The heaviest modern tank in the world. The best tanks in the world, according to foreign observers
At all times, humanity has paid attention to improving weapons for killing. In the twentieth century, these weapons became tanks, which to this day are the primary striking force of armies. Good weapons and armor of tracked vehicles on the battlefield allow them to cope with any tasks assigned. From the huge number of currently existing combat units, it is quite difficult to single out the best tank in the world, since certain operating conditions are taken into account when creating each model. Now we invite you to consider the best tanks of our time, which are armed with the powerful armed forces of the planet, in descending order.
The parameters of the technical design of the killing weapon and its external design were partially copied from Russian and Western tank models. The Type-99 does not always cope well with distant targets, but it is quite successful at hitting anti-tank missiles.
Chinese engineers have modeled an almost similar one with domestic tanks automatic ammunition supply system. The means of destroying manpower and enemy fortifications are located in the same compartment as the crew.
The Chinese development is unique in the presence of an active laser defense system that suppresses anti-tank signals missile systems and ultra-precise infrared guidance systems. In addition, the lasers used in the Chinese machine are capable of incapacitating enemy optical systems, and they can also be used against helicopters.
The TIP-99 is characterized by a quick change in direction of movement and the presence of a powerful motor. Approximately 200 combat vehicles of this model are in service with the Chinese armed forces. In any case, when considering the best tanks in the world, one cannot remain silent about the combat development of China.
This is the main fighting machine in service with the Ukrainian army, its development was carried out by Kharkov design department mechanical engineering, headed by Borisyuk Mikhail Demyanovich.
Oplot-M is an improved model of the T-84U tank. The combat vehicle was first presented to the public in 2009 on Ukraine’s Independence Day.
The tank is equipped with modern guns; only the automatic ammunition supply system was retained from the T-84 BM. Just like in China's combat development, the shells are located in the same compartment as the crew.
The Ukrainian tank does not cause significant damage to distant targets, but it overcomes anti-tank missile systems well.
Today, the Ukrainian armies are testing the combat vehicle, and the tank is planned to enter service in the near future. The power, security and ability to quickly change the direction of movement of the Ukrainian tank has practically no distinctive features from the latest versions of the T-90 combat vehicle, manufactured in Russia, although production of new units is limited.
This combat vehicle is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, which allows firing using armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells And anti-tank missiles ny complexes. The roof of the turret is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, the firing rate of which is from 700 to 800 rounds per minute. Thanks to this rate of fire, you can shoot at objects in the air. The PKT 3000 coaxial machine gun is used to fire at a distance of no more than 2 kilometers.
In France, this combat vehicle is considered the main one, and moreover, it costs more than all tanks in the world. The cost of French combat development depends on the components and source. According to critics of the French government, the approximate price of Leclerc is $23 million.
The tank has been in operation since 1992, and before that it was tested for 15 years. The combat vehicle uses modular armor, which can be replaced if necessary. short time. The armor is a combination of steel, ceramics and polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (Kevlar). The Leclerc uses a smoothbore gun (120 mm) and an engine with a power of 1500 Horse power. Thanks to advanced optics and computer systems, the Leclerc tank is considered one of the best on the planet.
The model, invented in 2012, is a novelty in the development of Japanese engineers. This combat vehicle is characterized by light weight, high maneuverability and the presence of an automatic surveillance system. Thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension, the combat vehicle can navigate the most difficult and tough surfaces. The biggest drawback of the Japanese tank is its poor security.
In Israel, until the 60-70s, only tanks from Western countries were used for defensive purposes, after which a decision was made to design and build its own tank. This is how the Merkava series combat vehicles appeared. Today, the Merkava IV tank is used, equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun. To prevent the commander-in-chief of the crew from being defeated in battle, the developers created a special turret inside. Since the armor is made of steel and ceramic, damaged parts can be quickly removed and replaced with new ones. The engine is located in the front, providing additional protection for the crew. The real pride for Israeli engineers is active protection, which is capable of identifying, tracking and destroying modern anti-tank missiles at fairly large distances.
It is one of the main defenders of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Oman. The 63-ton combat vehicle is equipped with a 120-mm cannon and an engine that accelerates to 56 km/h. The tanks were planned to be used and produced until 2035, but in 2009 the developer announced the decision to curtail production of this model due to the lack of a defense order.
In the United States of America, this combat vehicle is considered the main one. The first model appeared in 1980. These tanks are in service not only in the American army, but also in the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The name of the combat vehicle is associated with the name of General Abrams Creighton.
American combat development has proven itself remarkably well in combat operations; it represents real threat for enemy troops.
Abrams is perfectly protected from various anti-tank guns, since the armor is reinforced with uranium. There are newly invented guns on board. The self-propelled vehicle is equipped with a gas turbine engine of excellent performance, although it is difficult to maintain, and fuel costs are also high.
South Korea is a country that produces the most expensive tracked combat vehicles in the world. The cost per unit is approximately $8.5 million. The Black Panther is equipped with an automatic targeting system, which makes it possible to find and neutralize a target. High speed the tank is provided by an installed diesel engine and hydropneumatic suspension.
Finally, we have come to the leader and now you will find out which is the best tank in the world. This…
This self-propelled vehicle is nothing more than a modernized Leopard 2 tank. Unlike its progenitor, this model has good power, a modern electronic system, improved protection and the ability to fight both within the city and beyond.
Increased aiming accuracy is achieved due to the installed advanced guns. Despite its heavy weight, the Leopard 2A7 is a fairly maneuverable vehicle.
So we looked at the best tanks in the world. The top 10 you just saw is still relevant today. Each of the presented tanks showed excellent results when performing combat missions.
More than a hundred years ago, tanks first appeared on the battlefield. And throughout the twentieth century, these combat vehicles determined the outcome of major military conflicts. The strongest was considered the one whose tanks had the best armor protection, a more powerful weapon and who had more of them. Despite a large number of anti-tank weapons existing today, tanks still remain the main striking force of the ground forces. Most military experts believe that this situation will continue in the next decade.
One of the most discussed topics related to military equipment and weapons is the question of what is the best tank in the world. States annually invest tens of millions of dollars on the development of new combat vehicles and the modernization of old models. The most “advanced” tank-building countries are the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Russia, China, Israel and Ukraine. They can mass-produce tanks and have serious tank-building schools with long-standing traditions. IN last decades India, Pakistan, Turkey, Poland, both Koreas and Japan are trying to join this “club of the elite”.
The question of which is the best tank is not very correct: it is very difficult to compare vehicles that have never met each other in real combat. And one fight will not be able to dot all the i's in this matter. The outcome of the fight depends not only on tactical and technical characteristics combat vehicles, but also on the training of the crew, the specific theater of operations and on countless other factors (from luck, in the end). We should not forget that tanks do not fight alone - they are part of a complex army mechanism, working in close cooperation with infantry, artillery, and aviation. So a simple comparison of the performance characteristics of vehicles does not make it possible to seriously talk about the advantages of this or that tank.
We will try to carry out comparative analysis the most famous and modern tanks, and present to you the top 10 strongest armored vehicles in the world. Some of the tanks in service with the world's strongest armies were developed several decades ago (American Abrams, Israeli Merkava, German Leopard), after which they went through several stages of modernization. In our rating we will consider only the latest (most advanced) modifications of cars. The main criteria for awarding a particular place will be three indicators: the protection of the combat vehicle, its firepower and the mobility of the tank. So, our top: 10 best tanks of our time.
10. "Arjun" Mk.I (India)
Our top 10 opens with an Indian combat vehicle, which was put into service in 2011. This tank can be called the first independent development of Indian tank builders, although it took Indian technologists and engineers more than thirty-five years to create it. "Arjun" has a mass of 58.5 tons, its crew consists of four people, the tank is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun, from which it can launch guided missiles. The gun's rate of fire is 6-8 rounds per minute.
The tank is equipped with an engine with a power of 1400 hp. With. (specific power - 23.9), which allows the car to reach a speed of 75 km/h on the highway.
"Arjun" Mk.I made it into our top, but it is on the very bottom line. The development of this combat vehicle began more than 35 years ago. Perhaps the technical solutions used in its design were once modern, but now they are somewhat outdated.
9. Type 99A2 (China)
Type 99A2 is the latest modification of the Chinese combat vehicle, but calling this tank a completely independent development would be a stretch. The machine is based on Soviet tank T-72, although it has a large number of differences from it. This combat vehicle was put into service in 2011, it has a mass of 58 tons, a crew of three people, the tank is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore cannon with a rate of fire of 7 rounds per minute. A 1,500-horsepower engine (specific power 25.9) allows this combat vehicle to accelerate on the highway to a speed of 70 km/h.
Unlike the T-72, the Type 99A2 received a new welded turret and more advanced protection, which consists of both more “advanced” armor and the latest generation of dynamic protection. In addition, the Type 99A2 has a laser system that can literally blind the enemy.
8. AMX-56 Leclerk
In eighth place in the top 10 is a French tank that entered service in 1992. At the time of its creation, this combat vehicle was considered the most modern and high-tech, but more than twenty years have passed since that moment. The AMX-56 Leclerk has been discontinued from serial production. You can also add that this French tank is one of the most expensive in the world (about 6 million euros).
The latest series of this combat vehicle weighed 57.4 tons, the tank was armed with a 120-mm smoothbore cannon, and its engine had a power of 1,500 hp. With. The Leclerk has an automatic loader, which is not typical for the Western school of tank building. This element made it possible to reduce the crew to three people and strengthen the armor without increasing the weight of the vehicle. The design of the automatic loader differs from analogues used in Soviet (Russian and Ukrainian) tanks. It is located in the aft isolated part of the tower, which is equipped with knockout panels. This engineering solution can easily be considered one of the main advantages of the tank.
7. Challenger 2 (UK)
Production of this tank began in 1994; it belongs to the second generation of British Challengers. The combat weight of the vehicle is 62.5 tons, it is armed with a rifled 120-mm cannon, and the tank has a crew of four people.
Experts consider the main advantage of the Challenger 2 to be its armor protection, which ensures high safety for the crew. The machine is also equipped with dynamic protection. The engine (power 1200 hp) provides a maximum speed of 56 km/h.
"Challenger 2" has real combat experience; it was quite successfully used by the British in the Balkans and during the second Iraqi campaign. True, in these conflicts this tank was opposed by outdated models of Soviet combat vehicles. In 2008, taking into account the obtained real combat experience a deep modernization of the tank was carried out: the vehicles received new gun, engine and transmission. The fire control system was also replaced.
6. K2 "Black Panther"
This is a South Korean tank that was put into service in 2018. It is considered the first tank that South Korean engineers independently developed. The car turned out to be very advanced, but very expensive: the cost of one Black Panther is estimated at $8.5 million.
The tank weighs 55 tons and has a crew of three people. The K2 is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, developed on the basis of the German Rh-120 tank gun, one of the best in the world today. But that’s not all: the tank is equipped with an automatic loader, similar in design to that found on the French Leclerc. The automatic loader allows the tank to fire at a rate of 15 rounds per minute. In addition, the K2 MBT is equipped with an active protection system capable of shooting down enemy shells and guided missiles.
The electronic components of the K2 are also very advanced: everything electronic systems tanks are collected into one network (TIUS), and the combat information and control system allows you to control a tactical tank formation in an automated mode, exchange information in real time between tanks and other types of military equipment, as well as control points.
5. BM "Oplot"
4. T-90AM (Russia)
3. Abrams M1A2 SEP
1. T-14 “Armata” (Russia)
T-14 "Armata". This combat vehicle topped our top 10, one might say, in advance. The vehicle is still experimental, that is, it is not yet in service with the Russian army. Information about it is incomplete and quite contradictory. It was first demonstrated to the general public in 2018.
The creators position it as a new generation tank. The tank weighs 55 tons, has a crew of three people, and will be equipped with a 125 mm cannon.
This combat vehicle has several differences in its layout: the tank's turret is uninhabited, and the crew is located in its front part, in a special armored capsule. The tank will be equipped with a phased array radar (like the latest fighters) and a large number of video cameras that will provide all-round visibility to the crew.
Among the protection of the "Armata" we should mention the KAZ "Afganit", which, according to the developers, will be able to shoot down even modern BOPS. It is also worth adding the latest Malachite dynamic protection complex and a mine protection system.
Among the disadvantages of the vehicle, experts already name the automatic loader with part of the ammunition, which is located in the fighting compartment. This is a typical Soviet layout, which leads to the detonation of ammunition when it hits fighting compartment cumulative or sub-caliber projectile.
The developers call the Armata the world’s first tank for “network-centric warfare.” The problem is that today in the Russian army this tank is the only element for conducting such combat operations.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
Military technology has always interested people, even if they are not involved in this area. A variety of weapons are studied in terms of rate of fire, ease of use, penetrating power and other parameters. Almost every year people choose the most powerful tank in the world.
It is not surprising that such military equipment attracts attention. Such a multifunctional vehicle combines defensive properties and the ability to use artillery. Being inside, a person feels completely safe, although at the same time he is in one of the most effective types weapons.
Merkava
The Merkava, which means “chariot” in Hebrew, is an Israeli tank, the first version of which was created in 1979. Later, several modifications were released, the last of which was the Merkava Mk.4. The tank owes its appearance to the fact that Great Britain refused to sell the Chieftain, which was in service in the sixties and seventies, to Israel.
A special feature of the Merkava is the location of the engine and transmission compartment. It is located in the front of the body. Thanks to this design element, crew protection has been enhanced. However, the tank has one more feature that is considered almost unique. The vehicle has a compartment for transporting wounded or landing troops, although it is also used for additional ammunition.
As a result of a number of design solutions, the Merkava is capable of performing various tasks. Depending on the situation, the tank can play the role of an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier or a tactical element. The main weapon is the M68 rifled cannon, and the secondary weapon is a coaxial MAG machine gun.
This main battle tank was adopted by South Korea in 2014. It was intended to replace the US M14 medium tanks, which had been in use since the fifties. The Korean armed forces initially intended to purchase just under 700 tanks, but due to a shortage of funds, only 297 Black Panthers were purchased. Moreover, the cost of each of them was more than eight million dollars, which made them the most expensive in the whole world.
All electronic systems of the vehicle are integrated using the tank information and control system, abbreviated as TIUS. Automated control is provided by a special combat information and control system. A tank gun is installed, the barrel length of which is 55 calibers. An active protection complex with a thermal imager and three-dimensional radar is used.
The Polish tank called RT-91 was created on the basis of the most popular second-generation battle tank of the USSR, the T-72 Ural. The first versions appeared in the early nineties, but serial production began in 1995. Later, a number of modifications with upgrade packages were released, as well as armored vehicles and a prototype anti-aircraft gun based on the RT-91.
The tank is equipped with a smooth-bore weapon with a 125 mm caliber and active armor, which significantly reduces the amount of damage from the first enemy shot. The design includes three machine guns, thanks to which the RT-91 works well at close and medium distances. It is used to destroy anti-aircraft guns.
T-90
The Russian tank, known as the Vladimir, appeared in the late eighties, but was put into service later, in 1992. The chief designer was Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, who died in 1999. After this, the Russian government assigned a verbal name to this tank.
For about ten years, the vehicle was considered the best-selling main battle tank. However, supply costs subsequently began to increase. If in 2010 they amounted to seventy million rubles, then in 2011 the figure rose to 118 million, which led to the cessation of purchases.
The tank is capable of hitting targets on the move at a distance of up to five kilometers, even if the battle is fought by an inexperienced person. Master Gunners perform significantly better in both speed and distance. Guidance is carried out using the 1A43 complex, which includes automatic sensors for firing conditions, a ballistic computer and a guidance device.
The Type-99 is a modern battle tank developed by China based on a series of third-generation prototypes called the Type 98. It is considered a development of the T-72 concept, the most produced second-generation battle tank created by the Soviet Union. Despite this, for China such a design is considered a breakthrough. In particular, in the Type-99 the weakened area near the hatch was reduced.
