Tanks provide mobility, firepower, and protection on the battlefield and are one of the ultimate battle-winning factors in modern warfare. Tanks can move across difficult terrain, such as mud, snow, or rough terrain, both in offensive and defensive operations. Tanks can be used to breach enemy fortifications, barriers, and obstacles, such as minefields and anti-tank ditches. Modern tanks are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering on the battlefield.
The sight and sound of a heavily armoured tank advancing can psychologically demoralize enemy troops and create a sense of fear and helplessness. The presence of well-armed and armoured tank forces can act as a deterrent, discouraging potential adversaries from engaging in aggression due to these vehicles’ formidable defensive and offensive capabilities.
Tanks are critical for force projection, allowing armies to quickly respond to threats and establish a strong presence in a conflict zone.
M1 Abrams (United States)
One of the best main battle tanks in the world the M1 Abrams is named after General Creighton Abrams, former US Army chief of staff who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War. The tank is known for its firepower, armour, and mobility. The M1 Abrams tank has been the main battle tank in the US military for the past four decades. The tank’s composite armour also protects it against chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBRN) attacks. The tank equipped with a powerful 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine is operated by a four-member crew of driver, gunner, loader, and commander and can reach a top speed of up to 67 km/h. The M1 Abrams is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun that can fire a variety of projectiles, including APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) and HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds. It also has a secondary machine gun and a remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun. The M1 Abrams has seen action in the Gulf War, Iraq War, Afghanistan and the Yemeni Civil War where it proved to be an effective and durable tank. The export version of the M1 Abrams is being used by the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Poland and Iraq.
Leopard 2 (Germany):
Leopard 2 is a formidable asset in modern armoured warfare and one of the best main battle tanks, known for its durability and combat effectiveness. One of the most advanced tanks in service with the German Army as well as 13 other European countries, and non-European countries, Leopard 2 is expected to remain in service with the German Bundeswehr for many years to come. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine it has a turning radius of just 16 meters and top speed of 45 kilometers per hour. Leopard 2 has an active protection system (APS) called AMAP-ADS, to detect and destroy incoming threats such as anti-tank-guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Armed with a 120mm smoothbore gun, it can fire various types of projectiles, including APFSDS and HEAT rounds. It also has a secondary machine gun and an anti-aircraft machine gun.
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Challenger 2 (United Kingdom)
The Challenger 2 designed and manufactured by BAE Systems is considered one of the best main battle tanks in the world. Challenger 2 is in service in the United Kingdom, Oman, and Ukraine armies. The Challenger 2 entered service with the British Army in 1994 and has seen combat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Iraq. It is equipped with a composite and modular Chobham armour hull and turret designed to withstand anti-tank weapon attacks. It also has a top speed of 59 kilometres per hour. The Challenger 2 is equipped with a 120mm L30 rifled gun, capable of firing – armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and canister rounds. The tank also has a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on the turret roof. Challenger 2 also features advanced fire control systems, laser rangefinders and thermal sights, to enhance its accuracy and targeting capabilities. On the whole, the Challenger 2 is ideally suited for defensive roles.
T-14 Armata (Russia)
T-14 Armata is a Russian next-generation main battle tank designed to replace the ageing T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks. T-14 Armata is considered one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world and is expected to enter service with the Russian Army shortly. T-14 Armata is known for its advanced technology, innovative design, and modern features. One of the most notable features of the T-14 is its unmanned turret which increases crew safety. The crew of three is located in an armoured capsule in the front of the hull, protected from enemy fire by a layer of composite armour. The turret is controlled remotely by the crew using a joystick and a touchscreen display. The T-14 is equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a multi-channel targeting system, thermal sights, and an active protection system designed to intercept and neutralize incoming threats. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower engine, the T-14 is capable of reaching a speed of up to 90 km/h and is a symbol of Russia’s strong presence in the field of armoured warfare. It is expected to be a major force multiplier for the Russian Army for many years to come.
Type 10 (Japan)
The Type 10 is a fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace the ageing Type 74 and Type 90 tanks in Japanese service. The Type 10 was designed to operate in mountainous and forested terrain, as well as on coastal islands. It is a relatively lightweight tank, weighing 44 tons, hence easy to transport and deploy. The tank is also highly manoeuvrable, with a top speed of 70 kilometres per hour. The Type 10 features advanced fire control systems, including thermal sights and laser rangefinders, for precise targeting and increased accuracy. It also has a computerized control system for improved fire control and situational awareness. A highly versatile tank, the Type 10 can also be used as an armoured bridge layer tank as well as an armoured recovery vehicle. Even though it has not been extensively used in combat, the Type 10 is a formidable asset for the Japanese military.
