The most powerful tank in the world (photo). The most powerful tank in the world 10 most popular tanks



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, over 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, exclusively in service with the Israeli Army. Serially produced since 1979. It has four modifications - “Mk.1”, “Mk.2”, “Mk.3”, “Mk.4”.

Modification "Mk.4" in service israeli army since 2004, it 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 modern system fire control system similar to the Leclerc system. Maximum speed - 72 km/h. Weight - 46 tons. Capable of overcoming water obstacles up to 5 meters deep.

7 K1A1

K1A1 - main battle tank 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 by 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 (“Solid”) 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 232 units were produced in Poland. 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. 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). A total of approximately 3,200 examples 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 mass 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

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 combat vehicle on the highway up to 67 km/h, on rough terrain - up to 40 km/h. The weight of the tank is 62.1 tons.

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 Russian army, but also very well bought 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 an 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 world. post-Soviet space.

Tenth place - Zulfiqar (Iran)

Iranian military equipment 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.

10 BM "Oplot"

BM "Oplot"(“Oplot-M” before being put into service) is a modern Ukrainian main battle tank.

Developed by the Kharkov Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau named after A. A. Morozov and produced by the ZTM plant named after. Malysheva. The chief designer of the machine is Dr. Tech. Sc., prof., lieutenant general. M. D. Borisyuk, general designer for the creation armored vehicles And artillery systems, Head of KMDB KP.

As of 2016, Ukraine has 10 units in service, Thailand - 15.

9 T-90 "Vladimir"

T-90- Russian main battle tank. Created in the late 1980s - early 1990s as a deep modernization of the T-72B tank under the name “T-72B Improved”, but in 1992 it was put into service under the designation T-90. After the death of Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, the main designer of the tank, by decision of the government of the Russian Federation the T-90 was given the name “Vladimir”.

The T-90 has a classic layout, with the control compartment located in the frontal part, the fighting compartment in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear. The T-90 crew consists of three people - a driver, located along the longitudinal axis of the tank in the control compartment, and a gunner with a commander, located in the turret to the left and right of the gun, respectively.

There is a certificate kept at Uralvagonzavod stating that one T-90 tank of the 1992 model was at the disposal of one of the units in the conflict zone in Chechnya in the 1990s. Syrian T-90 tanks were used in battles near the city of Aleppo.

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AMX-56 Leclerc- French modern main battle tank (MBT). Created by the GIAT concern (now Nexter) in the 1980s to replace the outdated AMX-30 tank.

Serial production started in 1992. As of 2010, there is no further production of Leclerc. As of 2011, 354 tanks of this type are in service with France, and another 388 are in service with the army of the United Arab Emirates. Before the advent of the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the Japanese Type 10, it was considered the most expensive MBT.

15 Leclerc tanks are serving in the peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo.

7


The newest Japanese main battle tank.

The prototype of the tank was first shown in 2008. In 2010, the Japan Self-Defense Forces ordered 13 tanks at a cost of about $6.5 million per unit. The Type 10 entered service with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces on January 10, 2012. It is planned that over time the Type 10 will replace the outdated Type 74 and complement the Type 90 tank fleet.

The main armament of the tank is a 120-mm German Rheinmetall cannon, which has a barrel length of 44 calibers and is equipped with a conveyor-type automatic loader. The gun is equipped with a powder gas ejector, a thermal casing and is stabilized in two planes.

6


In service since 2002, it was adopted in 2004. Many world military experts consider the Merkava-4 tank to be the best main battle tank in the world for 2010. 28% of the tank's parts are imported, including the engine and transmission. The tank has a spring suspension (practically not used in the world), although it has its advantages, it definitely reduces the accuracy of shooting while moving. At the rear there is a compartment for landing (evacuating the wounded), which sharply increases the effectiveness of the tank as a whole in low-intensity battles, in return reducing the tank's security due to the armor being smeared to a greater extent.

In 2012, the Ministry of Defense formed a group led by Reserve Brigadier General Didi Ben-Yoash, which was to be responsible for developing the “tank of the future” for the Israel Defense Forces. Heads of the defense industry and the command of the ground forces were invited to express their opinions on what this tank should look like. It was supposed to be lighter, smaller, with automatic charging and a crew of two, and to have at its disposal a modular weapon system that included various types, including missiles.

5 T-14 "Armata"


T-14- the newest Russian main tank with uninhabited tower based on the Armata universal tracked platform.

