Greetings, enthusiasts of defence. The realm of armoured vehicles captivates a multitude of individuals worldwide. Various nations customize and enhance their battle tanks to meet their individual needs. Certain tanks are constructed with robust armour, but others are designed to be lightweight. These entities can be distinguished based on their level of firepower, armour, and technical developments in their fire control systems. This article will examine the ten most powerful military battle tanks and advanced and widely recognized combat tanks worldwide.
Specialized terminology
Before discussing the top 10 battle tanks in the world, we should familiarise ourselves with certain key characteristics of tanks.
1. Composite armour: This tank armour comprises multiple layers of diverse materials such as metal, ceramic, plastic, etc. The primary objective of this armour is to enhance the tank’s defence by offering superior safeguarding and shock absorption against explosive anti-tank weaponry.
2. Active protection system: This system serves as a defence mechanism for the tank, capable of identifying and intercepting incoming anti-tank weapons, effectively rendering them harmless. It is present in the contemporary tanks operated throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
3. Explosive reactive armour (ERA) is a type of armour that incorporates explosives inside its structure to reduce the effects of anti-tank weapons. Upon impact, the projectile triggers a little explosion within the armour. It mitigates the force of the projectile’s detonation, minimizing damage to the armour and crew.
4. APFSDS rounds are abbreviated for Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot. A dart-like projectile that utilizes kinetic energy to penetrate armour and engage armoured vehicles.
5. HEAT rounds are an acronym for High Explosive Anti Tank rounds. The ammunition is conically formed and utilizes an explosion close to the armour to pierce it and target the vehicle.
Armed with this knowledge, we can effectively compare the various tanks.
1. M1A2 Abrams (United States):
The M1A2 is the most recent M1 Abrams primary combat tank iteration. Currently, it is being utilized by the US Army and various other nations. Introduced in 1992, this entity has subsequently undergone the Gulf War, Iraq’s invasion, and Afghanistan’s conflict. Below are a few of its characteristics and functionalities:
Firepower: The vehicle is outfitted with a primary armament consisting of a 120mm smoothbore cannon. The weapon can launch many types of ammunition, such as armour-piercing, high-explosive, and anti-tank missiles. In addition to the main gun, the tank is equipped with a .50 calibre M2 machine gun and a 7.62mm M240 coaxial machine gun. The turret also features a remote weapons station capable of mounting a machine gun.
Protection: The M1A2 is equipped with sophisticated armour protection, which includes Chobham armour (an advanced composite armour created by the UK), reactive armour, and an active protection system. In addition to its primary features, the tank has a laser warning system, a missile approach warning system, and a radio frequency jammer, which enhance its defence capabilities against various potential dangers.
The tank has a maximum velocity of 67 kilometres per hour and can go a distance of 426 kilometres. The vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated hydraulic suspension system. Consequently, it can navigate challenging landscapes and barriers with ease.
Technological features: The M1A2 is equipped with a digital fire control system that enhances precision and minimizes the effort required by the crew. The tank is equipped with a Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV), which enables the commander to search for targets separately from the gunner’s sight. It is also equipped with a battle management system that efficiently gathers and distributes battlefield intelligence among other military units.
In summary, the M1A2 is a very proficient and cutting-edge main battle tank that has demonstrated its efficacy. The tank’s exceptional firepower, robust protection, and impressive mobility render it one of the most formidable armoured vehicles globally.
2. The T14 Armata is a Russian military vehicle.
The T14 Armata is a state-of-the-art Russian main battle tank of the latest generation. The initial public display of the object occurred at Russia’s Victory Day parade in May 2015. It is depicted as a rival to the contemporary battle tanks of NATO nations. The main characteristics of this tank are as follows:
Armament: The vehicle is outfitted with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of launching several sorts of ammunition, such as armour-piercing, high-explosive, and guided missiles. In addition, it is equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun as secondary armaments.
The T-14 Armata is equipped with sophisticated armour protection consisting of composite, reactive, and active protection systems. Additionally, it possesses a diminutive stature and diminished radar visibility, rendering it arduous to perceive and monitor.
