modern main battle tanks

Modern Main Battle Tanks World’s Perspective.

By : Shaswat Mandhanya

Modern Tanks

▪ After all the analysis of tank technologies and its evolution ,we often come with a question in our mind ! Which is the best tank now in the battle field ?

▪ So after analysing,we came up with 10 main battle tanks which we think are best in their business.The analysis looks over protection ,firepower ,accuracy and mobility.All tanks in the list are incredibly powerful and devastating .However,we have not seen a one on one battle between any of them.

▪ Also ,an important factor is crew training as performance of actual tank depends on crew performance.

▪ Also this list does not contain tanks which are in prototype stage.

(1) Leopard 2A7 {Germany} It is a recent version of the proven and successful leopard 2 design.It has additional armour and updated electronics.The leopard 2A7 is well protected against conventional and urban warfare threats ,such as RPG rounds and IEDs.This tank has better accuracy and longer range of fire comparing with other tanks due to its powerful gun and advanced fire control system.This MBT is powered by a proven engine,developing 1500 hp.Despite increase in weight vehicle has increased mobility due to improved suspension components.Cross country performance is similar to other leopard 2 series tanks.German army ordered a first batch of 20 Leopard 2A7 MBTs .Deliveries commenced in 2014 .Qatar also ordered 62 of this MBTs and saudi arabia more than 200 !

Technical Specification {Leopard 2A7}

Dimensions and Weight

Weight : 67.5 tLength (Gun forward): 10.97 m

Hull length :7.7 mWidth :4m

Height : 3m

Entered Service : 2014Crew : 4 men Armament

Main gun : 120mm -smooth boreMachine gun : 1*12.7 mm ,1*7.62 mm

Elevation range : -9 to +20 degreesTransverse range : 360 degree

Maneuverability

Gradient : 60%Side slope : 30%

Vertical step : 1.15 mTrench : 3mFording : 1m

Fording (with preparation): 4m

Ammunition Load

Main gun : 42 roundsMachine gun: Unknown

Mobility

Engine : MTU MB -837 Ka501 DieselEngine power: 1,500 HP

Maximum road speed : 72 km/hRange : 450 km

(2) Armata {Russia}

The Armata is a new Russian main battle tank of new generation. It was first publicly revealed in 2015. Its full-scale production could begin in 2017-2018.The Armata is a clean sheet design with a number of advanced features. It shares little common with the current T-90. The Armata is much bigger.Its specifications are classified, however the Armata might be one of the most protected tanks in the world. It has newly-developed base armor, made of steel, ceramics and composite materials. Also Armata has a new add-on explosive reactive armor. It has been reported that Armata will be fitted with new active protection system. It also has a new countermeasures system that reduces the chance of being hit by enemy ATGW with semi-automatic guidance.Introduction of this new Russian MBT created a stir in the West. Now a number of countries, such as Germany and UK are looking to upgrade their tanks, or develop new designs.

Technical Specification {Armata}


Weight : 48 tLength (Gun forward): 10.8 m

Hull length :8.7 mWidth :3.5m

Height : 3.3m


Main gun : 125mm -smooth boreATGW: Unknown

Machine gun : 1*7.62 mmElevation range : Unknown

Transverse range : 360 degree

Maneuverability


Vertical step : 0.8 mTrench : 2.8mFording : 1.2m

Fording (with preparation): Unknown

Ammunition Load

Main gun : 40 roundsATGW : Unknown

Machine gun: Unknown

Mobility

Engine : A-82-2 DieselEngine power: 1,200 HP


(3) K2 Black Panther {South Korea}

Currently the Black Panther is one of the most advanced main battle tank in the world, outclassing anything North Korea or China have. Furthermore it is the most expensive main battle tank to date. This new South Korean tank is armed with the latest German 120-mm gun, similar to that used on the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7. This tank has a very advanced fire control system with can spot, track and fire automatically at visible vehicle-size targets, even low-flying helicopters, without needing any input from a human operator. The K2 also uses advanced munitions. The Black Panther is fitted with a powerful diesel engine. It is fast and has a state-of-the-art hydropneumatic suspension. Currently this main battle tanks is not yet in series production. It might enter service with the South Korean Army soon.

