KNDS introduced the Leopard 2A-RC 3.0 tank with a remote turret and increased cross-country capability

The KNDS consortium (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Defense Systems) has unveiled a new prototype of the Leopard 2A—RC 3.0 main battle tank. This modification, designated PT02, demonstrates a significant technological step forward, primarily due to a remotely controlled turret and improved firepower.

The main feature of the Leopard 2A-RC 3.0 is a fully automated turret controlled by the crew from inside the hull. This increases the survival rate of the crew, as there is no need for a traditional conning tower with hatches and armored weak spots. Fire control and surveillance are carried out using modern optoelectronic systems, which makes it possible to conduct combat operations with high accuracy in any conditions.

The tank is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon integrated into a modular turret, which provides increased rate of fire and flexibility in the selection of ammunition. The developers note the "expanded" firepower compared to previous versions, including the possibility of using new types of ammunition, including those with programmable fuses.

Overall characteristics of the PT02 prototype:

- Body Length: 7.95 m (26 ft)  

- Width: 3.73 m (12.24ft)  

- Height: 2.4 m (7.87 ft)  

- Total length with cannon: 11.17 m (36.65 ft)  

- Height with periscope: 2.84 m (9.32 ft)  

- Ground clearance: 0.5m (1.64 ft)  

Thanks to the increased ground clearance, the tank confidently overcomes difficult terrain, including trenches, rubble and other obstacles on the battlefield, maintaining high mobility even in conditions of intense combat.

Leopard 2A-RC 3.0 is positioned as a promising platform for future European tank forces, combining advanced technology, protection, firepower and increased survivability of the crew.

Abrams with a Minigun: a tank turned into a sewing machine of death

The US Army is testing a new way to protect tanks — and it looks like something out of an action movie: the legendary six-barreled "Minigun" (M134) was installed on the M1 Abrams turret instead of the usual M240 machine gun. The result? The tank can now fire at enemy infantrymen, drones, and "livestock" around it at a rate of  up to 6,000 bullets per minute, which is almost 100 rounds per second.

The photos show how the M134 is mounted on a ring around the loader's hatch, where the standard 7.62mm M240 machine gun usually hangs. Although both weapons use the same cartridges (7.62 x 51 mm), their capabilities are like heaven and earth.

- M240 is a reliable but common machine gun: The rate of fire is 650-750 rounds per minute.  

- A minigun is no longer a machine gun, but a firestorm: 6,000 rounds per minute, six rotating barrels and a sound like a saw.  

Such power is especially useful in difficult terrain, such as urban neighborhoods, forests, or rough terrain where enemy snipers, saboteurs, or drones may suddenly appear from behind shelters. One pull on the trigger and the area around the tank becomes an "exclusion zone" for any live target.

Of course, the Minigun has drawbacks: it eats bullets like candy, requires external power (usually from the onboard network) and is more difficult to maintain. But in an environment where every shot can save the crew, such sacrifices are justified.

This is still a testing phase, but if the tests are successful, Miniguns may begin to appear en masse on new and upgraded Abrams. This is not just an improvement, it's a change of tactics: the tank is no longer just a direct—fire weapon, but also a mobile point of suppression.

Turkey has rolled out a new "scorpion" cannon: AKREP II with Cockerill turret at IDEF 2025

AKREP II with Cockerill turret

At the IDEF 2025 international arms exhibition, the Turkish company OTOKAR once again showed that it can make serious machines. The focus is on the updated AKREP II armored combat vehicle, but now with one important "feature": the CSE 90LP combat turret from the Belgian giant John Cockerill was installed on it.

What does it mean? In simple words, a small armored car has received tremendous firepower. The CSE 90LP turret is equipped with a 90 mm cannon, which is capable of piercing not only light armor, but also serious fortifications, and in the future, even outdated tanks. At the same time, the tower is lightweight, automated and ideal for platforms like AKREP II, which are valued for their mobility and fast delivery.

