N.Korea Unveils New Battle Tank

For a samll country ,they have to do more things in military defense if they want to be a sovereign independent state.

reply to post by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi


You're right about it not being a T-72. It appears to be a derivative of the T-62 with some new electronics, an extra pair of road wheels, and possibly a 125mm cannon.

Judging by the fact that these are locally built copies of soviet equipment armed with ammunition built in local factories, I don't see any reason to expect much of an improvement over locally built copies of newer soviet equipment using locally made ammunition but crewed by Iraqis.

This thing probably outclasses the upgraded M48s South Korea still keeps around, but it's doesn't really have anything on the K1 tanks that make up the bulk of South Korea's tanks, let alone the new K2s that will enter production soon.

Originally posted by SUICIDEHK45
The N. Korean army has about 3900 tanks compared to S. Korea's 2300 but S. Korea's tanks are supposedly of much better quality.

The same was said of the Russian forces by the German army equipped with the latest and technologically superior Panzers and look what happened.

It's not so much the state of the weaponry, but the tactics employed in their use

Doesn't really matter. More fodder for the A-10's. The guys at the 25th FS are probably licking their lips. PILSUNG!

Originally posted by Alvar
It's clearly upgraded T-55/62. Look at the drivers seat, in T-64/72/80 driver sits in middle of the hull.

That's funny, the picture on the link only shows an exterior shot! Have you got x-ray specs on?

reply to post by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi


The difference between T-72s and "modern" tanks is the ability to maneuver and fire at the same time. North Korea simply doesn't have the resources to make this happen. They are turrets that can be repositioned. It won't get a chance to kill. There are only a few recorded incidents of T-72s landing a round on an M-1, and the M-1 was already stopped/parked in every case that I am aware of.

That said, Korea isn't really a good place for heavy armor. About the only place you are really going to get to use them is in the tunnels dug through mountains - and firing off 120mm rounds inside of a tunnel doesn't sound like a particularly bright idea. Otherwise, the terrain is city or damn-near vertical mountains. Infantry tactics, air support, and naval support will be key to a conflict in Korea. Armored vehicles are almost useless in a combat role, there. You're point-blank or separated by a mountain and the steep gradients make artillery frustrating as hell.

reply to post by WatchRider


The driver's seat is pretty obviously right under the driver's hatch, which can be seen from the outside. I couldn't personally tell if it was in the center or off to the side, though, because the picture is at a low angle that makes it unclear.

reply to post by Aim64C


A lot of tanks are used by the NK for defensive roles, like in stationary positions so if they have a top advantage on a mountain, they would be better used as anti-armor positions than mobile tank squads. NK used to bury old tanks too so only the turret was visible while becoming a stationary AT position.

I agree that Korea is not the friendliest tank terrain, but it all depends on the tactics.

What a wonderful thing for a country to show off to their starving citizens. BTW I still have a cap gun from the 1950's!

Originally posted by crazydaisy
What a wonderful thing for a country to show off to their starving citizens. BTW I still have a cap gun from the 1950's!

North Korea has been out of famine since 2003.

Originally posted by Republican08
Probably not trying to be intimidating although it's a bonus, just trying to make their people feel secure and safe underneath the "Dear Ruler".

(you forgot to add). . . while they scurry around eating grubs, rancid rice and drink from mud puddles due to th evil sanctions brought upon them by the dastardly western folk and their minions.

Funny thing about tanks and guns and armies . . . they all melt nicely under the glow of an enriched uranium plume . . . the one the 'Dear Ruler' keeps threatening to unleash.

From an inside source: Here is an image of NK's newest battle tank:

cache.gizmodo.com...

reply to post by SUICIDEHK45


It might look like simple propaganda, but remember this is a nation that surprised the world by developing nuclear weapons while under massive consistent and strict sanctions.

They've also just "revealed" a centrifuge plant which no one knew was there, with an American professional who was allowed to see it stating openly that he was shocked at the capabilities.

It might be very easy to dismiss everything NK says as propaganda, but we shouldn't forget that they've managed to maintain and develop a considerable military arsenal throughout years of tight sanctions.

If they can develop nuclear weaponry under that, they can certainly develop new tanks.