armor.wikisort.org - Tank

Main battle tanks are often classified as belonging to a particular generation, although the actual definition and membership in these generations is not clearly defined. Soviet military planners organize tanks with the first generation of tanks up to 1945, and four generations of tanks[1] (with the first main battle tank being the third-generation T-64), while Canadian strategists organize main battle tanks into three generations.[Note 1][2] The military of the People's Republic of China also recognizes three generations of its own tanks.

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In 1983, Rolf Hilmes saw three tank generations and three "intermediate generations", which consisted mainly of upgraded vehicles.[3] The first generation of main battle tanks were based on or influenced by designs of World War II, most notably the Soviet T-34 and the German Panther medium tanks.[4] The second generation was equipped with NBC protection (only sometimes), IR night vision devices, a stabilized main gun and at least a mechanical fire control system.[4] The third generation is determined by the usage of thermal imagers, digital fire control systems and special (composite) armour.[4]

However, Hilmes acknowledged that tanks cannot be definitively grouped by generations, as each tank-producing country develops and introduces its tanks in tune with its own ideas and needs. He also states that breakdown of postwar tanks by generations is based on timeframe and technical factors, as a basis for further discussion.[5]

First generation

Name	Year in service	Origin	Number built	Mass	Engine power	Range	Notes
Centurion[3][6]	1946	United Kingdom	4,423[7]	51 tons	650 hp	52-100 km	First "Universal Tank" (MBT) Culmination of the WWII cruiser tanks.
T-54[3][6]	1947	Soviet Union	35,000	36 tons	520 hp	330-440 km	USSR's First Generation of MBT.
M47 Patton	1951	United States	8,576	46 tons	810 hp	130-160 km	A development of the M46 Patton and M26 Pershing tanks.
M48 Patton	1952	United States	12,000	45-49 tons	750-825 hp	110-480 km	A further development of the M47 Patton tank.
FV4202	1955	United Kingdom	3	41 tons	520 hp	50-100 km	Prototype used to develop various concepts later used in the Chieftain.
T-54	1956	Poland	3,000	36 tons	520 hp	330-440 km	Produced under license in Poland.
T-54A	1957	Czechoslovakia	2,700	36 tons	520 hp	330-440 km	Produced under license in Czechoslovakia.
Strv 101	1958	Sweden	110	52 tons	650 hp	52-100 km	Swedish Army designation for its Mk 10 Centurions (105 mm L7) with Swedish machine guns, instrumentation and radios, etc.
T-55[3][6]	1958	Soviet Union	27,500	36 tons	581 hp	400-530 km	Improved T-54.
Type 59	1959	China	13,000	36 tons	520 hp	450-600 km	Chinese-produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank, an early model of the ubiquitous T-54/55 series.
Sho't	1960	Israel	390	51 tons	650 hp	52-100 km	Israeli designation of the 105 mm L7 armed Centurion tank.
Type 61[3]	1961	Japan	560	35 tons	570 hp	200 km	First main battle tank developed and used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
T-55	1964	Poland	7,000	36 tons	581 hp	400-530 km	Produced under license in Poland.
T-55	1964	Czechoslovakia	8,300	36 tons	581 hp	400-530 km	Produced under license in Czechoslovakia.

Second generation

The second generation had enhanced night-fighting capabilities and in most cases NBC protection. Most western tanks of this generation were armed with the 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 tank gun or derivatives of it.

