Tanks have been a game changer for many armies across the world in all battles.
They have been able to provide more safety for the crew due to their excellent technical
advancement, as seen by their fully armored body, which protects against missiles, bullets,
shrapnel, and explosions.
They are also capable of carrying a variety of modern armament systems, such as turreted
large-caliber cannons, machine guns, anti-tank guided missiles, and even rockets.
Each tank competes for outstanding firepower, mobility, and strength.
These features, however, no longer determine which tanks are currently the most advanced
in the world.
Today, the most modern tanks are distinguished by their artificial intelligence or AI and
remote operational capacity.
So here are the top ten best tanks on the market right now.
1.
German KF51 Panther The KF51 Panther is outfitted with cutting-edge
sensor-to-shooter connection technology.
The KF51 drone-integration technology enables the use of several remote-controlled weapon
systems, including the HERO 120 loitering munition drone.
The tank’s conceptual design also has potential to collaborate with drone "wingmen".
As a result, the German KF51 Panther is most likely the most advanced in its category.
It is also the first MBT to employ an the exceptional integrated survivability concept
that integrates on- and off-platform sensors with active, reactive, and passive protection,
as well as a specific Top Assault Protection System.
Besides that, thermal imaging, FLIR, and 360-degree sensor system are featured on the KF51 with
SEOSS panoramic sight technology working both day and night.
Most importantly, these systems are built or updated as part of a larger network.
This means that thermal images of enemy forces captured by the KF51’s drones, data from
360-degree panoramic sensors, FLIR sensors, satellites, and even information from the
nearest command post can all be accessed via the tank’s network link and, in the near
future, integrated to AI data analysis technology to help inform tank operations.
2.
American M1A1 Abrams The key characteristic that distinguishes
this tank from other M1 models is its armor-resistant shell.
However, the M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 3 or SEPv3 featuring an AI competence
that makes it one of the most sophisticated tanks and displays various strategic approaches
among today’s top tanks.
The M1A2 SEPv3 hosts Ammunition Data Link technology, which enables the newest Advanced
Multi-Purpose cartridge to be pre-programmed to several modes before firing.
When AI technology is integrated into these systems, it will evaluate a target against
millions of data points while simultaneously evaluating sensor data, environmental conditions,
and mission criteria in order to relay the correct ammunition and firing specifications
to the tank’s automated fire control system in real-time.
Moreover, M1A2 SEPv3 is equipped with Blue Force Tracker technology and will most likely
soon embrace drone operation technologies as part of the Abrams tank’s development
strategy of adapting and improving.
According to a report, the US Army has tested drone launches from the M1A2 turret as well
as the usage of smaller unmanned armored vehicles that may possibly be operated as scouting
or first engagement vehicles by the tank’s crew.
Similar to German KF51, the American M1A2 SEPv3 are also built to connect with sensors
both on and off the platform.
3.
Russian T-14 Armata The T-14 Armata, a Russian-built main battle
tank, made its debut at the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade preparations and has since been
a regular feature of this event.
The T-14 was tested at the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motor Rifle Division in 2020.
This tank features unmanned turret capabilities and autoloader cannon.
It is intended to operate autonomously as an unmanned vehicle.
Its conceptual design appears to be that of stand-alone, self-contained network platform.
4.
Korean K2 Black Panther The fourth most advanced tank, K2 Black Panther,
based on its name and characteristics, is a tank that will cause enemy shaking in horror.
It is built with innovations in hydropneumatics suspension and amphibious technology.
The K2 Black Panther’s design allows each boogie wheel to be moved individually, allowing
the tank to “sit”, “stand”, “lean”, or “kneel” in any direction.
This sort of ability is necessary for traversing uneven terrain or avoiding obstacles such
as anti-tank trenches, as well as changing the tank’s profile during a firefight.
Furthermore, the K2 Black Panther can cross bodies of water as high as 4.1 meters, or
nearly twice its height.
