North Korea unveils new battle tank during training exercises

ANKARA

North Korea has unveiled a new battle tank during training exercises, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.

The training exercises, termed as "training match" between tank units were held on Wednesday, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un driving the new tank himself.

The exercise was aimed at inspecting “actual combat capabilities” of tank crews and make them familiar with combat action on different tactical missions.

Kim expressed “great satisfaction” over the striking power and maneuverability of the new type of main battle tank, saying the army is equipped with the “most powerful tanks in the world.”

He underscored the need to organize intensive exercises simulating an actual war and training matches to enhancing combat capability. The 105th Tank Division was declared the winner of the mock battle.

The inspection came as South Korea and the US were due to wrap up their 11-day-long joint military drills, known as Freedom Shield exercises, on Thursday.

North Korea condemns the joint military drills as rehearsals for war, while Seoul says the exercises are defensive in nature.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid