More than a hundred years ago, tanks first appeared on the battlefield. And the entire twentieth century, these combat vehicles determined the outcome of major military conflicts. The strongest was considered the one who had the tanks had better armor protection, a more powerful weapon and who had more. Despite the large number of anti-tank weapons that exist 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 which is the best tank in the world. States annually invest tens of millions of dollars to develop new combat vehicles and modernize old models. The most "advanced" tank-building countries are the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Russia, China, Israel and Ukraine. They can produce tanks in series, have serious tank-building schools with a long tradition. In recent decades, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Poland, both Korea and Japan are eager to join this "club of the elect".
The question of which is the best tank is not too correct: it is very difficult to compare the cars that have never been encountered in a real battle between them. And one fight will not be able to dot the i in this issue. The outcome of the fight depends not only on the tactical and technical characteristics of the combat vehicles, but also on the crew’s skills, the specific theater of the fighting, and on countless other factors (luck, in the end). We should not forget that tanks do not fight alone - this is part of a complex army mechanism, working in close cooperation with infantry, artillery and aircraft. So a simple comparison of TTX machines makes it impossible to seriously talk about the advantages of a tank.
We will try to conduct a comparative analysis of the most famous and modern tanks, and present you the top 10 strongest armored vehicles in the world. Some of the tanks in service with the strongest armies in the world were developed several decades ago (the American Abrams, the Israeli Merkava, and the German Leopard), after which several stages of modernization were carried out. In our rating, we will consider only the most recent (most advanced) modifications of machines. The main criteria for the award of a place will be three indicators: the protection of the combat vehicle, its firepower and mobility of the tank. So, our top: 10 best tanks of our time.
10. Arjun Mk.I (India)
Our top 10 Indian combat vehicle opens, which was put into service in 2011. This tank can be called the first independent development of Indian tank builders, although it took Indian engineers and engineers more than thirty-five years to create it. The Arjun has a mass of 58.5 tons, its crew consists of four people, a 120-mm rifled gun is mounted on the tank, from which it is possible to launch guided missiles. The rate of guns is 6-8 shots per minute.
The tank is equipped with an engine with a capacity of 1400 liters. with. (power density - 23.9), which allows the car to reach a speed of 75 km / h on the highway.
"Arjun" Mk.I got to our top, however he is on his lowest 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 - this is the latest modification of the Chinese fighting vehicle, but to call this tank completely independent development can be a stretch. The machine was created on the basis of the Soviet T-72 tank, although it has a large number of differences from it. This combat vehicle was put into service in 2011, it weighs 58 tons, the crew consists of three people, the tank is armed with a 125-mm smooth-bore gun with a rate of fire of 7 rounds per minute. The 1500-horsepower engine (power density 25.9) allows this fighting vehicle to accelerate on a 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 dynamic protection of the latest generation. In addition, the Type 99A2 has a laser complex that can literally blind the enemy.
8. AMX-56 Leclerk
In eighth place is the top 10 French tank, commissioned in 1992. At the time of its creation, this combat vehicle was considered the most modern and high-tech, but since then more than twenty years have passed. AMX-56 Leclerk removed from mass production. You can also add that this French tank is one of the most expensive in the world (about 6 million euros).
The last series of this combat vehicle had a mass of 57.4 tons, the tank is armed with a 120-mm smooth-bore gun, its engine has a capacity of 1500 liters. with. Leclerk has an automatic loader, which is not typical of the Western tank school. This element reduced the crew to three people and strengthened the booking without increasing the mass of the car. The design of the automatic loader differs from the counterparts used in Soviet (Russian and Ukrainian) tanks. It is located in the aft of the insulated part of the tower, which is equipped with expelling panels. Such an engineering solution can be safely attributed to 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 machine is 62.5 tons, it is armed with a 120-mm rifled gun, the crew of the tank is four people.
Experts believe the main advantage of the Challenger 2 is its armor protection, which provides high safety for the crew. Also installed on the machine dynamic protection. The engine (power 1200 hp.) Provides a maximum speed of 56 km / h.
"Challenger 2" has a 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 real combat experience gained, a deep modernization of the tank was carried out: the machines received a new cannon, engine and transmission. The fire control system has also been replaced.
6. K2 "Black Panther"
This is a South Korean tank, which was adopted in 2018. It is considered the first tank, which was developed by South Korean engineers. The car turned out to be very advanced, but very expensive: the cost of one "Black Panther" is estimated at 8.5 million dollars.
The mass of the tank is 55 tons, the crew consists of three people. The K2 is armed with a 120-mm smooth-bore cannon, 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, which is similar in design to that of the French Lecler. Automatic loading allows the tank to fire at a speed of 15 rounds per minute. In addition, MBT K2 is equipped with an active defense system capable of shooting down enemy shells and guided missiles.
