Review of top World of Tanks vehicles. The best tank in the world What is the coolest tank in the world

Military technology has always interested people, even if they are not involved in this area. A variety of weapons are studied in terms of rate of fire, ease of use, penetrating power and other parameters. Almost every year people choose the most powerful tank in the world.

It is not surprising that such military equipment attracts attention. Such a multifunctional vehicle combines defensive properties and the ability to use artillery. Once inside, a person feels completely safe, although at the same time he is in one of the most effective types of weapons.

Merkava

Merkavah, which means “chariot” in Hebrew, is Israeli tank, the first version of which was created in 1979. Later, several modifications were released, the last of which was the Merkava Mk.4. The tank owes its appearance to the fact that Great Britain refused to sell the Chieftain, which was in service in the sixties and seventies, to Israel.

A special feature of the Merkava is the location of the engine and transmission compartment. It is located in the front of the body. Thanks to this design element, crew protection has been enhanced. However, the tank has one more feature that is considered almost unique. The vehicle has a compartment for transporting wounded or landing troops, although it is also used for additional ammunition.

As a result of a number of design solutions, the Merkava is capable of performing various tasks. Depending on the situation, the tank can play the role of an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier or a tactical element. The main weapon is the M68 rifled cannon, and the secondary weapon is a coaxial MAG machine gun.

This main battle tank was adopted by South Korea in 2014. It was intended to replace the US M14 medium tanks, which had been in use since the fifties. The Korean armed forces initially intended to purchase just under 700 tanks, but due to a shortage of funds, only 297 Black Panthers were purchased. Moreover, the cost of each of them was more than eight million dollars, which made them the most expensive in the whole world.

All electronic systems of the vehicle are integrated using the tank information and control system, abbreviated as TIUS. Automated control is provided by a special combat information and control system. A tank gun is installed, the barrel length of which is 55 calibers. The complex is used active protection with a thermal imager and three-dimensional radar.

The Polish tank called RT-91 was created on the basis of the most popular second-generation battle tank of the USSR, the T-72 Ural. The first versions appeared in the early nineties, but serial production began in 1995. Later, a number of modifications with upgrade packages were released, as well as armored vehicles and a prototype anti-aircraft installation based on RT-91.

Installed on the tank smoothbore weapon with 125 mm caliber and active armor, which significantly reduces the amount of damage from the first enemy shot. The design includes three machine guns, thanks to which the RT-91 works well at close and medium distances. It is used to destroy anti-aircraft guns.

T-90

The Russian tank, known as the Vladimir, appeared in the late eighties, but was put into service later, in 1992. The chief designer was Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, who died in 1999. After this, the Russian government assigned a verbal name to this tank.

For about ten years, the vehicle was considered the best-selling main battle tank. However, supply costs subsequently began to increase. If in 2010 they amounted to seventy million rubles, then in 2011 the figure rose to 118 million, which led to the cessation of purchases.

The tank is capable of immediately hitting targets located at a distance of up to five kilometers, and if the battle is ongoing an inexperienced person. Master Gunners perform significantly better in both speed and distance. Guidance is carried out using the 1A43 complex, which includes automatic sensors for firing conditions, a ballistic computer and a guidance device.

The Type-99 is a modern battle tank developed by China based on a series of third-generation prototypes called the Type 98. It is considered a development of the T-72 concept, the most produced second-generation battle tank created by the Soviet Union. Despite this, for China such a design is considered a breakthrough. In particular, in the Type-99 the weakened area near the hatch was reduced.

The designers strengthened the frontal protection by placing dynamic protection on top of the armor. Other parts were also improved, such as the rear turret niche. In addition to the first serial modification, China subsequently created a number of combat systems. For example, the Type 99A2 received a new information and control system, dynamic and active protection, as well as an integrated motion control system.

One Type-99 costs more than twenty-two million dollars. For all its lightness, the tank is armed with three machine guns (two against infantry and one against anti-aircraft guns), as well as a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The Type-99 is inferior to many vehicles in terms of target engagement range, but it does an excellent job of destroying anti-tank missiles.

Another reason why the Type-99 is included in the list of the most powerful tanks is its laser protection system. This unique technology, which is used only on Chinese vehicles, makes it possible to suppress signals from anti-tank missiles and also interfere with the targeting of other tanks.

BM Oplot, which was called Oplot-M before being put into service, is a battle tank created on the territory of Ukraine. The placement of weapons, protection, chassis, crew and other elements is done in a classical manner. Thanks to the presence of an automatic loader, three people can be inside - the commander, the gunner and the driver. Each crew member has his own hatch for disembarkation and landing.

