Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has conducted an inspection of a tank factory, expressing satisfaction with the upgraded structural design of indigenous tanks and underscoring the necessity to modernize the military with advanced armored vehicles, as reported by the nation's state media on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's visit to the factory involved a review of its production status, modernization efforts, and progress in core tank technology research tasks, as stated by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The report refrained from revealing the name or location of the factory, labeling it simply as an "important" facility.
Kim emphasized the significance of replacing outdated armored weapons with the latest tanks and vehicles, describing it as a pivotal issue in the military's modernization efforts. He noted that understanding the military role and developmental direction of tanks in modern warfare is essential for building an effective armored force. Kim also highlighted the importance of reconsidering the viewpoint in tank design to achieve this goal.
The North Korean leader further stressed the need for large-scale production capacity for cutting-edge tanks and self-propelled guns, aiming to enhance the overall armored weapon systems swiftly. He characterized this endeavor as a crucial task for the governing party, referring to it as "the second revolution in armored force."
The KCNA reported Kim's satisfaction with the upgraded design and firepower system of the indigenous tanks, praising their scientific accuracy and reliability for a high-thrust engine. He remarked on the promising future of the tank industry, noting that the party's policy of perfecting core technologies for the main battle tank continues through ongoing development and production success.
In related developments, North Korea recently confirmed its deployment of troops to Russia to support Moscow's war in Ukraine. South Korea's spy agency assessed that this involvement has provided Pyongyang with real-world combat experience.
Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, commented on North Korea's focus on modernizing its conventional weaponry. He noted that the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated that nuclear weapons primarily serve as deterrents, while conventional arms and advanced technologies like drones are decisive in modern warfare.