The AKREP II itself is already a proven vehicle: wheeled, fast, with good protection, it is used both for patrolling and in combat conditions. And now, with the new tower, he is turning into a real "hunter of technology" — especially in the context of local conflicts or urban battles.

Such cooperation between a Turkish manufacturer and a European gunsmith is not just a beautiful stand at the exhibition. This is a signal to the market: Turkey is seriously focused on exports, combining its reliable platform with advanced European weapons. And if you need a compact, but at the same time firing "heavyweight", the AKREP II with a Cockerill cannon can be an excellent choice.

Russian fighters in the Sumy area use kamikaze drones with thermobaric ammunition

 

Thermobars for kamikaze drones

In the Sumy area, Russian military personnel are introducing new tactics for the use of compact kamikaze drones equipped with thermobaric ammunition. These unmanned aerial vehicles are capable of delivering devastating strikes against enemy targets, including residential buildings and fortified structures.

Thermobaric ammunition is characterized by high power and efficiency due to the use of oxygen from the environment, which enhances the blast wave and increases the damaging effect. Due to the compact size of kamikaze drones, they can penetrate into hard-to-reach places and deliver precision strikes at minimal cost.

According to reports, such a drone is capable of completely destroying an apartment building, which indicates a serious increase in the firing capabilities of Russian forces in this area. The use of such technologies is changing the nature of combat operations, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strikes.

LPP unveiled an innovative unmanned ground vehicle at IDET 2025

 At IDET 2025 in Brno, the Czech defense company LPP unveiled its latest unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), demonstrating a striking combination of remotely controlled firepower and integrated ammunition barrage systems. This innovative platform is an example of the fusion of ground-based and aerial unmanned technologies aimed at increasing battlefield versatility and operational effectiveness. As modern warfare increasingly relies on autonomous systems, LPP's UGV represents significant progress in force multiplication and tactical adaptability.

UGV

North Korea introduces an improved version of the Cheonma-2 tank

 

Kim Jong-un inspects an improved version of the Cheonma-2 tank

In May 2025, North Korea demonstrated a new version of its Cheonma-2 main battle tank, which features significant improvements in protection systems, turret design, and optical equipment. These changes underscore Pyongyang's desire to modernize its armed forces and increase the combat capability of its tank units.

Key Cheonma-2 Improvements

The new version of the tank demonstrates a number of important updates that make it more effective on the battlefield.:

1. Advanced protection systems: The tank has received reinforced armor and possibly dynamic protection, which significantly increases its survivability in a collision with modern anti-tank weapons. 

2. Upgraded Turret Design: The new turret shape not only improves aerodynamics, but also increases crew protection. It is also equipped with additional modules to accommodate the equipment.

3. Updated optics and sighting systems: The installation of modern optical and thermal imaging systems allows the crew to more effectively detect targets in any conditions, including at night.

These improvements build on the experience of the previous version of Cheonma-2, introduced in 2020, which has already shown significant progress in firepower and protection.

Comparison with the original 2020 version

The original version of Cheonma-2, introduced in 2020, was focused on increasing firepower and survivability. She received a more powerful cannon capable of hitting modern enemy tanks, as well as improved active defense systems. However, the new version of 2025 goes even further, offering comprehensive solutions to adapt to modern combat conditions.

Significance for the DPRK Armed Forces

The Cheonma-2 remains a key element of North Korea's tank fleet. Its modernization shows that Pyongyang continues to invest in the development of its ground forces, despite economic sanctions and international pressure. Improving the characteristics of the tank is aimed at increasing its competitiveness in comparison with its South Korean and American counterparts.

The improved Cheonma-2 can be used in both defensive and offensive operations. Due to its improved performance, it is able to effectively counter modern threats, including high-precision anti-tank missiles and aircraft. This makes it an important component of North Korea's deterrence strategy.

Unveiled in May 2025, the Cheonma-2 tank version demonstrates North Korea's serious steps to modernize its armed forces. Improvements in security systems, tower construction, and optics underscore Pyongyang's desire to maintain its military might. However, it also raises questions about stability in the region and the risks of further escalation of tensions.