Among its peers, Oplot stands out:

• A system for accounting for the bending of the barrel bore;
• Modified fire control system;
• A panoramic sight that has night and day channels, as well as a laser range meter.

From a protection point of view, the tank boasts new form welded turret, electro-optical active protection “Gate”, as well as large side screens, thanks to which the chassis and hull are better protected from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. Latest models Oplot BMs are in many ways comparable to the T-90. This tank is capable of reaching speeds of up to seventy kilometers per hour.

AMX-56 Leclerc is french tank, which was created in the late eighties as a replacement for France's main battle tank, the AMX-30. Leclerc was in serial production from 1992 to 2010. These machines are still in use, not only by France, but also by the United Arab Emirates.

For a long time, the Leclerc was recognized as the most expensive battle tank. He lost this title relatively recently, when modern vehicles like the Type 10 and K2 Black Panther were adopted. As in the case of the Oplot, a classic layout and a crew of three are used. Interestingly, the maximum height of a person to be in Leclerc is 182 cm, and the driver cannot be taller than 176 cm.

The cost of the AMX-56 is eight million dollars. At the same time, the tank is equipped with two machine guns with a magazine for four thousand rounds, as well as a 120-mm muzzle, the ammunition capacity of which is forty rounds. Leclerc is one or two kilometers higher than the speed developed by the Bulwark, and therefore is actively used against moving targets.

The tank, better known as Al-Khalid, was developed jointly by China and Pakistan. This is a second generation combat vehicle, which was put into service in 1997. Designs used during development were Type-96 and Type 90-II. The name Al-Khalid was given to the modification in honor of one of the companions of Muhammad named Khalid ibn al-Walid al-Makhzumi.

The vehicle is equipped with a modern fire control system, which is practically no different from that of the Leclerc. Al-Khalid also boasts a 125 mm smoothbore gun and French thermal imagers. Initially, it was planned to install French engines on the MBT-2000, but due to pressure from India and the United States, it was necessary to use Ukrainian 6TD-2.

Al-Khalid works equally effectively at any time of the day. The weapon is effective against almost all types of equipment, but its presence causes the refusal of one machine gun. In general, the tank combines elements of vehicles from different countries. For example, its chassis corresponds to the Soviet T-72M.

The Challenger 2 is a British battle tank that is also in service with the Omani Army. The year of operation is considered to be 1995, and since then more than 400 Challenger 2 have been produced. According to expectations, the vehicles will be in use until at least 2035.

The tank is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun, which is the successor to the Challenger and Chieftain guns. It is covered with a thermal insulating casing, chrome-plated, and cast L30A1 using the electroslag remelting method. The destruction range is eight kilometers.

Challenger 2 is included in the list of the best tanks in the world due to its reliability and effectiveness against foot soldiers. The main disadvantage of the car is considered to be poor mobility. The tank reaches a speed of no more than 56 kilometers per hour. But the armor can easily withstand about sixty direct hits from an RPG.

T-14 - the most powerful tank in the world

The Russian development based on the universal Armata platform is recognized as the most powerful tank in the world. This tank first saw the light of day in mid-2015, when about twenty vehicles were produced. Full mass production started in 2017. This process was accompanied by the elimination of identified deficiencies.

Artama was the first tank of its kind, which was created with an eye to the concept of Network-Centric Warfare. This means that the main task of the T-14 is reconnaissance, adjusting artillery and anti-aircraft fire, and target designation. For this purpose, the vehicle is equipped with a Doppler AFAR radar, as well as special ultraviolet HD cameras.

Suitability for reconnaissance is due to such design features as low visibility on radars. Moreover, the T-14 is difficult to distinguish even with visual contact. Another feature of Artama is the location of the crew in an armored capsule, and not in a turret. This allows people to survive even in conditions of tank detonation.

At the same time, the probability of detonation of the ammunition is very low, because the designers moved it to another place, with excellent protection indicators. In addition, the T-14 is able to withstand hits from anti-tank shells thanks to the active protection of the Afghanit. Malachite armor resists fire from hand grenade launchers. To top it all off, the Armata develops enormous speed and is armed with a 125 mm gun and two machine guns.

The question of which tank can be considered the best in the world has not lost its relevance since the middle of the 20th century. Until now, tanks are actively used in any military conflict of any significance, and the level of equipment of armored forces today fully characterizes the power of any modern army. This is confirmed by the attention that continues to be paid to the development and modernization of tanks in all countries that strive for advanced positions in the field of their defense capabilities.

Comparison of the main battle tanks of Russia and NATO is also of significant importance in the information war, which has now gained great momentum. This also affects the geopolitical alignments that determine the spheres of influence of the main “centers of power” of the modern world.