The T-14 was presented to the general public at the Victory Parade in 2015 along with other products based on the Armata. As part of the state arms program, a state order was placed for the production of 2,300 T-14 tanks by 2020. In 2015, a pilot batch of 20 tanks was manufactured. In 2016, mass production of tanks began, which is not planned to be reduced even in a crisis. At the same time, the procedure for military acceptance and elimination of deficiencies has begun.

The T-14 may be the world's first "stealth tank" not only with a radical reduction in visibility in the infrared, radio and magnetic ranges, but also with the use of innovative technologies of "signature distortion", that is, distortion of its visual image in these ranges , making it difficult to find a Javelin, Spike or JAGM-class ATGM tank seeker among discarded infrared decoys and clouds of dipoles.

Export of tanks based on Armata is possible after meeting the needs of the state defense order. Uralvagonzavod stated that in order to obtain permission to export the T-14, the classification of secrecy will be removed from it in the future. India, China, Egypt and the countries of Southeast Asia showed interest in the tank.

4


Challenger 2- main battle tank ground forces UK. Also in service with the Armed Forces of Oman. It is expected that the operation of tanks of this model will last until 2035.

Challenger 2 tanks were used to conduct combat operations in Kosovo and Iraq (from 2003 to September 1, 2010).

"Challenger 2" is one of the heaviest Western tanks: both the turret and its hull are covered with second-generation Chobham armor, codenamed "Dorchester", all information about which is still classified. It is optional to install ROMOR dynamic protection modules on the sides of the hull and (in the Challenger Peacefighter version) turret in combination with lattice screens. Complex of protection against biological and chemical weapons is located inside the tower.

3


M1 Abrams- US main battle tank. Serially produced since 1980. It is in service with the army and Marine Corps USA, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Australia. Named after General Creighton Abrams.

As of FY 2015, the US Army has ordered 530 M1A2 upgrades to M1A2 SEP at an average cost of $4.8 million per unit and 1,611 M1/M1A1s to M1A2 SEP and M1A2 SEP V2 at an average cost of $5.6 million per unit. The cost includes deployment, maintenance and training costs. Deliveries of the upgraded M1A2 were expected to be completed in early 2010. financial year and 1,590 upgraded M1/M1A1s were received by the army by the end of 2015.

2 K2 "Black Panther"


Modern South Korean main battle tank. Adopted into service in 2014. The vehicle was developed by the South Korean Defense Development Agency and Rotem (a division of Hyundai Motors). The K2 should replace the American M48 tanks in the army and complement the fleet of K1 tanks.

Very complex technologically, the Black Panther tank is estimated at at the moment at $8.5 million per unit. Thus, K2 is one of the most expensive tanks to date. The K2 is priced at nearly double the price of its predecessor, the K1, which costs $4.9 million per unit. However, it is expected that the current price will drop significantly once the tank is mass produced and it becomes more available for sale to other countries.

1


This tank was first shown at the 2010 Eurosatory exhibition by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

Leopard 2A7 is a modernization of the Leopard 2A6, armed with a 120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun with a barrel length of 55 calibers. There is also the possibility of upgrading the Leopard 2A4/Leopard 2A5 variant with a short 120mm gun (44 caliber barrel length) to the latest Leopard 2A7 standard.

One of the most important factors enhancing the security of the vehicle - the ROSY smoke screen system developed by Rheinmetall. It not only forms a multispectral smoke cloud in the detected direction of irradiation in less than 0.6 seconds, but also forms a dynamic smoke “wall”, allowing the tank to quickly evade destruction in the event of a massive approach of anti-tank missiles.

The digital turret concept actually helps the crew see through the armor. But it is precisely this property that is one of the most important when creating a new generation tank with an uninhabited turret and an armored capsule for the crew.

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 The vehicles are integrated using a 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. An active protection complex with a thermal imager and three-dimensional radar is used.


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 the main battle tank France 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

Recognized as the most powerful tank in the world Russian development based on the universal Armata platform. 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, artillery fire correction and anti-aircraft systems, 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 capable of withstanding anti-tank shells thanks to active protection 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.

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 Arab Emirates (388 vehicles). 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 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 of three and is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon 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. It is a variant of the American M1 Abrams tank, 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. It was designed and built by the 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 operated by a crew of four and is equipped with a 120 mm rifled cannon with a maximum effective range of 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, 232 units were produced for the Polish armed forces. Several combat vehicles have been developed on its basis. It also has a large number of 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). A total of approximately 3,200 examples 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 mass 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 at a maximum speed of 70 km/h on road surfaces, over rough terrain - up to 52 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 32 km/h within 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 an active part in the Vietnam War - Creighton Williams Abrams. It is in service with the armies of the United States, Egypt, 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 in the world is considered to be the M1A2 Abrams modification, 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.