New armor technology allows the turret to entirely seal while also allowing the tank
to hold up to 500 gallons of water to ensure that it remains planted on the ground underwater.
5.
Chinese T-99 The T-99 is equipped with a Laser Defense
Weapon.
It employs a high-powered laser to disrupt missile laser or infrared guidance signals,
destroy hostile observation optics, and impair enemy gunner’s vision.
This active laser defense system is also effective against helicopters.
There is also a laser communication device, which is a unique feature for main combat
tanks.
It is installed beneath the commander’s hatch and is used for line-of-sight data transmission.
It is capable of sending encrypted text, data, as well as voice communications, and is also
utilized to determine whether a person is a friend or foe.
6.
German Leopard 2A7 The Leopard 2 is one of the most widely deployed
main battle tanks in the world.
It is now used by the German army as well as a number of other European and non-European
armies worldwide, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, and Singapore.
At Eurosatory 2022, the Leopard 2A7 was displayed with a modernisation package that included
several new enhancements in mobility, firepower, and protection.
The tank has SOTAS-IP intercommunication system along with infantry phone box, a fire suppression
system in the turret fighting compartment, a PERI R17A3 commander’s panoramic sight
with third-generation thermal-imaging system, and UltraCaps in the turret and hull to enhance
onboard electrical system.
Moreover, on February 22, 2021, Germany signed an agreement with Israel to acquire the Trophy
active protection system for the Leopard 2A7.
7.
French Leclerc XL The Leclerc XL tanks are designed with ICONE
TIS battle management system with digital communication system, that can accommodate
data from other tanks and higher levels of command.
The Leclerc XL tank also includes infrared decoy technology and an anti-IED equipment
which disrupts cellular connections in its surrounding.
On the other hand, Leclerc XLR, the latest Leclerc tank upgrade of the SCORPION program,
features new tactical interfaces, armor packages, RWS turret, and various extra sensors and
grenade launchers.
With an open electronic system, the new Contact tactical radio system, NBC protection equipment,
and the SCORPION Information and Command System and related displays are included.
8.
British Challenger 2 The Challenger 2 is a modern British battle
tank, currently deployed by the Oman Royal Army as their main battle tank.
Since its inception, many improvements have aimed to increase the Challenger 2’s defense,
mobility, lethality, and the most recently: the Life Extension Programme or LEP.
The British Army announced plans in March 2021 to modify 148 units of Challenger 2 under
LEP in order to extend their service life until at least 2035.
These improved variants will be named as Challenger 3.
The Challenger 3 will be a network-enabled, digital main battle tank with cutting-edge
lethality, enhanced survivability, and world-class surveillance as well as target collection
capabilities.
With the redesigned physical, electronic, and electrical architecture, this MBT has
substantial expansion potential in all important capability areas.
9.
Israeli Merkava V The Merkava V is famous for its specialization
in personnel safety.
It uses the same passive defensive technologies, but it also has iron balls on chains attached
to the turret that are meant to trigger early grenade detonation.
In order to reduce interruptions to the passive armor system, the Merkava V also has an all-electric
turret and a single commander’s hatch.
The tank also has a rear escape hatch, which enables for the clandestine evacuation or
rescue of external personnel.
10.
Japanese Type-90 Type 90 was developed with a computerized
firing control system.
It was one of the world’s most advanced fire control systems at the time.
It provides a high first-round hip probability as well as accurate mobile shooting.
It also possesses hunter-killer engagement capabilities, which allow for quick many multiple
targets engagement.
This feature was novel when this tank was released.
To find targets, the commander employs an independent panoramic sight.
When a target is selected, the cannon is automatically placed on the target, and the gunner completes
the whole aiming and firing procedure.
The Type 90’s fire control system is said to be more sophisticated than that of the
French Leclerc, German Leopard 2A5, and American M1A2 Abrams.
That’s all for today.
Thank you for watching and see you next time.