Kim Jong Un, the Chairperson of North Korea, inspected a tank factory and emphasized the importance of modernizing the army through advanced tanks and armored vehicles.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that on the 4th, Chairperson Kim inspected the 'important tank factory' to assess the production conditions, the status of modernization projects, and the progress of core technology research tasks for tanks. The name of the factory and the timing of the inspection were not disclosed.
In the released photos, Chairperson Kim, wearing a black leather jacket, was seen kneeling on a tank with officials, examining the interior and explaining something. Chairperson Kim noted, "Replacing the outdated tanks and armored vehicles of the last century with advanced tanks and armored vehicles in our army is the most important issue in military construction and army modernization."
He provided a precise definition of the military functions and roles of tanks and their development direction in modern warfare, stating, "Above all, if we do not reassess the perspective on tank design, we cannot properly advance armored force construction," and revealed the basic direction and tasks for tank modernization, the media reported.
He also said that accelerating the modernization of military industrial enterprises and related companies to establish state-of-the-art large-scale tank and self-propelled artillery production capabilities, and comprehensively updating our armed forces' armored weapon systems in a short time is an important task for realizing the grand vision and strategic goals of the party central leadership to incite a second armored force revolution.
Chairperson Kim expressed satisfaction over the renewal of the structural design and firepower system of our type of tank, which enhances the service convenience of tank crew members, verifies the scientific nature and reliability of high-output engine design, and provides strong collateral for serial production.
He added that the development of a unified power transmission system has improved the maneuverability and various operational characteristics of the tanks, and that all achievements in innovatively renewing the new active protection complex, passive protection measures, and electronic warfare system signify a significant advancement in our type of tank core technology.
He then expressed support for the modernization plan of the factory's production processes. Accompanying Chairperson Kim during the tank factory visit were Jo Chun Ryong, Secretary of the Party Central Committee; Kim Jung Sik, Chairperson of the Party Central Military Commission; and Kim Yong Hwan, Director of the Defense Science Institute.