The K2 electronic stuffing is also quite perfect: all the tank’s electronic systems are combined into one network (TIUS), and the combat information and control system allows you to control a tactical tank unit in an automated mode, exchange information in real time between tanks and other types of military equipment, and also control points.
5. BM "Oplot"
BM "Oplot" - Ukrainian OBS, developed by Kharkov tank builders, based on the Soviet MBT T-80U. The tank's mass is 51 tons, it is armed with a 125-mm smooth-bore cannon KBAZ, from which you can fire Kombat guided missiles.
The crew of the combat vehicle is three people, engine power - 1200 l. with. (power density - 24.7), which will allow the tank to accelerate on the highway to a speed of 70 km / h. We should also mention the high level of security of the machine. In addition to multi-layered armor protection, the car has the latest dynamic protection "Doublet". Also BM "Oplot" can be equipped with a complex of active protection "Barrier", which is able to effectively fight against enemy shells and anti-tank guided missiles. The tank is equipped with a VEBE "Varta", which detects the irradiation of a car with a laser beam and creates a smoke screen.
4. T-90AM (Russia)
T-90AM. This Russian tank is a deep modernization of the Soviet T-72 MBT. The first modifications of the T-90 appeared in the early 90s. The mass of the vehicle is 46.5 tons, the crew is three people, the AM version is equipped with a 125-mm smooth-bore gun 2A46M-5, which can fire guided missiles. The tank is equipped with a V-92S2F engine with a capacity of 1,130 liters. with.
It should be noted that the T-90 of various modifications is the most sold main battle tank in the international arms market. Most experts believe that this machine has the best value for money.
3. Abrams M1A2 SEP
Abrams M1A2 SEP. This is one of the most recognizable tanks in the world. Abrams was put into mass production in 1980 and since then has been the main tank of the US military. In addition, it is exported. Over the years of operation, this combat vehicle has experienced many upgrades, the M1A2 SEP modification is one of the most recent and most advanced. Tank "Abrams" took part in several serious armed conflicts and showed himself from the best side.
The tank has a mass of 63 tons, the crew is four people, it is armed with a smooth-bore 120-mm cannon. On the "Abrams" installed gas turbine engine AGT-1500 with a maximum power of 1500 liters. pp., which allows it to accelerate to 66.8 km / h on the highway.
Abrams M1A2 SEP has an excellent level of security, consisting of multi-layer combined armor and dynamic protection. Added to this is a special system that blinds infrared guided munitions. Ammunition of the tank is in the armored niche with expelling panels, which significantly increases the chances of the crew during its detonation.
The tank is equipped with one of the most advanced fire control systems, aiming and observation systems deserve the highest praise.
Another strength of the tank is its ammunition: armor-piercing sabots and ammunition with a programmable fuse.
2. "Leopard 2A7" (Germany)
"Leopard 2A7". The seventh modification of the famous German tank "Leopard 2", presented to the general public in 2010, ranked second in the top 10. This tank has a mass of about 70 tons, the crew is four people and is armed with one of the best tank guns in the world - the Rh-120 company Rheinmetall. It is equipped with a diesel engine MB 873 Ka-501 with a capacity of 1500 liters. s., which provides a maximum speed on the highway about 70 km / h. Despite the heavy weight, the power plant of the tank provides him with excellent maneuverability.
Of particular note is the serious security of this machine: the modification 2A7 used the latest dynamic protection from guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and shells. Significantly enhanced mine protection.
In the "Leopard 2A7" technology is used "digital tower", it has a perfect SLA and equipment that ensures the effective operation of the tank as part of a tactical unit.
Another highlight of the 2A7 is the newest piercing shells (BOPS), with a core made of tungsten alloy, which can hit any modern tanks. There is also a programmable high-explosive shot in the ammunition.
1. T-14 Armata (Russia)
T-14 Armata. This fighting machine led our top 10, one might say, in advance. The machine is still experimental, that is, it is not yet in service with the Russian army. Information about it is incomplete and rather contradictory. It was first demonstrated to the general public in 2018.
The creators position it as a tank of a new generation. The tank's mass is 55 tons, the crew is three people, a 125-mm gun will be installed on it.
This combat vehicle has several differences in its layout: the tank tower is uninhabited, and the crew is in its front part, in a special armored capsule. The tank will be equipped with a phased-array radar (as on the last fighters) and a large number of video cameras that will provide all-round visibility to the crew.
From the protection of "Almaty" should mention KAZ "Afghan", which, according to the developers, will be able to shoot down even modern BOPSy. To it is still worth adding the latest dynamic protection complex "Malachite" and the system of mine protection.
Among the minuses of the car, experts already call the automatic loader with a piece of ammunition, which is located in the fighting compartment. This is typical of the Soviet layout, which leads to the detonation of the ammunition when it enters the fighting compartment of a cumulative or sub-caliber projectile.
Developers call 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 hostilities.
