Following the joint Freedom Shield Exercise conducted by the USA and South Korea near the Korean Peninsula, North Korea retaliated with a real-fire exercise involving tank troops. According to reports from North Korean state media, the exercise aimed to assess the combat capabilities of tanker units, with the participation of the country’s newly developed tank. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un reportedly personally test-drove the new tank, praising its striking power and maneuverability. Speculation suggests that the tank showcased may be an advanced version of a model exhibited during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Korean Workers’ Party in 2020.