We should not forget that tanks are one of the most significant products on the global arms market. Therefore, many ratings of the “best tanks” in the media are quite often adjusted to suit individual manufacturers. A striking example of this approach is the long-term campaign in leading Western publications to criticize the Soviet developments of the T-80 and T-90, in which these magnificent combat vehicles were declared “unsuccessful.” The increasingly influential Chinese media are purposefully advertising their own approach to evaluating armored vehicles, focusing on the ratio of its characteristics and cost.

TOP 10: ranking of the best tanks in the world

This year, the general nature of the assessments that determine best tanks world, has become closer in many ways. The main reason for this was the emergence of an undisputed leader in the world tank building, and the opinion on this matter is shared by many leading experts not only in Russia, but also in the West.

1. T-14 "Armata"

Newest Russian tank technically already has a number of properties, the real implementation of which is still far from foreign competitors. First of all, this is an uninhabited turret, accommodation of the crew in the most reliable armored capsule and a powerful 125-mm gun with fully remote digital control. In addition, the T-14 was able to achieve effective characteristics as the most “advanced” stealth tank.

The reduction in visibility for all the most modern anti-tank weapons has been achieved in a comprehensive manner, manifesting itself in the infrared, radio and magnetic ranges. This was the result not only of the use of new materials. The special capabilities of the new generation of active protection complex (KAZ) “Afganit” also had an impact, which is able to blind enemy anti-tank guided missiles safely for the infantry and equipment surrounding the tank by using smoke-metal curtains of particles that are opaque to wide range ranges of most types of radiation.

Combined with the strongest metal-ceramic armor, a 360-degree target detection system, and traditionally high mobility and maneuverability characteristics for Russian armored vehicles, the T-14 is a formidable, well-protected Russian combat vehicle with impressive striking power. Experts from the authoritative American publication The National Interest have repeatedly characterized the Armata as “the best tank in the world.”

2. "Leopard-2A7"

Having become one of the most significant brands, the “German machine” Leopard 2 in its newest modification, which the manufacturer sometimes presents as both A7+ and A7V, consistently occupies the top lines of various tank ratings, often leading them. Anyway, this tank for a long time certainly took the lead as the most expensive in the world, its price to this day is almost 9 million dollars.

The newest version of the Leopard-2 will retain the 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun with a 55-caliber barrel length and a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, providing this rather massive tank with high mobility. The main improvements to the A7+ standard affected the tank's electronics, and were also reflected in enhanced mine protection and the introduction of a multi-spectral camouflage coating for the Saab Barracuda.

3. Abrams M1A2 SEP

The Russian tank, during the ongoing modernization, is a direct competitor to the Abrams. In some elements, the new version of the T-90 is unified with the Armata platform, which will not only improve the characteristics of the vehicle, but will also become a major foundation for the future. The main advantages of the new model are a new combat turret module with a 125-mm cannon of increased accuracy, multi-layer armor, placement of the ammunition rack in the aft niche, isolated from the fighting compartment and crew, a remote-controlled combat module with heavy machine gun. In addition, the tank will be equipped with more high-precision sights, better communications and a 1130 hp engine.

5. BM "Oplot"

Such a high place for Ukrainian development, which represents a deep modernization of the T-80 (T-84) tank, is given, first of all, as a merit of the Soviet school of tank building. Because the level achieved by Kharkov specialists is still inaccessible to many more eminent and active competitors. This is evidenced by the serious performance characteristics of the tank: with a modest weight of 51 tons, it is armed with a powerful automatically loaded 125-mm KBAZ smoothbore cannon, from which it can fire Kombat guided missiles. It has a high level of security due to multi-layer armor, dynamic protection “Duplet” and the modern KAZ “Zaslon”. Contrary to popular belief that the Ukrainian Oplot is little known, the most popular Western portal military-today.com included it in its TOP 10, placing it on the same level as the T-90 and Leclerc.

6. K2 "Black Panther"

The South Korean K2 Black Panther, in the development of which Rotem (a division of Hyundai Motors) participated, was put into service in 2019 and consistently ranks high in world tank ratings. The main advantages of the tank are associated with its ultra-modern electronics, which connected all the electronic systems of the tank into a single network and ensured its full connection to all kinds of external support functions on the battlefield in real time. Important Features The K2 was a combination of a 120 mm cannon based on the German Rh-120 with an efficient automatic loader providing an amazing rate of fire of 15 rounds per minute, and a modern KAZ.

7. Challenger 2

The French AMX-56 Leclerc R (Renouve, or “Updated”) was able to win the title of the most expensive tank from the Leopard 2 and Abrams, being valued at $10.6 million. The low profile and dense layout made it possible to achieve high security of the tank with its relatively low weight. The Leclerc stands out from other NATO main battle tanks due to the presence of an effective automatic loader. The combat vehicle is extremely equipped with various cutting-edge electronics and is positioned as the most suitable for urban combat conditions.