The designers strengthened the frontal protection by placing dynamic protection on top of the armor. Other parts were also improved, such as the rear turret niche. Besides the first serial modification, China subsequently created a number of combat systems. For example, Type 99A2 received a new information and control system, dynamic and active protection, as well as complex system motion control.
One Type-99 costs more than twenty-two million dollars. For all its lightness, the tank is armed with three machine guns (two against infantry and one against anti-aircraft guns), as well as a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The Type-99 is inferior to many vehicles in terms of target engagement range, but it does an excellent job of destroying anti-tank missiles.
Another reason why the Type-99 is included in the list of the most powerful tanks is its laser protection system. This unique technology, which is used only on Chinese vehicles, makes it possible to suppress signals from anti-tank missiles and also interfere with the targeting of other tanks.
BM Oplot, which was called Oplot-M before being put into service, is a battle tank created on the territory of Ukraine. The placement of weapons, protection, chassis, crew and other elements is done in a classical manner. Thanks to the presence of an automatic loader, three people can be inside - the commander, the gunner and the driver. Each crew member has his own hatch for disembarkation and landing.
Among its peers, Oplot stands out:
- A system for accounting for the bending of the barrel bore;
- Modified fire control system;
- A panoramic sight that has night and day channels, as well as a laser range meter.
From a protection point of view, the tank boasts new form welded turret, electro-optical active protection “Gate”, as well as large side screens, thanks to which the chassis and hull are better protected from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. Latest models Oplot BMs are in many ways comparable to the T-90. This tank is capable of reaching speeds of up to seventy kilometers per hour.
The AMX-56 Leclerc is a French tank that was created in the late eighties as a replacement for the main battle tank France AMX-30. Leclerc was in serial production from 1992 to 2010. These machines are still in use, not only by France, but also by the United Arab Emirates.
For a long time, the Leclerc was recognized as the most expensive battle tank. He lost this title relatively recently, when they adopted modern cars like Type 10 and K2 Black Panther. As in the case of the Oplot, a classic layout and a crew of three are used. Interestingly, the maximum height of a person to be in Leclerc is 182 cm, and the driver cannot be taller than 176 cm.
The cost of the AMX-56 is eight million dollars. At the same time, the tank is equipped with two machine guns with a magazine for four thousand rounds, as well as a 120-mm muzzle, the ammunition capacity of which is forty rounds. Leclerc is one or two kilometers higher than the speed developed by the Bulwark, and therefore is actively used against moving targets.
The tank, better known as Al-Khalid, was developed jointly by China and Pakistan. This is a second generation combat vehicle, which was put into service in 1997. Designs used during development were Type-96 and Type 90-II. The name Al-Khalid was given to the modification in honor of one of the companions of Muhammad named Khalid ibn al-Walid al-Makhzumi.
The vehicle is equipped with a modern fire control system, which is practically no different from that of the Leclerc. Al-Khalid also boasts a 125 mm smoothbore gun and French thermal imagers. Initially, it was planned to install French engines on the MBT-2000, but due to pressure from India and the United States, it was necessary to use Ukrainian 6TD-2.
Al-Khalid works equally effectively at any time of the day. The weapon is effective against almost all types of equipment, but its presence causes the refusal of one machine gun. In general, the tank combines elements of vehicles from different countries. For example, its chassis corresponds to the Soviet T-72M.
The Challenger 2 is a British battle tank that is also in service with the Omani Army. The year of operation is considered to be 1995, and since then more than 400 Challenger 2 have been produced. According to expectations, the vehicles will be in use until at least 2035.
The tank is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun, which is the successor to the Challenger and Chieftain guns. It is covered with a thermal insulating casing, chrome-plated, and cast L30A1 using the electroslag remelting method. The destruction range is eight kilometers.
Challenger 2 is included in the list of the best tanks in the world due to its reliability and effectiveness against foot soldiers. The main disadvantage of the car is considered to be poor mobility. The tank reaches a speed of no more than 56 kilometers per hour. But the armor can easily withstand about sixty direct hits from an RPG.
T-14 - the most powerful tank in the world
The Russian development based on the universal Armata platform is recognized as the most powerful tank in the world. This tank first saw the light of day in mid-2015, when about twenty vehicles were produced. Full mass production started in 2017. This process was accompanied by the elimination of identified deficiencies.
Artama was the first tank of its kind, which was created with an eye to the concept of Network-centric warfare. It means that the main task T-14 - reconnaissance, artillery fire adjustment and anti-aircraft systems, target designation. For this purpose, the vehicle is equipped with a Doppler AFAR radar, as well as special ultraviolet HD cameras.
Suitability for reconnaissance is due to such design features as low visibility on radars. Moreover, the T-14 is difficult to distinguish even with visual contact. Another feature of Artama is the location of the crew in an armored capsule, and not in a turret. This allows people to survive even in conditions of tank detonation.
At the same time, the probability of detonation of the ammunition is very low, because the designers moved it to another location with excellent protection indicators. In addition, the T-14 is able to withstand hits from anti-tank shells thanks to the active protection of the Afghanit. Malachite armor resists fire from hand grenade launchers. To top it all off, the Armata develops enormous speed and is armed with a 125 mm gun and two machine guns.
