Hello Aspirant, this time, we take a look at one of the most important toll of war, the battle tanks. In any war, the armoured core plays very vital role in adding a power packed punch to the enemy. The usage of tanks in the war dates back to the first world war when there was an urgent need of something that can kill the trench warfare method, thus came the invention of an armoured vehicle that can move and kill, the tank. Over the years, there has been a lot of changes in the design and lethality of these machines. We take a look at some of the most dreaded battle tanks of the world.
1.M1A2 Abrams
ORIGIN : United states of America
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm smoothbore gun, 42 rounds
SPEED :67 km/hr
CREW: 4
The 3rd generation battle tank of the American is the most battle proven tank in the world. The tank is known to be a complete package of speed,agility and armour. The tank proved very efficient in the Iraq and afghan war. Unlike other tanks the tank is almost silent but is one of the heaviest of all.
2. CHALLENGER II
ORIGIN: United Kindom
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm rifled gun, 49 rounds
SPEED: 59 km/hr
CREW : 4
The tank is an upgraded version of challenger I and is considered to be the best-protected tank in the world. The crew is so well protected by the design that even the hull turret movement is made through solid state electric drive and not hydraulic. The tank is also one of the most armoured tanks in the world.
3. MERKAVA
ORIGIN: Israel
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm smoothbore
SPEED: 64km/hr
CREW: 4
Merkava is another mean machine that was battle tested for its capabilities. It was extensively used in the Lebanon war. The Merkava was designed keeping in mind that it should be cost effective and durable at the same time. The turret is more close to the rear than front thus allowing more space, which in return can be used for medical aid, forward command post etc. Another important aspect is the use of LAHAT ( laser homing attack missile ) missile which makes the tank more potent.
4. T-90
ORIGIN: Russia
MAIN ARMAMENT: 125mm smoothbore, 43 rounds
SPEED: 60km/hr
CREW : 3
The Russian machines are known for their durability, T-90 stand by this thoroughly. The tanks are used worldwide in different countries in different terrain and has performed well in all scenarios. The machine has only 3 crew ie commander, driver, gunner as it has an automatic loading mechanism. It also has a 3 tier protection layer of aluminium and plastic. The tank also has the most elite ATGM ( anti-tank guided missile) jamming system in the world.
5. LEOPARD 2A5
ORIGIN: Germany
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm smoothbore, 42 rounds
SPEED: 72 km/hr
CREW: 4
The german tank is considered as the fastest in the world and is known for its agility in action. The hit ratio of the tank over a moving target is high when compared to other tanks of the world. The tank has a laser range finder and more stabilised coaxial machine gun. The design of the tank is unique, with the lower part of the hull bent by 45 degrees for protection against mines. The turret rotation time is 9 sec and is electric.
6. K2 Black Panther
ORIGIN: South Korea
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm smoothbore, 40 rounds
SPEED: 70 km/hr
CREW : 3
The Korean machine is very new into the tank world but is one of the best in the world in terms of suspension and agility. The new suspension system called the in-arm suspension unit lets crew control every inch of the boggies thus making it move easy, the tank can ‘sit’ maintain a low-profile, ‘stand’ manoeuvrability, ‘lean’ for a corner.angular shot. In defence, the tank has missile warning system and infrared/smoke screening system. The tank has Korean smart-attack munition, which helps it to penetrate more than usual having a range of 2-8 km.
7. ARJUN Mk2 MBT
ORIGIN : INDIA
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm rifled gun
SPEED: 67 km/hr
CREW: 4
The indigenously made tank is an improved version of Arjun Mk1.In performance, it is on par with the T-90, Challenger and M1 abrams. The accuracy of the tank is its vital strength. As many as 13 improvements were made from Mk1. Though said to be overweight the tank performed well in the terrain that it has a possibility of deployment. The tank is said to have outgunned the T-90 in the deserts of Rajasthan owing to its suspension superiority. The tank also has LAHAT missile from Israel which enhances its attack capability.
8. TYPE 99
ORIGIN: China
MAIN ARMAMENT: 125mm smoothbore
SPEED: 80 km/hr
CREW: 3
Type 99 the frontline of Chinese armoured corps, is a 3rd generation tank. The tank has an automatic loader and a centre position driver. The automatic loader has a high rate of fire ie 8 rounds per minute. The armour of the tank is similar to that of the T-90. The tank has a very good defence mechanism with the help of a laser warning receiver and laser self-defence system. It can find out enemy laser range finder and can blind the gunner if within 5km.
9. Al KHALID
ORIGIN: Pakistan
MAIN ARMAMENT: 125mm smoothbore, 39 rounds
SPEED: 72 km/hr
CREW: 3
The Al-Khalid is a joint product of china and Pakistan. The design of the tank is based on TYPE 90- II of china. Like the Chinese machine, it can fire anti-tank guided missile from its main gun making it a unique feature for the tank. The tank is relatively small in size and has only 3 members with an automatic loading system. It has a composite and explosive reactive model with hardened steel, all rolled into one. In addition, it also has laser threat sensor which detects laser and gives the crew audio and visual of any laser shot at it.
10. TYPE- 10
ORIGIN: JAPAN
MAIN ARMAMENT: 120mm smoothbore
SPEED: 70 km/hr
CREW: 3
The tank is 4th generation in comparison with the tanks in the japan force. Th design of the tank is such that it gives the commander a better panoramic view and is better armoured than the T-90. The suspension of the tank is also improvised such that it accepts maximum recoil while firing. The tank can reverse and move forward at maximum 70 km/hr which is very unique. The tank also has improved networking such that its well coordinated wth the regiment and infantry.
The tanks are ideally mean machines which are a nightmare of enemy forces. Many battles of the world have been decided because of superior usage of tanks. With the growing changes, the improvisation is so rapid in this field. T-14 armata, the Russian tank the latest in the area and is regarded to the best of all till date. This has opened up yet another new league of tanks which can crop up in the coming years and can change the way of warfare. India is right now relying on the T-90 and the T-72 tanks as the Arjun tanks are grounded due to technical issues. The Arjun mk2 will be a game changer and will be in the elite league. In addition to this, the army has also launched FRCV ( future ready combat vehicle) RFI, which means either India can get the T-14 or maybe even more advanced tank too.
we(Indian army) also have T-90 (BHISHMA)
also good to see ARJUN in list.