Mobility: The tank attains a maximum velocity of 80 kilometres per hour and offers a range of up to 500 km.
The tank’s distinctive attribute is its automated turret, which comprises the upper portion of the tank. The vehicle is crewed by three individuals, comprising a commander, a gunner, and a driver. The tank possesses a significant degree of automation, resulting in a reduction of the crew’s workload. The limited availability of T-14 Armatas is due to their current evaluation phase. In addition, certain production problems have been observed and are now being addressed. According to a tip from UK intelligence, they are being sent to Ukraine, although they will not be utilized in direct conflict.
Due to its technological breakthroughs and superior firepower, combined with high accuracy, this battle tank is rightfully considered one of the top 10 contenders.
3. Leopard 2A7+ – a German tank.
The Leopard 2A7+ is a contemporary German main battle tank (MBT). The updated form of the Leopard 2 tank has been in service with the German Army since the 1970s. The tank exhibits several enhancements compared to its forerunner. The features encompass greater armour protection, superior mobility, and advanced fire control systems. Additionally, it is outfitted with several sophisticated sensors and electrical systems to enhance situational awareness and its ability to acquire targets.
Firepower: The vehicle is equipped with a Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon. The weapon can discharge many types of ammunition, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), and canister rounds. The tank can incorporate a 7.62mm machine gun and 40mm grenade launchers or a .50 calibre machine gun.
Protection: The improved edition of the Leopard 2a6 contains a modular protection system incorporating passive armour modules. The system offers comprehensive protection to the crew against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in all directions.
A 1,500-horsepower MTU diesel engine facilitates the tank’s mobility. The vehicle offers a top speed exceeding 70 km/h and a range of up to 550 km.
The tank has sophisticated fire control technologies, such as a laser rangefinder, a thermal imaging system, and a digital fire control computer. Consequently, the tank can effectively target and hit distant objectives with precision. The tank has been exported to multiple nations. This encompasses Qatar and Hungary. Furthermore, it has been utilized in peacekeeping operations in Mali and Afghanistan. The Leopard 2A7+ is a highly proficient and sophisticated main battle tank engineered to outperform in many combat scenarios.
4. Challenger 2 – a tank from the United Kingdom.
The Challenger serves as the primary battle tank (MBT) utilized by the British Army. The system was first implemented in 1998 and has since been utilized in other military engagements. It was utilized in the Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq, and the war in Afghanistan. The characteristics of this tank include
The tank has a 120mm L30A1 rifled main gun that can fire APFSDS and high-explosive squash head (HESH) rounds. In addition, it is equipped with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns to enhance its capability.
The tank has advanced technological features such as Fire Control Systems, Laser rangefinder, Thermal imaging, and night vision systems. These features enhance target recognition and accuracy. Additionally, it is equipped with an infrared jammer and an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protective system.
Protection: The vehicle is safeguarded by Chobham composite armour, which offers exceptional resilience against kinetic and chemical energy projectiles. The composition and technologies utilized in this armour are classed at a high level. It is also regarded as one of the finest in the world.
Mobility: The vehicle is propelled by a 1200HP V12 diesel engine, enabling it to reach a top speed of 59km/hr and reach a distance of 450 km.
The tank will be subjected to a Life Extension Programme (LEP) to enhance its current features. The vehicle will be equipped with state-of-the-art networking and surveillance features. The upcoming iteration of tanks will be designated as Challenger 3 and remain on active duty until 2035.
5. The T-90 – a Russian military tank.
The T-90 is a Russian Main Battle Tank that belongs to the third generation and is derived from the T-72. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most extensively utilized tanks globally. Additionally, these tanks are manufactured in India through a licencing agreement at the Heavy Vehicle facility in Tamil Nadu. The Indian Army now utilizes 1100 T-90 tanks in its armoured force.
Armament: The tank is outfitted with a 125mm 2A46M smoothbore main gun that can shoot APFSDS rounds, HEAT rounds, and guided missiles. The secondary armament of the vehicle consists of a 12.7mm Kord Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) and a 7.62mm machine gun.