9. Type 99A2

The Chinese Type 99A2 (ZTZ-99A2) is considered one of the most modern Chinese main battle tanks, while at the same time representing a development of the concept Soviet tank T-72. For a tank that entered service in 2011, the Type 99 has good multi-layer armor with very modern dynamic protection. The high level of Chinese electronics made it possible to equip the tank with advanced communication, navigation, aiming and fire control systems. Combined with a 125 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading, a 1500-horsepower engine and a laser blinding device Chinese tank It is considered a very formidable combat vehicle, in some ways even ahead of the Russian T-90MS.

10. "Arjun" Mk.II

The Indian main battle tank Arjun Mark II was first presented to the public in 2011 and was refined for quite a long time (until 2017). However, the powerful and well-protected combat vehicle turned out to be too heavy, which significantly limited the possibilities of its use in the local theater of operations. The tank has fairly modern fire control systems, an optical-electronic enemy suppression system, and a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun.

Noteworthy tanks and developments of the future

Many modern tanks are quite worthy of taking a place in this rating. Among those that often find themselves in the world TOP 10 of the best combat vehicles, special mention should be made of the latest modification of the Israeli main battle tank Merkava Mk.4. It is distinguished by a layout that is rare for this time, with the engine and transmission compartment located in the front part of the body. At the rear of the tank there is a compartment in which it is possible to transport troops, evacuate the wounded or deliver ammunition, which turns the Merkava into a universal combat platform capable of performing the role of both a tank and an armored personnel carrier.

Relatively new developments introduced in the current decade are the Japanese Type 10 Hitomaru and the Turkish Altay. These powerful and quite high-quality tanks are distinguished by a high degree of commonality with the German Leopard-2. But in general, these machines noticeably fall short of the “original”, which has been able to improve significantly over the years of their creation.

Due to the confidentiality of data about technical specifications With such tanks as the newest VT4 (MBT-3000) shown by China and the Iranian Karrar, which entered service in 2016, it is difficult to say anything definite about them. Experts note a significant degree of influence from the T-90A in their design, but doubt that both of these tanks can surpass the “original” in combat capabilities, not to mention more modern versions of the Russian tank.

Among the promising models, about which there is also no specific information yet, is, first of all, the Franco-German project EMBT (European/Enhanced Main Battle Tank), first presented in the form of a demonstration model in the summer of 2018. This unique hybrid from the manufacturers of Leclerc and Leopard is promised to be finalized no earlier than the 2030s.

About another project - the next “update package” of the American main tank “Abrams” with the M1A2D index - more detailed information, on the contrary, is expected in the near future. In all likelihood, this development will eventually take the place of the current new Abrams in the ranking of the 10 best tanks in the world of 2020.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

Today not a single army in the world can do without tanks. developed country. Well-armored, but clumsy and slow, disappeared heavy tanks, mobile, but poorly protected medium vehicles disappeared, and their best features were combined by MBT.

However, different countries have different ideas about what a modern tank should be, and besides, it is impossible to create an ideal one, because there are restrictions beyond the control of the creators, for example, budget.

Modern equipment of the same class differs markedly, but there are characteristics that are equally important for any tank, and we will build a rating based on them today. Here they are:

• protection, including passive and active;
• firepower, determined by the weapon and guidance systems, fire control, and so on;
• mobility and mobility, depending on dynamics, range and transportability.

Remember that it is not enough to make the most protected tank and put the most powerful gun on it. It still needs to be produced, used in real battles, maintained, and so on. Therefore, a great car on paper real world may turn out to be unsuccessful.

10th place – Ukrainian Oplot BM

After the breakup Soviet Union, Ukraine continued development of the T-80UD. The latest modification of this tank was the Oplot BM.

The tank, with a layout familiar to the Soviet school, is protected by built-in dynamic protection “Duplet”. KOEP "Varta" and KAZ "Zaslon" were installed. The disadvantages of Varta are its inability to withstand modern Kornet ATGMs and Kombat ATGMs, while Zaslon is distinguished by its high price, long reload time and short threat detection range.

The ammunition is stored in the loading mechanism; guided missiles can be fired. The fire control system is frankly outdated and inferior to modern competitors.

Mobility is at a high level.

Ratings of modern tanks, in which the Ukrainian one took first place, have repeatedly surfaced online; they were based on supposedly simulated battles. In fact, the “simulated battles” turned out to be the game ARMA 2, a video from which was recorded by a blogger on YouTube.

9th place – French Leclerc

An ultra-modern and ultra-expensive tank, which appeared in 1992. Equipped with innovative modular armor.

