North Korea's M2020: Unveiling Kim Jong Un's "World's Most Powerful Tank"
During the military exercises that concluded on March 14, North Korea showcased its latest tank. Kim Jong Un himself participated in the event, describing it as one of the most powerful tanks in the world. We explain the capabilities of the M2020.
Pyongyang, a long-standing ally of Russia, displayed several other machines during the event, including the main battle tank Chonma-216 and the light MD 500 helicopters. However, the spotlight was on a somewhat mysterious machine that the North Korean leader describes as "one of the most powerful tanks in the world," although its capabilities are still not fully understood.
The issue also lies with the vehicle's name – or rather, its absence. The machine was unofficially named M2020 on the day it was presented in 2020 (during the parade when the vehicle was a prototype).
A fusion of Russian and American tanks
Visually, the M2020 tank resembles a blend of the Russian T-14 Armata and the American M1 Abrams – notes Militarny website. It's likely that the similarities between the M2020 and foreign designs are extensive, affecting both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Experts note that photos of the Korean "one of the best tanks in the world" closely mirror Russian designs displayed at Moscow parades in 2019 and 2020. This suggests that Pyongyang drew significant inspiration from, or even replicated, tank concepts developed by the Russian Federation.
The resemblance to the American Abrams, meanwhile, seems to pertain to the interior of the vehicle. As mentioned on the Militarny website by armored vehicle researcher Andrii Tarasenko, the M2020 crew consists of four members and is probably positioned in a manner similar to that of the American tank.
Tarasenko also mentions that the main armament of the North Korean machine is a 125 mm smoothbore gun. Furthermore, to engage enemy units, the manufacturer is believed to have equipped it with an automatic grenade launcher of 30 mm. Regarding the offensive capabilities of the M2020, the vehicle features both active and passive defense systems.
On the design from Pyongyang, you can identify reactive armor blocks, as well as anti-HEAT grilles on the engine compartment and behind the turret. There are also pairs of laser sensors and four radars. This configuration aims to protect the crew from gunfire, including guided anti-tank missiles.
Tarasenko also highlights a detail suggesting North Korea's inspiration from Russian weaponry. The placement of radars on the M2020 resembles an older model, the Songun-915 (Pokpung-ho), which in turn, was modelled after the Russian T-62.