Western journalists, like politicians, are haunted by the idea that Russia was able to create tanks that are superior in quality to their Western counterparts. Thus, Forbes magazine, in a rather lengthy article, made a comparison between the main mass-produced tanks of Russia, Germany, the USA, China and France, respectively The following samples were subject to critical evaluation: T-90, Leopard-2, M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams, MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc. To be fair, let's add a British tank to this list. Challenger 2 and compare these six samples to determine the true leader. Let’s reduce the evaluation principle to the simplest: compare the technical characteristics of vehicles, defense systems and weapons, the cost of their production, efficiency combat use, demand on the global arms market, based on the totality of this data, the best machine can be determined. It’s probably also worth adding to this list Israeli Merkava tank.
The Russian “flying” tank T-90 is considered a global bestseller.
Of course, it would be possible to consider other excellent examples of tank construction, such as the Japanese main tank Type-10 or the South Korean main tank K2 Black Panther, but given their relatively low production and the lack of examples of combat use, we will abandon consideration for now these candidates in the ranking for the title of the best tank in the world. There is no point in considering the Russian T14 Armata tank yet, since this model has not yet been adopted for service.
Abrams and T-90
Western media almost in unison praise the virtues American tank M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams, calling it the pinnacle of technical excellence in world tank building, well, let these praises remain on their conscience, let's move on to the facts. First of all, it is worth noting that this tank is an old development (serial production began on February 28, 1980), which has been modernized many times. But overall the car has proven itself well.
It is equipped with a 1,500-horsepower AVCO Lycoming AGT-1500 gas turbine engine; with a combat weight of 64 tons, this vehicle can reach a maximum speed along a prepared path of up to 67 km per hour, over rough terrain up to 30 km/h with a cruising range of 426 km. Specific power – 23.8 hp. per ton. The tank is well protected, the thickness of its frontal armor is 650 mm, in addition to its own composite armor, it is protected by additional panels and has active and dynamic protection.
The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, a global positioning, control and communication system, liquid crystal color displays (which displays all necessary information in digital and graphic forms) high resolution allow the commander to see the picture of the battle. The rangefinder is capable of determining the distance to the target to be hit, up to almost 5 km; the main sight is equipped with a stabilizer.
M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tank
The tank is armed with a 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun (licensed version of the Rheinmetall Rh-120 made in Germany), and one 12.7 mm M2HB and two M240 7.62 mm machine guns. The ammunition load of the 120 mm tank gun, in addition to other ammunition, includes sub-caliber projectile M829A3 with a depleted uranium core, its maximum range effective use is 4.4 thousand m, at a distance of 2 km it penetrates 720 mm armor.
The gun is loaded manually; the tank has a crew of four people. Western experts clearly overpraised this tank. In Iraq, in the current war, jihadists managed to knock out Abrams with , and this is already ridiculous. Poorly armed Yemeni guerrillas, the Houthis, managed to destroy about 20 Abrams tanks.
How can all of the above be answered? Russian main tank T-90, consider its modifications and the T90-AM. The vehicle is equipped with a V-shaped 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel tank engine with turbocharging V-92S2F with a power of 1130 hp. With a combat weight of 48 tons, the tank is capable of speeds of 65–70 km/h on a prepared road and up to 45–50 km/h over rough terrain. The ratio of tank weight to engine power is 24 hp. per ton i.e. better than the M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams. The track pressure per unit surface area of the T-90AM is 10% lower than that of an American tank, and accordingly the cross-country ability of the Russian vehicle is higher.
The tank is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, modern control systems, navigation, internal and external communications, and surveillance. At the disposal of the crew commander is the Kalina control system with an integrated combat information and control system tactical level liquid crystal color display high resolution(all the information necessary for the commander is displayed on it) allows you to monitor the combat situation. Sighting range firing OFZ shells up to 10 km. Guided ammunition allows you to hit targets at a distance of up to 5 km, ATGMs reliably hit the enemy at a distance of up to 3 km.
Russian tank T-90MS
This combat vehicle is superbly protected. The thickness of the composite armor in the frontal part of the hull is 750 mm, the turret is 950 mm. The tank's ammunition is located in a separate module, which significantly increases the survivability of the crew if it is hit by a shell and detonates all of the ammunition. In addition to its own armor, the tank has additional screens, active and dynamic protection systems. The modern modular third-generation dynamic protection system “Relikt” is too tough for the vaunted American projectile with a uranium core M829A3, so the Yankees are urgently looking for a new solution.
The armament of the T90-AM tank is also impressive: a smooth-bore 125 mm 2A46M-5 cannon with automatic loading and a coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, as well as a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft gun UDP T05BV-1. The tank has a crew of three people (no loader). The T-90 has demonstrated exceptional reliability in the current wars in Iraq and Syria.
American vs Russian
Since these tanks have not yet met on the battlefield, let's try to analytically assess the chances of victory for each. Undoubtedly, Abrams tanks have a rich track record and they performed well in the 1991 and 2003 US wars against Iraq. In both cases tank forces Saddam Hussein was also equipped with Soviet combat vehicles of the unmodernized T-55, T-64, T-72. In addition, Iraq at that time did not receive any consumables, spare parts, or ammunition from Russia, and the main factor of unreliability was the Iraqi crews, mainly because of this it was not difficult for the Americans to fight with Saddam Hussein’s tanks with virtually no losses. That is, this combat experience does not mean anything; the Yankees have never met Russian crews or modern Russian tanks in battle.