It differs from Western tanks in the presence of an automatic loader located in the turret behind the knockout panels. Can be called the main advantage of Leclerc. Powerful gun, modern fire control system.

Thanks to the 1500 hp engine. and active suspension provides excellent mobility.

At the time of its appearance, as already mentioned, it became ultra-modern and ultra-expensive. Until now he has not demonstrated anything outstanding in armed conflicts, remaining good weapon only on paper. But the high price and potential unreliability due to an oversupply of electronics have not gone away.

8th place – Japanese Type 10

Entered service in 2012, today it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world.

Armed with a 120 mm cannon similar to those used on the Leopard and Abrams, the modern fire control system makes it an even more formidable weapon.

The tank, weighing only 44 tons, is protected a little less than its competitors, however, it is equipped with modular armor, which allows you to quickly replace damaged modules or install additional ones.

Active suspension, powerful engine and continuously variable transmission provide Japanese tank excellent mobility and travel speed up to 70 km/h both forward and backward.

7th place – Israeli Merkava Mk.4M

Provides the world's best protection to its crew thanks to a front-engine design that serves as additional armor. Moreover, there are doors at the rear of the hull, thanks to which the tank can transport crews of damaged tanks or landing troops.

The Merkava is armed with a 120 mm cannon, capable of firing at low-flying helicopters thanks to a modern fire control system.

In addition to combined passive armor, it is protected unique complex active protection "Trophy".

6th place – British Challenger 2

One of the most protected tanks from direct fire in the world.

Second generation Chobham armor is used, after combat experience in Iraq, the vehicle received removable dynamic protection “ROMOR”, covering the most vulnerable spots.

There is a known case where 15 grenades from an anti-tank grenade launcher hit a tank, after which the Challenger 2, which was not too damaged, continued to carry out its task.

The weapon used is a 120 mm rifled cannon. Such an unusual weapon allows precise shooting at a distance of up to 5 km, which is a record among MBTs.

Among the shortcomings is poor protection of the lower frontal part, which has now been corrected with dynamic protection, and mediocre mobility.

5th place – Russian T-90AM

Massively produced in Russia. The T-90 of previous versions is the most commercially successful tank on the world market. Built on a base familiar from the times of the USSR, it is distinguished by its modest price, unpretentiousness and reliability.

Appeared as a result of a deep modernization of the T-72, which affected almost everything. In addition to passive armor, it is protected by active “Kontakt-5” and KOEP “Shtora-1”.

The ammunition is located in a carousel-type automatic loader, which can lead to instantaneous detonation of the entire ammunition load if the machine is hit and the complete destruction of the tank. Capable of firing guided missiles.

Small dimensions, weight and the ability to cross water obstacles up to 5 meters deep are a noticeable advantage of the Russian MBT. The downside is the outdated manual transmission, reverse speed is 5 km/h.

The modification of the T-90AM allowed it to take a worthy place in the ranking. A new turret, a Relikt missile defense system, a modern automatic loader, part of the ammunition in the turret box and an automatic transmission became a gulp fresh air for an aging car and placed it next to the best Western models.

4th place – American M1A2 SEP Abrams

A tank about which news constantly appears. They talk about him, compare him to him, but is he worthy of it?

Having appeared in the American army back in 1980, Abrams received several modifications, the last of which we will talk about.

Protected by excellent uranium armor, the ammunition is located behind ejector panels. Some samples have the AN/VLQ-6 active protection system.

The 120 mm gun has good accuracy thanks to a modern fire control system.

Gas turbine engine with a power of 1500 hp. provides excellent mobility, but consumes a lot of fuel and generates a huge amount of heat during operation, making camouflage difficult.

Disadvantages include large dimensions and weight, which make transportation difficult.

3rd place – South Korean K2 Black Panther

Composite armor together with modular reactive armor protect the tank from enemy fire. Additionally there is active system protection. Application modern technologies and materials made it possible to make a light MBT, protected at the level of its heavy counterparts.

The gun is similar to that installed on the Leopard; the fire control system is capable of hitting low-flying helicopters and operating in automatic mode, firing at specified targets without the participation of a gunner.

Diesel engine with 1500 hp power. and active hydropneumatic suspension, what else is needed for excellent mobility?

In some ways this combat vehicle is similar to the Leclerc. During its appearance, it became one of the most advanced and expensive in the world. But, if Leclerc did not show himself in anything, then the Black Panther has a lot of time ahead.

2nd place – German Leopard 2A7

The most modern version of the German predator, which has been a model for engineers in other countries for many years.

High protection, excellent firepower and excellent mobility continue from modification to modification. Leopard 2A7 received updated electronics and additional armor. The developers claim all-round protection against grenades fired from RPGs.