The technological elements of this product include advanced fire control systems such as thermal imaging, night vision systems, and a laser rangefinder. They assist in enhancing target acquisition and improving accuracy.
Protection: The tank’s armour is a blend of steel, composite, and explosive reactive armour (ERA), including the Shtora-1 active protection system. It offers defence against nuclear, biological, and chemical assaults on the device.
Mobility: The tank is propelled by a V-92S2F diesel engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour and reach a distance of 650 kilometres. The T-90 is a contemporary main battle tank actively utilized by the Russian Army since the early 1990s. The military vehicle has extensive combat experience and has demonstrated its effectiveness in the Chechen invasion and Syrian civil war, and is now being utilized in the Ukraine war by Russia.
6. The K2 Black Panther tank – a military vehicle manufactured in South Korea.
The K2 Black Panther is a South Korean main battle tank commissioned in 2014. The tank has subsequently remained on active duty with the South Korean Army. In April last year, the Polish Army agreed with Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer, to acquire 180 K2 tanks.
Armament: The primary weapon of this vehicle is a 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, accompanied by a Coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm K6 heavy machine gun as secondary weapons. The primary artillery is capable of launching APFSDS projectiles and HEAT projectiles.
Armour: The tank is equipped with state-of-the-art composite armour that offers defence against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and hostile gunfire. The armour is engineered to be lightweight and highly efficient in combat, facilitating the tank’s manoeuvrability and mobility. Additionally, it is equipped with an Active Protection System (APS) designed to deflect incoming missiles. The armour also protects against NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) attacks.
The fire control system is equipped with an automated target-tracking system capable of detecting and monitoring several targets simultaneously while also delivering real-time information to the crew. In addition, it is equipped with a laser range finder and thermal imaging capabilities.
Mobility: It can reach a top speed of 70 km/h and travel a distance of up to 450 km. The tank has a battle management system designed to accommodate the network-centric character of future warfare. The vehicle is equipped with a semi-active suspension system that enables it to lower, raise, or maintain its position, thus modifying the height and viewing angle of the crew.
7. The Merkava Mk4 tank – an Israeli military vehicle.
The Merkava Mk 4 is a primary combat vehicle the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has actively utilized since 2004. The tank is specifically built to prioritize the survival of its crew, and its state-of-the-art protection mechanisms ensure that it is one of the safest tanks for its occupants.
Armament: The tank is equipped with a 120mm MG253 smoothbore cannon, capable of firing APFSDS and HEAT rounds. Additionally, the turret is equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun.
Armour: The Merkava Mk 4 is equipped with the Trophy active protection system (APS) specifically designed to intercept and neutralize incoming projectiles for enhanced protection. The armour comprises modular composites and features metal balls affixed to chains on the sides. They detonate the incoming projectile before it makes contact with the tank. The vehicle has additional armour to defend the crew cabin, smoke grenade launchers and an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) defence system.
The Merkava Mk 4 is outfitted with sophisticated fire control technologies, such as a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging and night vision systems, an advanced fire control computer, and an automatic target tracking system.
Mobility: The tank achieves a top speed of 64 km/h and can go up to 500 kilometres. The Merkava Mk 4 possesses formidable firepower and exceptional mobility, making it a formidable force to be reckoned with. It has been involved in multiple military engagements in the Middle East, such as the 2006 Lebanon war and the Gaza war.
8. The Type 99A tank – a Chinese military vehicle.
The Type 99 tank is a technologically advanced main combat tank that has been actively used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) since 2001. The vehicle is constructed using the framework of T-72 tanks from Russia and produced by the Chinese company Norinco.
Armament: The tank is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore main gun. The weapon can discharge a diverse range of ammunition, such as armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). In addition, the vehicle’s turret is equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun. The turret has a capacity of 42 rounds, with 22 stored in the autoloader.
Armour: The Type 99A has a composite armour with explosive reactive armour (ERA) modules and an active protection system (APS). This advanced armour is specifically designed to protect by intercepting incoming projectiles. Additionally, it is equipped with a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system.