Technical Specification {K2 Black Panther}


Weight : 55 tLength (Gun forward): 10 m

Hull length : 7.5 mWidth : 3.6 mHeight : 2.5m

Entered Service : UnknownCrew : 3 men Armament

Main gun : 120mm / L55 smooth boreMachine gun : 1*12.7 mm ,1*7.62 mm

Elevation range : UnknownTransverse range : 360 degree

Maneuverability



Fording (with preparation): 4.2m

Ammunition Load

Main gun : 40 roundsMachine gun: 3200*12.7,12000*7.62

Mobility

Engine : MTU MB -883 Ka 500 DieselEngine power: 1,500 HP

Maximum road speed : 70 km/hRange : 400-430 km

(4) M1 A2 SEP {USA}

The M1A2 SEP is a successor to the M1A2 Abrams. This tank has incredible technology and armor. Also it has seen combat. It is one of the most feared MBTs. The M1A2 SEP offers significant protection against all well-known anti-tank weapons. This main battle tank uses advanced armor, reinforced with depleted uranium layers. Its gun and accuracy are slightly inferior to that of the Leopard 2A7. Yet it still packs a formidable punch. Its complex gas turbine engine offers good performance, but requires tremendous amount of maintenance, logistical support and is thirsty on fuel. The M1A2 SEP is in service with United States Army (at least 900). It is planned that this tank will remain in service beyond 2050.

Technical Specification {M1 A2 SEP}




Height : 2.4m


Main gun : 120mm Machine gun : 1*12.7 mm ,2*7.62 mm


Maneuverability

Gradient : 60%Side slope : 40%Vertical step : 1 m

Trench : 2.7mFording : 1.2m


Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbineEngine power: 1,500 HP


(5) T-90 {Russia}

A well known name in Business ! The T-90 ! This is most significant to us as Indian army has the T-90s. The T-90 is currently the only tank produced in quantity in Russia. It is not as sophisticated as its Western rivals, however it uses proven technology and is cost effective. Currently it is the most commercially successful main battle tank on the global market. Also it is one of the cheapest among modern MBTs. The T-90 is not as accurate against long-range targets, however it can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. The T-90MS Tagil is a recent version with new armor, new engine, new gun, improved turret, updated observation and aiming system. The T-90 is currently in service with Russia (approximately 700), Algeria (305), Azerbaijan (20), India (620), Turkmenistan (40) and Venezuela (50 ~100).

Technical Specification {T-90}



Hull length :6.86 mWidth : 3.46 mHeight : 2.23m


Main gun : 125mm -smooth boreATGW: 9K119M(AT-11 Sniper-B)

Machine gun : 1*12.7 mm ,1*1.762 mmElevation range : -6 to +14 degrees


Maneuverability




Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : V-84 MS DieselEngine power: 840 HP


(6) Challenger -2 {United Kingdom}

It is a very capable tank. The Challenger 2 has the latest Chesham armor and is one of the most protected MBTs in the world today. It offers very high level of protection against direct fire weapons This British tank is armed with a very accurate 120-mm rifled gun. Its gun is rifled as opposed to smoothbore guns used by all other modern MBTs. Its maximum aimed range is over 5 km. Currently the Challenger holds the record for longest tank-to-tank kill. Engine of the Challenger 2 is less powerful than of its Western rivals. Also it is not as fast as other MBTs. However this tank is famous for its mechanical reliability. The Challenger 2 is in service with United Kingdom (386) and Oman (38).

Technical Specification {Challenger 2}



Hull length : 8.33 mWidth : 3.52 m

Height : 2.49 m


Main gun : 120mm -rifledMachine gun : 2*7.62 mm


Maneuverability



Fording (with preparation): 1.07m

Ammunition Load

Main gun : 50 roundsMachine gun: 4000*7.62 mm

Mobility

Engine : Perkins CV12 TCA DieselEngine power: 1,200 HP


(7) Merkava MK 4 {Israel}

It is the latest Israeli development which is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3.The Merkava Mk.4 is one of the most protected tanks in the world. This MBT has an unusual design with a front-mounted engine which gives the crew additional protection and chance to survive if the tank is knocked-out. All Merkava series tanks have a rear compartment which ca be used to carry troops and cargo under armor. It can carry up to 10 troops when ammunition is unloaded.Mobility of the Merkava Mk.4 is rather average due to excessive weight, even though it is fitted with a powerful engine.The Merkava Mk.4 is in service only with Israel (360), as this tank is not offered for export.

Technical Specification {Merkava MK 4}


Weight : 65 tLength (Gun forward): 9 m


Height : 2.66m


Main gun : 120mm -smooth boreATGW : LAHAT-ATGM

Machine gun : 1*12.7 mm ,2*7.62 mmElevation range : Unknown


Maneuverability


Trench : 3mFording : 1.4m

Ammunition Load


ATGW: Unknown

Mobility

Engine : General Dynamics GD 883 V12 DieselEngine power: 1,500 HP

Maximum road speed : >60 km/hRange : 500 km

(8) TK-X {Japan}

The TK-X or Type 10 is the latest Japanese development. It entered service in 2012. Currently it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. This new lightweight MBT is more agile, however less protected than contemporary tanks. It is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, broadly similar to that of the Leopard 2A5 and M1A2 Abrams. It also has advanced fire control system. This tank has great mobility due to its impressive power-to-weight ratio, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and state-of-the-art hydro pneumatic suspension.The TK-X is in service with Japan (12).

Technical Specification {TK-X}



Hull length : 7 mWidth : 3.24 mHeight : 2.3 m



Elevation range : UnknownTransverse range : 360 degree

Maneuverability


Trench : 2.7 mFording : 1m

Ammunition Load

Main gun : UnknownMachine gun: Unknown

Mobility

Engine : DieselEngine power: 1,200 HP


(9) Leclerc {France}

This French main battle tank entered service in 1992. A number of design features of the Leclerc were later used on other Western tanks.The Leclerc has advanced composite armor with add-on modular armor.This MBT has a crew of three and is fitted with an autoloader. It is fitted a powerful gun and has a high hit probability against stationary and moving targets. Also it has a hunter-killer capability.This tank has good mobility due to its 1 500 hp engine and hydro pneumatic suspension.Currently it is in service with France (406) and United Arab Emirates (388).

Technical Specification {LecLerc}




Height : 2.92 m




Maneuverability


Vertical step : 1.25 mTrench : 3mFording : 1m


Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : VD V8X-1500 DieselEngine power: 1,500 HP


(10) Oplot -M {Ukraine}

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine continued development of the T-80UD main battle tank. Their latest version is the Oplot-M.

The Oplot-M is fitted with explosive reactive armor of new generation. This MBT inherited from its predecessor automatic ammunition loading system, however ammunition is stored in the main compartment, rather than a separate compartment with a blow-out panels.

The latest Ukrainian tank is not as accurate against long-range targets as Western rivals, however it can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. The Oplot-M has a hunter-killer capability.

Technical Specification {Oplot-M}




Height : 2.28 m


Main gun : 125mm -smooth boreATGW:9K119M(AT-11 Sniper-B)



Maneuverability

Gradient : 60%Side slope : 40%Vertical step : 1 mTrench : 2.85 mFording : 1.8m


Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : 6TD-2E DieselEngine power: 1,200 HP


Our Position and That of our enemies

• Comparing to this modern tanks, we still lack in the technologies and advancement of the tanks.

• We made an indigenous tank “Arjun” and now it has been updated to Arjun MK which we will discuss shortly.

• Pakistan has lacked in this area and developed only one MBT known as Al-Khalid and too with the help of China and

Taking use of its technologies.• China, on the other hand has developed many and many MBTs latest

being MBT-3000,which was recently developed which mainly focused on exports. We will discuss it too.

Arjun MK {India}

▪ The Arjun Mk.2 is an improved version of the original Arjun main battle tank.

▪ It was developed in cooperation with Israeli defense companies. A total of 13 major improvements were made. After prolonged development the original Arjun Mk.1 entered service with the Indian Army in 2004.

▪ However, the original MBT failed to impress the Army and improvements were required in order to make it combat-worthy.

▪ The new Arjun Mk.2 has improved protection, firepower and mobility over its predecessor. Trials of the Arjun Mk.2 began in 2012. It was first publicly revealed in 2014.

▪ Series production is expected to begin a couple of years later. It should replace the ageing Cold War Era T-55 and T-72M tanks in service with the Indian Army.

▪ It is worth noting that it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a fleet of ageing tanks.

▪ The Arjun Mk.2 has some design similarities with the German Leopard 2A5 main battle tank. It is claimed that this new Indian tank weights a whopping 68 t. Which makes it the heaviest tank in the world.

Details about Arjun MK

▪ Hull and turret of the Arjun Mk.2 were redesigned. Protection was improved by improved Kanchan armor.

▪ Also locally-developed explosive reactive armor modules were added.

▪ It seems that the new ERA is based on the Russian Kontakt-5 technology, developed in the 1980s and used on the T-90 and some other Soviet/Russian tanks.

▪ Armor modules counter APFSDS and HEAT rounds, as well as RPG rounds. Ready to use ammunition is stored in the turret bustle with blow-out panels.

▪ Other rounds are also containerized. The Arjun Mk.2 is also fitted with advanced laser warning and countermeasures system which confuse enemy sensors.

▪ As usually this tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

▪ This new main battle tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 120-mm rifled gun, which is loaded manually.

▪ A rifled gun of such caliber is only used on the British Challenger 2 MBT. This gun is more accurate at long range comparing with smoothbore guns.

▪ It is claimed that during trials this new Indian tank outgunned both the T-72M and T-90.

▪ This new main battle tank is fitted with advanced thermal imaging and panoramic sights, and now has a hunter-killer capability.