K2 Black Panther (South Korea)
The K2 Black Panther designed by the Agency for Defense Development and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem is a South Korean main battle tank. It is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world, with features such as a composite armour hull and turret, a 120mm smoothbore cannon, an active protection system, and a sophisticated fire control system. The K2 Black Panther in service with the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) is equipped with a Hard-Kill Active Protection System (H-Kill APS), which can detect and destroy incoming anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. The K2 Black Panther’s fire control system is one of the most sophisticated in the world, with features such as a hunter-killer capability and an automatic target-tracking system. The K2 is equipped with an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) L-band Pulsed Doppler Radar deployed on the frontal arc of the turret, along with a VAS-1K Raman laser rangefinder and crosswind sensor. This makes it possible to “lock on” and accurately destroy specific targets as well as engage low-flying aircraft within a range of 9.8 km.
Merkava (Israel)
Merkava meaning “chariot” in Hebrew, is the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). One of the most advanced MBTs in the world, Merkava’s design primarily emphasises on crew protection. Merkava’s hull and turret are designed to withstand a variety of anti-tank weapons as well as threats from armour-piercing rounds, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBRN) attacks. Merkava also has an armoured capsule and an automatic fire suppression system to protect its crew in the event of a hit. The tank’s engine is located in the front of the tank, leading to increased protection for the troops in the crew compartment. This allows for rear access to the tank, which is ideal for medical evacuation or other purposes. The Merkava has been used in various conflicts in the Middle East by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) where it has earned a reputation for its durability, protection, and crew survivability. The Merkava is a highly mobile tank, with a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour. The Merkava has seen extensive combat in the Arab-Israeli wars and other conflicts. The tank is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and can fire a variety of projectiles, including APFSDS and HEAT rounds. It also features secondary machine guns and a roof-mounted anti-aircraft machine gun.
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Leclerc (France)
The Leclerc – a French battle tank is named after General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque the hero of the Free French Forces who led the 2nd Armoured Division in World War II. It has been in service in the French, Jordanian and United Arab Emirates Armies for more than a decade. The Leclerc is known for its advanced technology features and is considered one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower engine, the Leclerc has excellent mobility and can reach road speeds of around 72 km/h besides impressive cross-country capabilities. One of the features of the V8X1500 engine is that it does not emit visible smoke on acceleration. It also has a low exhaust temperature and infrared signature, which makes it difficult to detect. All these features contribute to making the Leclerc one of the best main battle tanks in the world.
Ariete (Italy)
The C1 Ariete (English: battering ram) is a 3rd generation main battle tank of the Italian Army, developed by Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara (CIO), a consortium formed by IVECO and OTO Melara. It entered service in 1995 and is currently the main battle tank of the Italian Army. The C1 Ariete has the latest optical and digital imaging and fire-control systems, enabling it to fight day and night and to fire on the move. It also has an active protection system (APS) called GALIX, which can detect and destroy incoming threats such as anti-tank-guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Powered by a 1,250-horsepower diesel engine, the Ariete has a top speed of 65 kilometres per hour and a range of 550 kilometres. It is considered one of the best main battle tanks in the world. It is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun that needs to be loaded manually. About 15 rounds of ammunition can be stored in the turret bustle and are ready to use. The rest of the ammunition is stored at the front of the hull.
VT4 (China)
The VT4, also known as the MBT-3000, is a Chinese tank designed to be a modern and cost-effective armoured vehicle. Operated by a three-member crew including the driver, gunner, and commander, the VT4 is powered by a 1,300-horsepower engine that can reach road speeds of up to 70 km/h and has cross-country capabilities. It is based on the Chinese Type 99A MBT but incorporates several improvements, including a more powerful engine, a new fire control system, and a more advanced active protection system. One of the best export main battle tanks in the world, the VT4 is currently in use in Pakistan, Thailand, Nigeria, and Myanmar. The tank has a range of 500 kilometres. The VT4 is an export-oriented main battle tank designed to provide modern armoured capabilities at a competitive price.
These armoured giants are a testament to the relentless pursuit of superior firepower, exceptional protection, and advanced technology. As nations continue to invest in the evolution of their tank fleets, the global balance of power on the battlefield remains in a constant state of flux. With diverse designs, strengths, and specialities, these tanks represent not only formidable war machines but also the embodiment of the strategic foresight and dedication of the countries that deploy them. In an ever-changing world, these machines are poised to shape the future of modern warfare, maintaining their significance in the arsenals of the world’s militaries.