The Type 99 tank is outfitted with state-of-the-art fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging and night vision systems, an advanced fire control computer, an automatic target tracking system, and a ballistic computer.
A 1,500-horsepower diesel engine provides the tank’s mobility. The vehicle offers a top speed of 80 km/h and can travel a distance of up to 600 km.
In addition, the tank is armed with a laser weapon that can detonate airborne missiles and infrared-guided weapons before they make contact with the tank. Furthermore, it can also impair the vision of opposing gunners. In addition, it includes an encrypted laser communication system, as well as other communication devices.
Including modern fire control systems and encrypted communication capabilities places it among the top 10 combat tanks in the world.
9. The Leclerc Tank, manufactured in France.
The Leclerc tank was initially deployed by the French Army in 1992. Subsequently, it has been employed in numerous hostilities, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Libyan Civil War. The Leclerc tanks are now being modernized and updated to the Leclerc XLR version. It is one of the most technologically advanced tanks in active use by any military force worldwide.
The Leclerc is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun capable of firing a range of ammunition, such as APFSDS rounds, high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and high explosive (HE) rounds. In addition to its main armament, the battle tank is equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun located on the turret.
Armour: The Leclerc is equipped with modular composite armour for protection. It offers exceptional defence against various dangers, including armour-penetrating projectiles and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). In addition, it is equipped with a laser warning receiver and a radar warning receiver to identify and track potential dangers effectively. To enhance its security measures, the device is equipped with infrared deception technology and anti-IED equipment that can interfere with mobile signals in its immediate area.
The fire control system of the Leclerc tank comprises a gunner’s sight, a commander’s sight, and a ballistic computer. Both sights have a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging capabilities, and a day sight. The ballistic computer calculates multiple battlefield variables, such as the distance to the target, its movement, and the tank’s position. It then presents the commander with firing solutions.
The Leclerc tank is propelled by a robust 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of around 72 km/h. The vehicle can go roughly 550 km when the gasoline tank is filled.
10. The Arjun Mk1 A is a military vehicle manufactured in India.
The Arjun Mk-1A is an upgraded version of the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) designed and built by the DRDO. The Arjun Mk-1A possesses several prominent characteristics and specifications:
The Arjun Mk-1A is armed with a 120mm rifled main gun. The weapon can discharge a range of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and HESH rounds. In addition, the tank is furnished with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and a smoke grenade launcher.
Protective measures: The tank has composite armour, explosive reactive armour (ERA), and bar armour to enhance its defence. The armour is referred to as Kanchan armour. The structure consists of ceramic tiles and composite plates between Rolled Homogenous Armour (RHA). The design of this system aims to offer a superior level of defence against several types of attacks, such as kinetic projectiles and explosive devices, including anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
The Arjun Mk-1A possesses a 1,400 horsepower diesel engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of approximately 70 km/h. The tank has a hydro-pneumatic suspension system that enhances ride comfort and stability.
Fire control system: The Arjun Mk-1A is outfitted with a state-of-the-art fire control system. The system comprises a ballistic computer, a gun stabilization system, and an automatic target tracking system. The commander’s and gunner’s stations are equipped with a panoramic sight, a laser range finder, and a thermal imager.
The tank is furthermore furnished with an auxiliary power unit (APU), enabling the tank’s systems and equipment to function even when the primary engine is deactivated. The Arjun Mk-1A is a proficient tank specifically developed to fulfil the needs of the Indian Army. With its recent advancements and formidable weaponry, this tank is a legitimate contender among the top 10 battle tanks worldwide.
In conclusion
Each of the tanks mentioned above is specifically developed to meet the specific criteria of the individual countries. Additionally, they are designed to adjust to the evolving characteristics of warfare, which increasingly rely on sophisticated communication and artificial intelligence. Currently, there are ongoing developments for more sophisticated tanks, such as the German KF-51 Panther and the American Abrams X. Hence, we are currently observing the transitional stage in tank advancement, and shortly, the existing armoured fleets will be substituted by the 4th generation of battle tanks.