Technical Specification {Arjun MK}



Hull length : 8 mWidth : 3.95 mHeight : 2.8 m

Entered Service : ?Crew : 4 men Armament

Main gun : 120 mm rifledATGW: LAHAT



Maneuverability


Vertical step : 0.9 mTrench : 2.4 m

Fording : 1.4 mFording (with preparation): 2.15 m

Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : MTU MB 838 KA-501 DieselEngine power: 1,400 HP


Al- Khalid {Pakistan}

▪ The Al Khalid main battle tank was jointly developed by China and Pakistan.

▪ It is a further development of the Chinese Type 90-II tank, which was not accepted to service with the Chinese Army.

▪ In the late 1990s it was marketed for export as the MBT-2000. Pakistan acquired production license of this MBT.

▪ The Al Khalid is named after the legendary general Khalid ibn al-Walid.

▪ First deliveries of this tank were made in 2002. The Al Khalid is currently in service with Pakistan. About 600 were planned to be built by 2007.

More about Al-Khalid

▪ The Al Khalid main battle tank is based on Chinese and Soviet designs.

▪ It is considerably smaller and lighter than modern western MBTs.

▪ Vehicle has a composite armor and is fitted with add-on explosive reactive armor blocks. It is also fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

▪ It also has an advanced laser detection warning system.

▪ The Al Khalid MBT is armed with a fully-stabilized 125-mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an autoloader.

▪ It is capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary rounds.

▪ Maximum range of effective fire is 4-5 km. The AT-11 Sniper can also target low-flying helicopters.

▪ Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

▪ It is a Russian-made 9K119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper), which is produced in China under license.

▪ It has a variant: VT1A main battle tank. It is an improved version of the Al Khalid, developed in China. This MBT is aimed at the export customers.

Technical Specification {Al-Khalid}




Height : 2.3 m





Maneuverability


Vertical step : 0.85 mTrench : 3 m

Fording : 1.4 mFording (with preparation): 5 m

Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : 6TD DieselEngine power: 1,200 HP


MBT-3000 {China}

▪ The MBT-3000 is a recent Chinese main battle tank, developed specially for export.

▪ It is also referred as VT-4. It is being marketed by NORINCO.

▪ It is an improved version of VT1A. ▪ The MBT-3000 is similar to the Type 99 G which is currently in service with the PLA, but has downgraded capabilities such as sights, propulsion and gun.

▪ A model of this MBT was publicly presented in 2012.

▪ First pictures of this new tank appeared in 2013.▪ It seems that the MBT-300 was proposed for Pakistan as an Al Khalid Mk 2.

▪ It is claimed that this main battle tank is fitted with an indigenous turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 300 hp. However, it might actually be of Ukrainian origin. It is worth mentioning that the Chinese Army Type 99G is powered by a more powerful engine, developing 1 500 hp and based on a German design

More about MBT-3000

▪ This Chinese tank has a low silhouette. It is a key T-72 feature.

▪ Hull and turret of the MBT-3000 is of welded steel construction with a layer of composite armor over the front arc.

▪ Official sources claim that side skirts are also made of composite armor.

▪ Also there are modular add-on explosive reactive armor blocks. The MBT-3000 has a redesigned turret with a wedge-shaped armor, similar to that of the Type 99G.

▪ Front arc protection has been improved comparing with the previous VT1A. Side skirts can be fitted with reactive armor. The tank has an NBC protection system. It is also fitted with new fire extinguishing and explosion suppression systems.

▪ This machine is also fitted with passive countermeasures system. It links laser threat warning reviver with smoke grenade launching. It reduces the chance of being hit by enemy anti-tank guided weapons.

▪ The MBT-3000 is armed with a fully-stabilized 125-mm smoothbore gun. The gun is fed by an automatic carousel-type loader.

▪ The autoloader reduces the tank crew to three and allow to reduce dimensions of the vehicle. Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the Soviet T-72. Loading speed is 8 rounds per minute. This tank fires APFSDS, HEAT and HE/HEF rounds. It is also compatible with gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles.

Technical Specification {MBT-3000}



Hull length : 7 mWidth : 3.5 m

Height : 2.4 m

Entered Service : ?Crew : 3 men Armament




Maneuverability


Vertical step : 1.2 mTrench : 2.7 mFording : 1.2 m


Ammunition Load


Mobility

Engine : 6TD-2E DieselEngine power: 1,300 HP


The Future Combat vehicleSo, after discussing all about evolution, Technologies associated and looking after all the modern tanks, our tanks and tanks of our enemies, For the concluding part we must look after what will be the future of the tanks. Will it be same bulky? Will it become more dangerous? Will there be some change in the look? Well we are not in position to say this right now! But an article has shown the sight of what a future combat system will look! The US army is doing research on making tanks more destructive, more mobile, Better and Best in the business!

modern main battle tanks

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