Moreover, we must take into account that the Abrams fought only in warm climates, on flat, very slightly rugged, flat terrain. Experts believe that in the climatic and relief conditions of Russia, especially in winter time, this “miracle machine” most likely will not be able to fight at all. The Germans already had to admire their tightly stationary vehicles on frosty days in the battle of Moscow in December 1941 - January 1942. Then, the technical parameters of the T-90AM leave no chance for the Abrams tank, both in the M1A2 SEP V2 modification and in the M1A2 SEP V3 modification. And the main victorious force in battle is the Russian soldier, Russian tank crews, who confidently demonstrate high combat skills.
A new Russian one is approaching, which in all respects leaves Abrams far behind. The Pentagon has already sounded the alarm and is firmly raising the question of financing a new tank project with the Senate. Even if they manage to persuade the senators, America will still be at least a corps behind in the tank race. The Pentagon lags behind the Russian military department in operational skills; it is worth noting that the Americans do not have historical combat experience in mass tank battles, or experience in waging “big” wars either.
You can also take into account the fact that these days Abrams tanks in Iraq and Yemen are not performing well. But in this case there are two nuances: firstly, these are old cars, and secondly, they are driven by “armless” Arab crews.
Leopard-2
The German masterpiece of modern tank building Leopard 2 is a good, solid tank, but it’s not worth fighting with heavy weight on the Russian terrain it will be very difficult, except perhaps only along the roads. It seems that, mindful of their stunning defeat on the battlefields of World War II in the East, the Germans do not even dream of considering Russia as a possible theater of operations (theater of operations).
In the current Syrian war, Leopard 2 was used by Turkish troops during Operation Euphrates Shield; admittedly, it did not behave entirely successfully in a combat situation and generally received a negative assessment from experts. Again, a caveat must be made here; Turkish crews fought in Syria on these tanks; perhaps the Germans, under the same conditions, could have rehabilitated their Leopard 2.
In fact, Germany is an unrivaled leader in mechanical engineering. This project may be over 40 years old, but in its modernized form Leopard 2 looks very impressive. The weight of the vehicle in full combat gear reaches almost 70 tons, the armor is multi-component, additional protective screens are used, as well as dynamic protection systems. The tank is equipped with an automatic fire-fighting system. It has a 12-cylinder diesel V-twin engine MTU MB 873 Ka-501 with a power of 1,479 hp. or MTU MT883 with 1,650 hp. Maximum speed of this car on prepared roads 68 km/h, on rough terrain 30 km/h. The maximum range is 320 km. But in Russian off-road conditions, this monster can stand firm, especially in the bitter cold of Russian winters.
The Leopard 2 is armed with a smoothbore 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 cannon (manually loaded) and two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns. Anti-tank shell DM-53 with a warhead in the form tungsten core capable of penetrating 750 mm armor at a distance of 2 km, Israeli-made LAHAT ATGM, included in the standard tank ammunition? hits targets at a range of up to 6 km. Leopard-2 is equipped with the German EMES 15 fire control system, panoramic sight, laser rangefinder, thermal imager and other equipment, including modern navigation and surveillance communication devices. The crew of the car is 4 people. For the Western European theater of operations, the tank is ideal.
Again, this tank clearly should not meet the T90AM on the battlefield; the Leopard has little chance of emerging victorious from this battle, and its vaunted defense is powerless against modern Russian anti-tank weapons.
MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc
Basic Chinese tank The MBT-2000 is rightfully considered a satisfactory example in the comparative table of world tank building. Its technical capabilities, perhaps, should be compared with the T-72B, while the T90AM is inferior in all respects. MBT-2000 although is the most mass tank in the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), but was originally created to capture the global tank market. This example is produced under license by Pakistan under the name Al-Khalid. The vehicle does not yet have a widely known combat history, just as the Chinese army does not have historical experience in conducting massive tank battles. It is unknown how these machines will behave in Siberian frost conditions.
Chinese tank MBT-2000
Currently, new MBT-3000 (VT-4) tanks are entering service with the PLA, however, this model is also aimed at the international market in the future. According to the stated technical characteristics, it is comparable to the T90AM, but one can only guess what this vehicle will be able to demonstrate on the battlefield. There is no complete certainty that the PLA command does not at all consider tanks as an effective force for modern and future wars. Unlike Russian and German tank builders, who produce all the components themselves, the Chinese supply many parts of their combat vehicles from abroad; the main components are purchased in France.
The AMX-56 Leclerc tank is another proof of the ambition of the French. They could well get by, like other countries of continental Western Europe, with the German monsters Leopard 2 or American Abrams. But no, Paris goes its own way in everything, despite the financial costs. This vehicle was mass-produced for 15 years starting in 1992, currently 406 tanks are owned by the French army, and 388 are in service with the UAE military.
The weight of the machine reaches 54.6 tons. Its 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel engine produces 1500 hp. allows the tank to accelerate to 71 km/h on a prepared road and up to 40 km/h on slightly rough terrain and provides a cruising range of 550 km. I’ll note right away that this tank is also Russian conditions I have not tested it and, I dare say, it will not prove itself here, just like other foreign samples.
