Since their first appearance during World War I, tanks have come a long way in improving and increasing their combat power. They have become an integral part of land wars, largely deciding their outcome. And the experts of Military Watch Magazine have taken on a difficult mission - to choose the best tanks in the world.
This list does not include tanks that are still in development, prototype stage, or models that will never reach mass production. The only exception is the Russian design called "Armata", which was produced in small quantities for testing and evaluation.
5. K2 Black Panther, South Korea
In 2014, the South Korean government and Hyundai Rotem signed a $820 million contract for the delivery of the first hundred K2 Black Panther tanks. In total, the South Korean army is expected to receive about 600 Black Panther tanks, according to experts.
It is one of three fourth-generation battle tanks (the other two are the Russian T-14 Armata and the Japanese Type 10, which are also among the most powerful tanks in the world).
The K2 Black Panther's primary weapon is a 120mm smoothbore cannon, which can be equipped with an automatic ammunition loader. Secondary armament includes 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns.
With a maximum speed of 70 km/h and a range of 450 km, the K2 tank is highly mobile on the battlefield. It has an advanced fire control system and can detect, track and automatically fire not only at ground targets but also at low-flying helicopters without the need for any action from the operator.
4. T-14 Armata, Russia
The first prototype of this tank, assembled at Uralvagonzavod, was first presented to the public during the military parade in Moscow on Victory Day on May 9, 2015.
The tank's full specifications are classified, but the Armata is considered one of the most protected tanks in the world and can withstand any anti-tank weapon currently in existence. It has an unmanned turret, and all three crew members sit side by side in an armored capsule located at the front of the hull and separated from the ammunition. The Armata will remain combat-ready even if its armor is penetrated, but the crew's armored capsule is not damaged.
The Armata has a top speed of 90 km/h and is armed with a new 125 mm smoothbore gun (upgradable to a 152 mm gun). It is also equipped with anti-tank guided missiles, air-launched missiles, RPGs and artillery armor-piercing sub-caliber rounds. The result is an ideal hunter-killer, almost invulnerable and barely noticeable in thermal and radar observation spectrums.
However, according to unofficial data, the fall in oil prices may have a negative impact on plans for serial production of Armata tanks. This was reported by military expert Alex Hollings, cited by Rambler News.
3. T-90M "Proryv", Russia
The third place in the top 5 best tanks in the world for 2020 is occupied by another Russian development. It borrowed many of the capabilities of its heavier counterpart T-14 Armata (for example, the active protection "Afganit"), while being cheaper and easier to produce.
The T-90M is the next step in the development of the Russian T-90 combat tank. The upgrade affected all characteristics of the base variant to increase its operational capabilities and make it more effective against modern threats on the battlefield.
The weight of the T-90M Proryv has increased by 1,500 kg compared to the base T-90 model, reaching 48 tons, but it is still significantly lighter than the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank and the American M1A2 Abrams.
The Proryv is equipped with the Kalina automated fire control system and a 125 mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun. The combat vehicle is protected from enemy fire by anti-cumulative lattice screens paired with the Relikt dynamic protection system.
2. Type 99A, China
The ZTZ99A, also known as the Type 99A, is manufactured by China Northern Industries Group Corporation. It is the most advanced main battle tank in service with the Chinese military.
It was introduced into service in late 2001 to replace its predecessor, the ZTZ99, and features improved firepower, greater mobility and improved protection.
Among the outstanding features of the Chinese tank are an active laser countermeasure system against enemy ATGMs (including those installed on helicopters) and a 125 mm cannon with an automatic loader (modernized analogues of the Soviet T-72).
1. Type 10, Japan
An advanced fourth-generation tank produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Defense Forces. The Type 10 was developed by the Japanese Defense Research Institute in 2002 to replace the older Type 74 tank, which had been in service since 1991.
The tank's main armament consists of a 120 mm cannon, and its protection has been improved from all angles. This combat vehicle is protected from RPG fire even in the side projections. Thanks to the modular design of the armor, damaged modules can be replaced in the field. It is also possible to hang additional protection modules, which can make the tank 48 tons heavier.
Military Watch Magazine Honorable Mention: Merkava IV "Windbreaker", Israel
The latest Merkava modification is equipped with the Trophy active protection system, and is still considered one of the best protected tanks in the world. Trophy successfully intercepts grenade launchers and anti-tank missiles, including the Kornet thermobaric ATGM.
The excellent survivability of the Israeli Merkava tank is demonstrated by the fact that not a single one was lost in combat in 2008 and 2014.
The Merkava IV Windbreaker moves at a maximum speed of 64 km/h and is always ready to "treat" the enemy with a shell from its powerful 120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun. It is capable of firing shaped-charge projectiles, as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
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