In a recent visit to a prominent tank manufacturing facility, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un highlighted significant strides in the development of "Korean-style" tanks, emphasizing their role in modernizing the nation's military capabilities. State media outlet KCNA reported that Kim views the production of advanced tanks and armored vehicles as pivotal to achieving the ruling party's objective of initiating a "second revolution in armoured force".

This inspection aligns with North Korea's broader initiative to enhance its conventional military forces alongside its nuclear and missile programs. Kim's recent activities include overseeing the launch of a new naval destroyer and supervising tests of new drones, indicating a comprehensive approach to military modernization.

Analysts suggest that these developments may be influenced by external collaborations. South Korean and U.S. officials suspect that North Korea could be receiving technical and military assistance from Russia, potentially in exchange for supplying ammunition, missiles, and possibly troops for the conflict in Ukraine, though these claims remain unconfirmed.

The showcased tanks are believed to be part of North Korea's Cheonma-2 series, a prototype main battle tank unveiled during the October 2020 military parade. The Cheonma-2 is noted for its composite armor and a 125 mm main gun derived from the Russian 2A46. It also features advanced systems such as an automatic grenade launcher, coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank missiles. The tank's design appears to draw inspiration from various international models, including the American M1 Abrams and the Russian T-14 Armata, indicating a blend of foreign technologies adapted to North Korea's specific needs. 

As tensions on the Korean Peninsula persist, Kim's emphasis on strengthening armored forces underscores North Korea's commitment to bolstering its military readiness and showcases its ongoing efforts to advance indigenous defense technologies.