French tank AMX-56 Leclerc
The AMX-56 is protected by modular-type composite multi-layer armor; the tank is designed so that the sloping frontal armor will meet a 700 mm thick anti-tank projectile in a direct hit. This Leclerc does not have dynamic protection; the French rely on the design of their armor. Communication, control, surveillance and targeting systems are integrated into unified system, the tank is literally crammed with electronics, there is a full set of them, including a central computer, the tank’s control system is integrated into the control system. This car is comfortable for the crew.
The AMX-56 is armed with a CN-120-26 smoothbore gun, which has two stabilizers, and the crew has at its disposal a thermal imager, a rangefinder, a combined gunner's sight and a panoramic commander's sight. The AMX-56 tank's gun is equipped with an automatic loader. The performance characteristics of this gun are comparable to the characteristics of the German Rh 120 smoothbore tank gun; the ammunition of the guns of the Abrams and Leopard tanks is suitable for the French CN-120-26 tank gun. The Leclerc's additional weapons are machine guns: M2HB-QBC 12.7 mm caliber and F1 7.62 mm caliber. The crew of the AMX-56 Leclerc is three people. The tank is not bad, it has proven itself well in combat operations in Yemen, but again it is hardly suitable for a war in the Russian climate and landscape.
Merkava and Challenger 2
The Israeli Merkava tank ten years ago was considered almost one of the best in the world, but now it is rated much more modestly. Despite the fact that the tank is very heavy, its weight reaches 70 tons, the armor of the Merkava, whose thickness is equivalent to 750 mm, is not effective; it will not withstand modern armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles. KAZ Meil Ruach (“Air Cloak”) is used as active protection. In battle, these vehicles do not perform at their best; this is also due to the poor training of Israeli tank crews, but this is mainly due to the technical shortcomings of the tanks themselves. It is known that Russian ATGM"Cornet" terrifies Israeli tank crews.
Israeli tank "Merkava-4"
"Merkava" is produced according to the principle from the world one by one: 28% of components are foreign-made. The Merkava-4 modification has a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, which allows it to accelerate to 60 km/h on a prepared highway, up to 30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of up to 500 km. The tank is armed with a 120 mm MG253 smoothbore cannon and two 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns, some models are armed with a 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun and a mortar.
The crew of the car is 4 people. The tank's ammunition includes the LAHAT ATGM. The fire control system practically copies that of the Abrams tank; the gunner has a sight with a thermal imager and automatic target tracking at his disposal, the commander has a panoramic sight with the same functions, in addition there are backup optical and IR sights.
Tank Challenger 2
The British Challenger 2 tank has long and reliably earned itself a bad reputation. But still, according to Western experts, it remains one of the best armored vehicles in the world. The vehicle is heavy, its combat weight is 62.5 tons. The armor is combined against projectiles and has dynamic protection. Digital system The fire control system includes a 32-bit processor and a Mil Std 1553 data bus. The combined stabilized gunner's sight was developed by Barr and Strood in cooperation with the French SAGEM, and the NANOQUEST L30 telescopic sight is also used. The commander has a stabilized panoramic periscope sight SFIM thermal imager TOGS-2.
The weapon control system is built around the on-board computer of the Canadian company CDC, which is a modernized computer of the M1A1 Abrams tank. The vehicle is equipped with a 12-cylinder V-shaped turbocharged diesel engine with a power of 1200 hp, has a speed of 56 km/h on a prepared highway, 25–30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of 400 km. 120 mm rifled gun L30E4 (L11A5); two 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank crew is 4 people. A total of 400 Challenger 2 tanks were produced. Even during the 1991 Iraq War, these tanks showed their unreliability in battle.
World tank market
Many military experts believe that tanks will retire from combat use in the near future and will be destroyed precision weapons, modern and promising PTS, just as in their time machine guns and the tanks themselves destroyed the cavalry. However, not one army in the world is yet to write off tanks. On the contrary, the sale of tanks on the world arms market turns out to be profitable for some countries.
According to Forbes magazine, the undisputed commercial leader of the first two decades of the 21st century is the Russian T-90MS tank, which, by the way, occupies an important niche in Russian arms exports.
Now the manufacturer of these tanks has two new contracts for supplies abroad: the first batch of 73 vehicles will be received by Iraq, and another 64 units of this type of equipment will be put into service by Vietnam. In the near future, it is planned to sign a contract for the supply of 146 T-90MS tanks to Kuwait, as well as to establish assembly production in Egypt. In total, taking into account the supply of ammunition, consumables, spare parts and other things, sales will bring Russian tank builders at least $400–500 million in income. In total, more than 2,100 T-90 tanks of various modifications were produced, of which more than 1,500 were exported. Under existing contracts, more than 1 thousand new tanks will be sold abroad in the coming years. The order portfolio is expected to increase to 1,600 tanks or more.
Now the T-90 is in service with the armies of 38 different countries, this is the best sales result in the world. Not only does this tank have a low cost, and therefore a final price (118 million rubles), but in almost all respects it outperforms its competitors in terms of quality.
The German tank Leopard 2 is considered by many to be the best in the world, but as we see, this statement is far from the truth. This machine was supplied to 21 countries of the world, mainly to the North and Western Europe, as well as to Turkey. The latter used them very unsuccessfully in Syria during Operation Euphrates Shield.
