also shows the use of a new type of counter–munitions, interceptors, which are triggered at a distance from the tank, minimizing damage to their own armor. The old arrangement of mortars (horizontally along the sides) was effective against missiles flying parallel to the ground, but useless against attacks from above. The aft placement gives the installations the necessary elevation angles.
Image source: topwar.ru
The transfer of the launchers indicates that the DPRK was able to create (or obtain) sufficiently fast drives and guidance algorithms to be able to deploy the launchers on a flying target.
So the new North Korean KAZ is no longer an analogue of the Afghanite, but a new solution conceptually close to the Israeli Iron Fist or the German ADS.