The gun and fire control system are the benchmark for today and provide the most accurate shooting.

The diesel engine develops a power of 1,500 hp, which allows the tank weighing 67.5 tons to be accelerated to 72 km/h.

1st place – Russian T-14 Armata

Layout with uninhabited tower, in which the crew sits shoulder to shoulder in the fighting compartment, has been worked on for a long time, but it was brought to life in a production model by Russian engineers.

Passive armor is supplemented with dynamic "Malachite" and KAZ "Afganit". KAZ is capable of calculating the enemy’s position and responding with fire. Only our Afghanit and the Israeli Trophy are capable of this.

The 125 mm 2A82 gun is now superior in power to the gun mounted on the Leopard-2A7; later it is possible to install a 152 mm 2A83 gun, firing shells with an armor-piercing power of more than 1000 mm, which will make it possible to hit any Western tank from the frontal projection.

Active suspension and diesel engine with power from 1200 to 1800 hp. provide excellent mobility even over rough terrain.

It is important that Armata was originally created for network-centric warfare, that is, for action together with other combat units. To achieve this, the Russian tank is equipped with a variety of electronic systems that simplify the work of the crew and connect various types of equipment into a single whole.

Finally

Even if you collide all the listed tanks in a real battle, the outcome will not be able to unambiguously determine the location, because much depends on the training of the crews, conditions and accidents. Therefore, you should not take the rating as some kind of axiom or be indignant at the biased attitude towards your favorite car.

A modern tank is a combat vehicle, without which it is difficult to imagine at least one more or less serious military company. Despite the fact that times of massive tank battles who remember the fields of the Second World War have passed, all the leading countries of the world continue to develop their technology.

In this article, we will look at all the most modern tank combat units and find out which vehicle represents the best tank in the world.

First place - M1A1 Abrams (USA)

Despite the fact that this vehicle was produced back in the eighties, it is still the most formidable force in tank battles. Naturally, over thirty years the tank has gone through several serious modifications, which made it not only competitive, but also brought it to first place among all tanks in the world.

The tank has an English M86A1 rifled gun (105 mm) or a German M256 smoothbore gun (120 mm, which is paired with a 7.62 mm M240 machine gun. A 7.62 mm machine gun is located at the hatch, and a 12.7 mm machine gun and a pair of six-barreled grenade launchers are loaded at the commander's turret. smoke grenades ).

Abrams is not only the best tank in the world. He has the most great experience V practical application. It performed very well during the war in Iraq, where American tanks easily destroyed the T-72s in service with Saddam Hussein’s army.

Second place - Leopard (Germany)

The first generation of this combat vehicle was created in the sixties of the last century with the aim of opposing the powerful tanks of countries Warsaw Pact. Even then it was a formidable force, but immediately after its release the Porshe company began developing a new generation. Already in 1979 it entered service. Few other tanks from the late 70s can compete with modern models.

The machine has a complex multi-layer armor composite type, which is made from a mixture of steel and tungsten. At the same time, its cavities are filled with plastic and ceramics. The Leopard has a 120mm cannon and two machine guns, one of which is paired with a turret-mounted cannon.

The tank serves in the armies of 18 countries around the world.

Third place - T-90 (Russian Federation)

The best tank in Russian Federation, not counting the T-14 tank shown this year at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Victory based on the Armata, which has not yet entered service military service, and therefore is not taken into account in this rating. It is equipped with a 125 mm cannon, which is capable of firing armor-piercing, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells and anti-tank missiles. The roof is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun that fires at a rate of 700-800 rounds per minute. It is designed for firing at both ground and air targets. The cannon is paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun, which can fire at a distance of two kilometers.

The T-90 is not only widely used in the Russian army, but is also very well purchased by many countries. It is the best-selling tank from 2001 to 2010. The car has many different modifications.

Fourth place - Merkava IV (Israel)

Israeli army because of its geographical location I had to fight a lot in the 20th century, proving the viability of my state. That is why this country pays a lot of attention to military equipment. The Merkava car has a very good level crew protection, resembling a fortress on tracks. The installed 120-mm gun allows you to fire anti-tank missiles. In addition, two 7.62 mm machine guns are installed.

However, the Merkava also has disadvantages, the main one of which is that it can only be used effectively on hard ground in the absence of precipitation.

Fifth place - Challenger-2 (United Kingdom)

2nd generation of British combat vehicles, production of which began in 1994. Despite the fact that they are more than 20 years old, they still show their effectiveness. The security of the Challenger crew is not much inferior to its Israeli counterparts. Among the military weapons, there is a 120-mm rifled gun capable of hitting targets at distances of up to two kilometers with high accuracy. There is also a coaxial machine gun (7.62 mm), which is installed near the turret. He is capable of firing at the enemy in the air. In addition, there is a 40 mm mortar.

