![]() The vast majority of these are older T-55, T-62, T-64 and T-72 models belonging to Russia, China, North Korea and various Arab states including Iran (which has a mixed fleet of 2,000 tanks including old American M-60s and British Chieftains). That leaves more than 90,000 tanks that could potentially be ranged against us. In total, NATO and its allies could mobilise around 18,000 tanks. Britain has a mere 250 Challenger 2s (albeit with a further 200 in mothballs). Israel can muster around 1,000 Merkavas of various marks.įrance has 400 Leclercs and Italy has 200 Arietes. South Korea has more than 1,000 K1 tanks. Japan has 1,000 tanks consisting of Type 74s and Type 90s, plus 200 of the newer Type 10. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are trying to buy 1,000 brand new Leopard 2s, which is fine so long as they remain allies. There are about 4,800 Leopard 2s in service with the armies of Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Singapore and Chile. (Holland is presently trying to sell all 400 of its Leopard 2s). Of these, 10,000 are M1 Abrams belonging to the US Army, USMC, Australia and various ‘friendly’ Arab nations. ![]() What does a future tank look like? Current SituationĪccording to recent RUSI estimates, there are about 108,000 main battle tanks currently in service across the globe. In particular, many comments seemed to reflect a pessimistic crisis of confidence in modern armour, often for good reasons, while others defended tanks vigorously, presenting some convincing ideas for improving the breed. Some of the ideas presented deserve more ‘air time’ so I thought I would try and synthesise some of the key thoughts that emerged as well as adding a few of my own. TD’s excellent series of articles on the future of armour under the title of ‘ The Tank is Dead, Long live the Tank’ prompted a wide and interesting collection of responses.
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