North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made an official visit to a tank factory. During the inspection, images revealed the presence of a modern combat vehicle known abroad as the M-2020, and likely designated Pegasus-2 (천마호) within North Korea.
The model observed is the same as the one presented at the “National Defense Development-2024” exhibition.
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The design of the Pegasus-2 tank indicates an approach that diverges from traditional Russian influences. Instead, the vehicle appears to incorporate concepts inspired by cutting-edge Western military technologies, revealing a shift in North Korea’s defense doctrine.
During his visit, Kim Jong-un emphasized:
“The replacement of armored weapons on the front lines with modern tanks and armored vehicles is the most important issue in the building and modernization of the army.”
The new generation of tanks is part of the North Korean government’s effort to strengthen its deterrence capability and respond to rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The choice of indigenous innovations or Western-inspired designs shows an attempt by North Korea to adapt to a new global military paradigm, moving beyond merely reproducing outdated foreign models.
Source and images: Telegram @china3army / @btvt2019. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