Sixth place - AMX-56 Leclerc (France)

The French combat vehicle has the title of the fastest and most maneuverable tank. Its speed can reach 76 kilometers per hour. The armor consists of an alloy of titanium, tungsten and ceramic. There are also good weapons: a 120-mm gun with 22 shells in a clip. In addition, the Leclerc is equipped with two machine guns aimed at firing at ground and air targets. The tank is not only the fastest, but also the most expensive. The production of one unit costs six million euros.

Seventh place - Type 99 (China)

The Chinese People's Army also boasts a fairly powerful tank. This is the Type 99. It is based on the Soviet T-72, but differs significantly from it. The main difference is more advanced armor, which ensures its safety during missile strike. In addition, the Type 99 has a system for blinding enemy laser tanks, which makes it possible to disrupt enemy aiming.

The weapons include a 120mm gun, which can fire salvoes of projectiles containing unenriched uranium, as well as controlled missiles. In addition, there is a machine gun and a pair of grenade launchers equipped with grenades.

Eighth place - 1A1 (Republic of Korea)

The powerful tank in service with the South Korean army has a high level of crew protection, thanks to the separation of the crew compartment from the ammunition. The vehicle is an improved version of the first Abrams, which is more adapted for use in Asian conditions. There are 7.62 and 12.7 mm machine guns and a 120 mm cannon.

Ninth place - T-84 (Ukraine)

The T-84, which was produced in Ukraine, was reputed to be a fairly fast tank. According to calculations, 1 ton of vehicle weight accounts for 24 horsepower, thanks to which the T-84 can accelerate to 70 kilometers per hour. The tank is a highly modified version of the Soviet T-80. Weapons include machine guns and smoothbore guns. The tower has anti-aircraft gun, aimed at combating the air threat. Among other things, the T-84 can be equipped with a weapon that meets the standards of the armies of NATO countries.

Some experts even believe that the T-84s are the best tanks in the post-Soviet space.

Tenth place - Zulfiqar (Iran)

Iranian military technology is a very impressive force in the Middle East. It is not for nothing that Israel considers this country its strategic enemy. This model is the result of a major modification carried out on the Soviet T-72. The tank has a 125 mm cannon, twin machine guns and an anti-aircraft gun. Zulfiqar (meaning “sword” in Iranian) is capable of firing 20-kilogram projectiles at a speed of 800 meters per second, which is an impressive result.

All of the tanks mentioned here are incredibly powerful and destructive, but none of them actually saw action against each other. This rating is based on specifications and available data. The list does not include prototypes or tanks that are currently under development. So, below are the ten best modern tanks in the world.

10. Leclerc

The AMX-56 Leclerc is a French modern tank mass-produced by GIAT Industries (now Nexter) since 1992. It was named after the World War II general Jacques Philippe Leclerc. As of 2012, it is the main battle tank (MBT) in service with the armies of France (406 units) and the United United Arab Emirates(388 cars). In 2011, the price of the Leclerc was 9.3 million euros and, before the advent of the K2 Black Panther and Type 10, it was considered the most expensive MBT in the world.

This tank is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading and a rate of fire of up to 12 rounds per minute. Its fire control system can track up to five moving targets simultaneously, and uses a laser, thermal imager and on-board computer to improve firing efficiency. The official maximum speed of the tank on the road is 72 km/h, and on rough terrain - 55 km/h. Weight - 56 tons. The Leclerc is one of the lightest main battle tanks in the world.

9. Merkava Mk.4

In ninth place in the list of the best modern tanks in the world is the Merkava, or more precisely, its modification Mk.4. The Merkava is an Israeli battle tank that is exclusively in service with the Israeli Army. Serially produced since 1979. It has four modifications - “Mk.1”, “Mk.2”, “Mk.3”, “Mk.4”.

The Mk.4 modification, in service with the Israeli army since 2004, is one of the most protected tanks in the world. This combat vehicle is equipped with a 120 mm MG253 gun. Empty tank weight - 65 tons. Estimated price - $ 3.7 million. Maximum speed on the highway is approximately 60 km/h, over rough terrain - 40 km/h.

8. Al-Khalid

Al-Khalid or MBT-2000 is a Chinese-Pakistani battle tank produced since 1999 by Heavy Industries Taxila in conjunction with Norinco. It entered service with the Pakistani army in 2000. It was named after one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad - Khalid ibn al-Walid. The unit cost in 2011 was $4.7-$5.8 million. A total of about 750 copies were produced.

