When asked which country owns the most powerful tanks, many will immediately mention Russia, followed by Germany and the USA. Those with deeper knowledge of military technology might also mention Israel. Let’s take a look at the 5 best fourth-generation main battle tanks currently worldwide:
Altay AHT Battle Tank, Turkey
In 2007, Turkey’s Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Otokar to develop the Altay AHT main battle tank. This tank is named after General Fakhrettin Altai, a prominent historical figure. The Altay was designed to replace Germany’s Leopard tanks and the M60 tanks from the USA, which were serving in the Turkish military.
There are several reasons behind the decision to develop a new tank model. First, domestic production helps reduce costs. Second, Turkey’s foreign policies had created difficulties in its relations with NATO countries, with the potential risk of halting the supply of weapons and components to the military. Additionally, Turkey expects this tank to not only serve the military but also be exported in the future.
In developing Altay, lessons from other countries were heavily utilized, with over 60% of the technology borrowed from foreign companies, primarily from Germany and South Korea. After being displayed at exhibitions, many remarked that the Altay’s design closely resembled South Korea’s K2 Black Panther.
Technically, Altay doesn’t feature many groundbreaking innovations. The tank weighs 60 tons and is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore cannon MKEK120, assembled under license from Hyundai Rotem (South Korea), with an effective firing range of 3 km. The turret also integrates a remote-controlled module with a 12.7mm machine gun.
Currently, Altay has entered mass production, with the first 250 units ordered.
Despite its initial impressions, experts believe Altay still falls short compared to Russia’s T-90A and Germany’s Leopard-2. Turkey needs more time to accumulate experience and perfect tank manufacturing technology.
Type 10 Battle Tank, Japan
The Type 10 is a main battle tank from Japan, with a production cost of around 6.5 million USD. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from the early 2000s, it was first unveiled in 2008. The main goal of the Type 10 was to replace the outdated Type-74 and complement the existing Type-90 tanks in the Japanese fleet.
The Type 10 has a standard weight of 44 tons, which can rise to 48 tons with added armor. In its lightest version (with some protective components removed), the tank weighs only 40 tons, compared to the 46.5 tons of Russia’s T-90A. This tank uses a hydraulic suspension system, allowing the ground clearance and tilt to be adjusted in various directions.
It is powered by an engine generating 1,200 horsepower, reaching a maximum speed of 70 km/h on paved roads. With its light weight and powerful engine, the Type 10 achieves a specific power of 27 horsepower per ton, enhancing its battlefield mobility.
The Type 10 is equipped with a 120mm JSW120 smoothbore gun with good stabilization. The loading process is automated using a conveyor system in the rear turret, with a capacity of 14 rounds, totaling 28 rounds. The tank also features a remotely controlled anti-aircraft machine gun.
The primary weapon of the Type 10 can use NATO-standard 120mm shells. Regarding Japan’s proprietary armor-piercing shells (BOPS), details have not been released, but Japan believes they are stronger than Germany’s shells. Previously, the Type 90 used German-made DM-33 or DM-53 shells, with armor penetration capabilities of 470mm and 650mm respectively.
The Type 10’s fire control system (FCS) is highly praised due to its advanced electronics. The tank is equipped with a panoramic sight, which aids in detecting targets on the battlefield. Its modern ballistic system allows the Type 10 to hit small targets, the size of a football.
The Type 10 has comprehensive protection thanks to its modular ceramic composite armor. This relatively lightweight armor protects the tank from penetration by shells capable of piercing 500-600mm of armor.
Though the Type 10’s overall protection makes its frontal armor weaker than other modern NATO or Russian tanks, its side armor is significantly reinforced.
It is difficult to compare the Type 10 with other modern tanks from different nations due to Japan’s unique operational methods. The Japan Self-Defense Forces’ military doctrine mainly focuses on homeland defense, with no plans to conduct military operations outside the country.
Therefore, the Type 10 is optimized to operate on Japanese soil with compact size and weight. Furthermore, Japan’s high military secrecy makes comparing this tank with others challenging. However, with Japan’s advanced technology, the Type 10’s capabilities should not be underestimated.
Leclerc XLR Scorpion Battle Tank, France
The Leclerc Scorpion (Leclerc XLR Scorpion) is an upgraded version of France’s Leclerc main battle tank. The upgrade was developed and produced by Nexter Systems at the request of the French Army under the SCORPION military program.
Since 2020, a plan has been in place to upgrade 200 Leclerc tanks along with 18 armored recovery vehicles, with a total contract value of around 330 million euros. Currently, the French military owns approximately 406 Leclerc tanks, with the remaining 200 units expected to be upgraded by 2028.
Key Upgrades
- Additional armor plates on the tank body;
- Advanced software updates;
- Climate control systems effective in both hot and cold conditions;
- Reinforced passive armor on the turret’s front and sides;
- New sighting systems for the commander and gunner, improving target detection in all weather conditions;
- Modern combat management systems;
- Conventional modular armor and active armor on the turret and body;
- Protective netting in the rear and engine compartment, protecting against RPG rounds;
- BARAGE system: Jamming signals and preventing mine detonation near the tank;
- GALIX passive protection system: Creates a smoke screen when targeted by laser-guided systems to make the tank “invisible” to thermal sensors.
- New battle management system: Connects all devices on the vehicle to a single network, while integrating the tank with other armored vehicles in a common battle group.
The upgraded Leclerc Scorpion retains the 120mm auto-loading smoothbore gun, with two main ammunition types:
- APFSDS armor-piercing rounds;
- HEAT anti-tank rounds.