Leopard 2A6 costs $6.79 million, and Leopard 2 A7+ more than $10 million. In total, more than 3,200 Leopard 2 of various modifications were produced, of which 300 units are in service with the Bundeswehr, the rest went abroad. The production of this tank has been stopped and its export too. In the sales list, the Chinese MBT-2000 main tank claims second place in the world ranking. At a cost of $4.7 million per unit, China sold its cars to Morocco (150 units), Myanmar (150 units), Sri Lanka (22 units), and Bangladesh (44 units). 415 tanks were delivered to Pakistan and an assembly plant was built there, where the same tank is produced under the name Al-Khalid.
The cost of one M1A2 SEP Abarms is also very high: it varies, but generally amounts to approximately $8.6 million, so buyers are not eager to purchase new tank in full technical package. Older models, which are simpler in equipment, are exported; they are taken from storage and subjected to major renovation, mainly the engines, gun and fire control system need to be replaced. For example, Egypt purchased more than 1,200 M1A1 Abrams tanks. This tank is in service with the armies of six countries (except the USA). In total, the American military industry sold 2,217 M1 tanks abroad, of which about 750 were in the improved M1A2 configuration. This tank has no prospects for developing the world market. In addition, only 12 cars of this type are currently produced in the United States per year.
France began mass production of the AMX-56 Leclerc in 1990. Since then, the French army received 406 tanks, but only 388 vehicles were exported; the same British Challenger 2 tanks, costing $8.6 million per unit, were sold abroad only 38 units. As for the Leclerc tanks, the only buyer of the miracle of French tank building was the United Arab Emirates. Cost of one French tank considerable – 9.3 million euros. The Merkava is valued by the manufacturer at $6 million, but everything is simpler here; due to its technical shortcomings, no one except Singapore wants to buy this tank; the latter signed a contract for only 50 vehicles.
Only a few countries in the world produce their own tanks. These include Russia, the USA, Germany, Israel, France, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and China. The defense industry of some countries is trying to improve the design of their own armored vehicles based on samples purchased abroad, without making significant changes.
Weapons are manufactured not only for defense needs, but also for export, while, according to all the laws of the market, competitive fight. The best tanks in the world compete in demonstration runs and firing during international exhibitions, their advantages and disadvantages are assessed by experts. The most complete is possible during military conflicts, but such an assessment is subjective, since the success of combat operations significantly depends on the training of the crews, the tactical advantages of the terrain and many other factors that level out the quality indicators of armored vehicles.
All the best tanks in the world have a number of common features that determine the general line of modern design solutions. The most important parameters are weapon characteristics, survivability, speed, maneuverability and ergonomics.
The main weapon at the moment is the turret gun; its caliber has grown from 120 to 140 mm in the last two decades. In addition, the best tanks in the world can use their barrels to fire not only shells, but also guided missiles.
Vitality, that is, the ability to withstand modern means damage is determined by the properties of the armor. To create modern protection, it is not enough to simply increase its thickness; its structure is important, as well as the presence of reactive layers capable of dissipating cumulative impacts. Important indicators include the created conditions that allow the crew to quickly leave the vehicle in the event of its defeat.
Speed and maneuverability are determined by driving performance and power of the power plant. The best tanks in the world are currently equipped with diesel engines. A promising direction of engine development is gas turbines.
Rationalization of all crew movements and maximum automation give the combat unit an advantage in time, which can be a decisive factor in victory. Great attention is paid to the ergonomics of military equipment.
Based on all the criteria, most foreign experts believe that the German Leopard-2A5 is the best tank in the world in 2013. Its main advantage is the ability to modify previously produced machines to the level latest model, installing new guidance devices and an engine.
The American one is equipped with a turbine, which, despite its obvious advantages, has shown its vulnerability in conditions of sand and dust storms. Engines too often have to be shipped from conflict zones to the United States for repairs. In all other respects, the tank is not inferior to the Leopard.
Third, fourth and fifth places, according to foreign military observers, went to the Japanese Type-90, the French Leclerc and the English Challenger 2. All three cars differ little from each other and from the Leopard; they were built in the “mainstream” design thought of the 1990s, abundantly equipped with electronics and electric drives.
A very cautious approach was taken in assessing the combat qualities of the Russian “Black Eagle”. Data about it is published sparingly, but just in case, it was given sixth place in the world tank rating. Its predecessor (T-80) was often criticized, but significant changes were made, and, apparently, they concerned precisely the identified shortcomings.
The same considerations dictated the assignment of seventh place to the Russian T-90. Dynametic armor system "Kontakt-5", electronic protection "Shtora-1", a cannon capable of firing laser-guided projectiles - everything could suggest that this is the best modern tank in the world, but was let down by a level of comfort that was insufficient by Western standards. The same claims apply to the Ukrainian T-84.
The South Korean Type-88 is similar to the Japanese Type-90. Why he is in eighth place is unclear. Apparently, the lack of experience of the tank builders of the “Land of Morning Freshness” is taking its toll.
The Russian T-72 is in honorable ninth place. Many countries are willing to buy its export modifications; it is good, reliable, and inexpensive. Perhaps, in some characteristics it is inferior to the Leopards and Abrams, but it is quite suitable for performing the usual tasks assigned to tanks.
The Israeli Merkava III tank should not have been included in this rating at all. This machine is very specific; it was created for the conditions of the Middle East. The tank has powerful weapons, reliable protection, and is adapted for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield, but it is slow-moving. That's right, Israel is a small country, and long-range offensives are not expected, the main thing is to defend its own.
Chinese cars were not included in the top ten.
The Russians and Ukrainians did not get any prizes. Little is known about our tanks, but we are still respected and considered one of the best.