Al-Khalid is operated by a crew from three people and is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading. Among other things, the tank is equipped with a modern fire control system similar to the Leclerc system. Maximum speed is 72 km/h. Weight - 46 tons. Capable of overcoming water obstacles up to 5 meters deep.

7.K1A1

The K1A1 is the main battle tank of South Korea, mass-produced from 1985 to 2010. Is an option American tank M1 "Abrams", adapted for combat operations in mountainous and swampy areas on the Korean Peninsula. It was put into service in 2001. A total of 484 examples were built.

The K1A1 is flown by a crew of four. It is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, thermal sight, laser rangefinder, modern electronics and a fire control system developed by the company Samsung Electronics. The weight of the tank is 53.2 tons. The maximum speed on the road is 65 km/h, on rough terrain - 40 km/h.

6. Challenger 2

Challenger 2 is a main battle tank that has been in service with the armies of Great Britain and Oman since 1998. Was designed and built British company Vickers Defense Systems (now BAE Systems Land & Armaments). A total of 446 units were produced. The cost of one copy is about $5.8 million.

"Challenger 2" is controlled by a crew of four and is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun maximum sighting range, which is more than 5 km. It is considered one of the most heavily armored and well-protected tanks in the world. Its turret and hull are covered in Chobham (also known as Dorchester) armor. The weight of the tank is 62.5 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 59 km/h, on rough terrain - 40 km/h.

5. PT-91

PT-91 Twardy (“Tardy”) is a Polish main battle tank, developed on the basis of the T-72M1 tank. The first prototypes of the PT-91 were manufactured in 1993, and in 1995 the tank entered service. In total for armed forces Poland produced 232 units. Several combat vehicles have been developed on its basis. He also has large number modifications.

The Tverdy is operated by a crew of three. This tank is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading. Combat weight - 47.3 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km/h.

4. T-90

The fourth place in the ranking of the best modern tanks is occupied by the T-90 (“Vladimir”), a Russian main battle tank created in the early 1990s as a modernization of the T-72B tank. On October 5, 1992 it was officially adopted for service. Between 2001 and 2010, the T-90 became the best-selling MBT on the world market. As of 2011, the cost of one T-90 unit is 118 million rubles ($4.2 million). In total, approximately 3,200 copies were produced. Currently in service with Russia (about 700), Algeria (305), Azerbaijan (20), India (620), Turkmenistan (40) and Venezuela (50-100).

The T-90 crew consists of three people (commander, driver-mechanic and gunner). The combat vehicle is equipped with a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The weight of the tank is 46.5 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km/h, on rough terrain - about 50 km/h.

3. Type 99

The Type 99, also known as the ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, is a Chinese main battle tank based on the Type 98 prototype. It was put into operation in 2001. It is in service with the Chinese army. In total, about 600 units were produced. The cost of one Type 99 is approximately $2,000,000.

The crew of the Type 99 tank consists of three people. Its main armament is a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The fire control system includes combined sights, a laser rangefinder, a thermal imager, a digital ballistic computer, a 2-plane weapon stabilizer, a set of sensors (atmospheric conditions, barrel wear, etc.), a multifunctional commander’s panel and an automatic target tracking system. The tank has a water-cooled turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 1,500 hp. With. gives a maximum speed of movement on the highway - 80 km/h, over rough terrain - up to 60 km/h. The tank accelerates from zero to 32 km/h in 12 seconds. Its combat weight is 54 tons.

2. K2 Black Panther

The K2 Black Panther is a new generation South Korean main battle tank that replaced most of the M48 Patton and complemented the K1 series. It was developed by the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Rotem (a division of Hyundai Motors). Its serial production began in 2013. At $8,500,000 per unit, this tank is the most expensive in the world.

The Black Panther is operated by a crew of three and is armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing up to 20 rounds per minute. This combat vehicle is capable of moving with maximum speed 70 km/h on road surfaces, over rough terrain - up to 52 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 32 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The weight of the tank is 55 tons.

1. M1A2 Abrams

The M1 Abrams is the latest generation American main battle tank developed by the Chrysler Corporation. Serially produced since 1980. The tank was named after the general who took active participation in the Vietnam War - Creighton Williams Abrams. It is in service with the US and Egyptian armies. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Australia. The price of one Abrams reaches $6.21 million. The number of units built is 15,221 units. There are three main modifications of it - “M1”, “M1A1” and “M1A2”, the production of the latter two continues to this day.

The best modern tank world is considered a modification of the “M1A2 Abrams” equipped with a 120-mm M256 smoothbore gun. The tank has high-strength composite armor and a powerful gas turbine engine capable of accelerating the combat vehicle on the highway to 67 km/h, and over rough terrain up to 40 km/h. The weight of the tank is 62.1 tons.