During the mid-1980s, North Korea had to face superior tanks in the South. These tanks weren't comparable to Western tanks. South Korea then had more advanced versions, the M-1 as well as the K-1. They also increased the air power capabilities. In addition, the United States had the M-1 Abrams and the M-24. These tanks were equipped with the ability to fire missiles directly from the gun tube. The United States was unable to purchase these tanks from North Korea. North Korea developed a third generation tank to match the performance of Western tanks.
It took ten years for a third-generation tank to be developed. North Korea was able hire experts from Eastern Europe after the collapse and completion of the Soviet Union. Their goal was to design a tank that would perform in the same classes as the T-90S. The result was a Xianjun915 tank.
The Ryu Kyong-su Tank Factory in Shinhung, South Hamgyong Province, developed the tank. The tank is 44 tonnes in weight and stands at 2.416 metres high. The tank is powered by a 1200 horsepower diesel engine. It can carry up to four crew members. It also comes equipped with a smoothbore gun of 125mm length and two SA-18 Anti-Aircraft Missiles. The tank can travel approximately 70 kilometers an hour. The tank is thought to be equipped with a thermal imager as well as an autoloader. It was believed to have received a number of armor upgrades from the T-90S, but it is unclear how many were implemented.
The tank's front features a "big eyes". This is a common symbol of Soviet tanks. It is thought that this is a precursor for the "Kimmata" tank, which North Korea is currently building. The tank's main tank can be pierced by large-caliber machine guns. The tank has reactive armor and a twin mount of surface-to-air missiles on the right side. A turret with an angular shape is also found on the tank. It is thought that it is a copy of Russian "Amata".
A prototype of this tank was introduced in April 2017. According to reports, the tank had undergone performance tests outside Pyongyang. Also, the tank was thought to be equipped with a 30-mm anti-tank missile and a Firebird grenadelauncher. It was said to be a highly effective combat vehicle. However, North Korea is yet to provide details about the vehicle's performance. The tank's prototype will be unveiled at a ceremony on October 2010.
The North Korea's main battle tanks have large numbers. They are however thirty years behind modern times. They can be penetrated with large-caliber weapons and are not comparable to Western tanks. The country has set a goal to build the best tank in the entire world. They have increased their reverse engineering capabilities, and started to increase their weapon production. They were also able acquire tanks from other nations. In the 1990s, North Korea's main battle force consisted of around two to three thousand tanks. 55 tanks were added to the North Korean army in 2010.