The tank also features two machine guns, one 12.7mm and one 7.62mm.
Although its weaponry hasn’t changed significantly, the Leclerc Scorpion greatly improves protection and electronics, boosting its combat effectiveness in modern warfare.
The weight of the Leclerc Scorpion slightly increased to 57 tons after the upgrade
The SCORPION program not only focuses on upgrading tanks but also developing new armored vehicles and reconnaissance platforms, such as the EBRC Jaguar. This is a multinational modernization program testing new military strategies and applying advanced military technologies, including multimedia warfare strategy.
The Leclerc Scorpion demonstrates France’s major advancements in protection and technology, making it well-suited for modern and future warfare.
K2 Black Panther Battle Tank, South Korea
Currently, South Korea has emerged as a producer of some of the world’s best tanks, and the clearest proof of this is the modern K2 Black Panther tank.
The K2 Black Panther is a next-generation main battle tank developed by the Defense Development Agency and Hyundai Rotem (a subsidiary of Hyundai Motors). The development of this tank relies entirely on South Korean domestic technology.
Although officially reported as the descendant of the K1 tank, a version improved from the US M1 Abrams, the K2 Black Panther is actually a hybrid tank, inheriting key advantages from four tank models: Abrams, Leopard II, Leclerc, and the Soviet T-80.
- The active dynamic defense system draws inspiration from Russia’s T-72 and T-90.
- Meanwhile, the entire electronic system was developed by South Korea itself.
The K2 is not a revolutionary tank, but it combines the superior qualities of existing tanks to create a modern and complete model.
Specifications
- Combat weight: 55 tons;
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 7.5 x 2.2 meters;
- Crew: 3 (commander, driver, and gunner);
- Ammunition loading system: Automated, replacing human loaders as seen in other domestic tanks;
The K2 uses a hydropneumatic suspension system, allowing individual suspension components to be adjusted, making it capable of tilting, lowering ground clearance, or “kneeling.” On paved roads, the K2 reaches a top speed of 70 km/h.
The K2 is equipped with a German-made 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, with a barrel length of 6.6 meters. One notable feature of the K2 is its millimeter-wave radar system, which allows it to detect incoming missiles or shells. This system can:
- Jam the electronics of incoming projectiles;
- Produce a smoke screen to shield against threats.
Despite the K2’s numerous advantages, its high cost is a significant drawback. At 8.5 million USD per unit, the K2 is one of the most expensive tanks in the world. However, the K2 Black Panther is in mass production and export, making it one of the most recognized advanced tanks on the international market.
T-14 Armata Battle Tank, Russia
The T-14 Armata is considered one of the most advanced battle tanks globally, excelling in technology and combat capabilities. Developed by Russia, the T-14 has garnered significant attention both domestically and from competitors like the US, thanks to its unique features and superior performance. This tank was tested in combat conditions in Syria, proving its effectiveness in real-world combat.
Notable Features
- Combat Network Capability: The T-14 can perform network-based missions such as reconnaissance, target designation, and remote control via a centralized control system.
- Crew Safety: The crew (2-3 people) is protected within a separate armored compartment, entirely separate from the ammunition compartment.
- Advanced Protection System: The T-14 is equipped with multi-layer armor and an “Afganit” active defense system, along with Doppler radar that quickly and accurately determines the speed of targets.
- Weapon Systems: The 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun has a range of 7-8 km and can fire at a rate of 11-12 rounds per minute. The auto-loading system allows it to use shells up to 100 cm long, with 20% higher accuracy than equivalent Western guns.
Defense and Attack Systems
Radar and Target Detection System:
- The AFR radar provides comprehensive surveillance, tracking up to 20 airborne targets simultaneously or 40 ground targets.
- Integrated with the “Afganit” active defense system to detect and neutralize anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or armor-piercing rounds (BOPS).
Secondary armament:
- Auxiliary Weapons: A remote-controlled Kord 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun for low-flying targets within 1.5 km
- PKTM 7.62mm machine gun for infantry suppression.
Jamming System:
- Stealth features such as infrared camouflage, exhaust gas distribution systems to mask thermal traces, and radar-absorbing paint.
- Missile control signal jamming system, causing the enemy to lose its target.
Specifications
- Weight: 48 tons;
- Speed: 90 km/h on paved roads, 70-75 km/h off-road;
- Operational range: At least 500 km;
- Protection: Combination of “Malachite” dynamic armor and “Afganit” active defense;
- UAV System: Integrates the “Pterodactyl” drone for reconnaissance and target designation.
- Limitations: High production costs and the need for advanced manufacturing technology mean that large-scale deployment will require more time and expense.
- Advantages: Networked combat capability, crew safety, superior radar systems make the T-14 one of the most advanced tanks today.
The T-14 Armata is not only a symbol of Russia’s military technology but also paves the way for future main battle tank designs. With its advanced features and adaptability, it is establishing itself as a leader in the global tank industry.
Conclusion
In this article, we have reviewed some of the world’s top battle tanks, such as Turkey’s Altay AHT, Japan’s Type 10, France’s Leclerc Scorpion, South Korea’s K2 Black Panther, and Russia’s T-14 Armata. Each tank brings advanced technology, special design features, and strategic roles tailored to the needs and military doctrines of their respective countries.
Thefactsofwar hopes this article has provided useful insights and a comprehensive overview of the most modern battle tanks. Keep following to discover more interesting stories about global military technology and weapons.