Name	Year in service	Origin	Number built	Mass	Engine power	Range	Notes
M60	1959	United States	15,000	46-52 tons	750 hp	450-500 km	A further development of the M48 Patton tank. Later models(M60A2 and M60A3) are considered as the first intermediate generation.
T-62	1961	Soviet Union	22,700	47-42 tons	581-620 hp	320-650 km	A further development of the T-55, mainly a new 115mm cannon and enlarged chassis. First tank fitted with a smoothbore tank gun that could fire APFSDS round.
Leopard 1	1965	West Germany	6,565	40-42 tons	820 hp	450-600 km	A main battle tank designed and produced in West Germany that first entered service in 1965.
Panzer 61	1965	Switzerland	150	39 tons	630 hp	250 km	A further development of the Panzer 58 tank.
MBT-70	1965	United States  West Germany	14	50 tons	1470-1500 hp	644 km	An American-West German joint project to develop a new main battle tank. Never entered service.
Vickers MBT	1965	United Kingdom	376	38 tons	535 hp	480 km	British private venture design for export.
Vijayanta	1965	India	2,200	39 tons	535 hp	530 km	Indian license built version of British Vickers MBT.
AMX 30	1966	France	3,571	36-39 tons	700-750 hp	450-500 km	The AMX 30 served as the principal Main Battle Tank (MBT) for the French Army.
T-64	1966	Soviet Union	13,000	38-42 tons	700-1000 hp	500-700 km	World's first composite armored tank, later versions of the T-64 may be considered as third generation.
FV 4201 Chieftain	1967	United Kingdom	1,896	52-55 tons	650-750 hp	400-500 km	Armed with the British 120 mm Royal Ordnance L11A5 gun.
Magach 3	1967	United States  Israel	300	50 tons	750 hp	480 km	Modernized M48A1/A2C/A3. The modifications included British 105 mm L7 cannon, low profile commander's cupola, upgraded communication suite, a 750 hp diesel engine Continental AVDS-1790-2A with Allison CD-850-6 transmission. They were eventually fitted with Blazer ERA.
Strv 103	1967 (1964)	Sweden	290	37-43 tons	540-780 hp	390 km	World's first turbine engine equipped tank (featuring both a diesel and gas turbine engine), a turretless design developed and employed solely by Sweden.
WZ-122[8]	1970	China	Only a few, project cancelled	38 tons	650-680	—	Main battle tank developed by the People's Republic of China. Its development started in March 1970. After several prototypes were built, the plan was set aside in 1974.
AMX-30E	1970	France  Spain	299	36 tons	670 hp	400 km	Spanish main battle tank based on France's AMX-30. 280 units were manufactured by Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the Spanish Army, between 1974 and 1983.
Panzer 68	1971	Switzerland	390	41 tons	660 hp	200 km	Swiss Main Battle Tank (MBT) based on the Panzer 61.
M60A2	1972	United States	526-540	52 tons	750 hp	450 km	The M60A2 is a variant of the M60 Patton Main Battle Tank (MBT) and was developed as a force multiplier for units, operating the M60A1s. The M60A2 was completed with a new turret, housing an M162 152 mm gun/launcher.
T-72	1973	Soviet Union	25,000	37-45 tons	780-840 hp	460-700	Hilmes puts the T-72 in the first intermediate generation. Post-1990's modernized versions are classified as third generation.
Olifant Mk 1	1974	South Africa	153	52 tons	650 hp	50-100 km	A further development of the Centurion Tank.
Type 74	1975	Japan	873	38 tons	750 hp	300 km	Hilmes puts the Type 74 in the first intermediate generation.
Magach 5	1976	United States  Israel	150	50 tons	750 hp	480 km	M48A5 in the original configuration. Generally similar to the Magach 3, but had slightly different engine and transmission Continental AVDS-1790-2D and Allison CD-850-6A accordingly. They were eventually fitted with Blazer ERA.
Vickers MBT Mark 3	1977	United Kingdom	212	39 tons	720 hp	400 km	The Vickers Mk III main battle tank is a further development of the Vickers Mk I MBT. It was developed as a private venture, armed with British L7A1 fully-stabilized 105 mm rifled gun. This gun fires a full range of NATO ammunition. The same gun was used on the Vickers Mk I, however the Mk III has a new fire control system. Vehicle is powered by Detroit Diesel 12V-71T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 720 horsepower.
M60A3	1978	United States	7,948	52 tons	750 hp	450 km	The General Dynamics M60A3 Patton is the last tank in the Patton series produced in the United States, and is also the last main battle tank in this series to see use with the United States military.
TR-77-580[9]	1979	Socialist Republic of Romania	227	36 tons	580 hp	400-450 km	Romanian variant of the T-54/55 with an extended chassis and 6 road wheels, originally intended to allow the usage of the same engine as the Leopard 1. The refusal of Krauss-Maffei to deliver technology to a Warsaw Pact member and political desire to reach certain production figures meant that the V-55 engine of the T-54/55 was used instead.[149] 227 TR-580s were in service in 2017.
Merkava Mark I	1979	Israel	250	63 tons	908 hp	500 km	First Main Battle Tank developed and used by Israel Defense Forces.
Type 80/88	1980	China	3500	38 tons	730 hp	400-500 km	Variants include the Type 88, Type 85.
Ch'onma-ho	1980	Soviet Union  North Korea	1,200	40 tons	750 hp	450 km	Copy of the T-62; later versions include upgrades.
OF-40	1981	Italy	39	46 tons	820 hp	600 km	Main Battle Tank used by United Arab Emirates.
T-55AI Igman	1981	Yugoslavia	600	37-45 tons	—	—	Yugoslav upgrade of the T-55A, intended for modernization of YPA's aging fleet of T-55s. It was using sophisticated components from M-84, local produced advanced versions of T-72, with whom it was in parallel development. Major improvements included external mounting of 2 rails for AT-3 Sagger missiles, an engine from T-72, a simplified SUV with meteosensor and laser rangefinders from M-84, addition of spaced armor on turret and front body, and installation of smoke dispensers.
T-55 Enigma	1982	Iraq	8	—	—	—	Modernized T-55, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks used by Iraqi Armed Forces.
Type 69/79	1982	China	3200	37 tons	580 hp	440 km	A further development of the Type 59. Most advanced Type 79 variant was equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun which was also found on the Type 80 tank.
AMX-32	1982	France	6	38-40 tons	800 hp	530 km	The AMX-32 was a French prototype main battle tank developed by AMX and APX during the late 1970s as an export tank to fit in a specific market niche of nations with smaller defence budgets.
Tanque Argentino Mediano	1983	Argentina	280	31 tons	720 hp	590-800 km	Medium tank (main battle tank) in service with the Argentine Army.
Bernardini MB-3 Tamoyo[10]	1983	Brazil	Only a few	30 tons	500 hp	550 km	Main battle tank designed by Bernardini; however, it never reached production status and it never passed beyond the prototype stage. The final model, the Tamoyo III was armed with a NATO 105 mm L7 rifled main gun.
Merkava Mark II	1983	Israel	580	60 tons	908 hp	500 km	Improved Merkava Mark I.
T-55AM1[11][12]	1984	Czechoslovakia	—	36 tons	581 hp	400-530 hp	Czechoslovakian version of the T-55AM with Czechoslovak-produced "Kladivo" fire control system with a ballistic computer, a laser range finder (different from the Russian KTD-1) on top of the gun and a cross-wind sensor mast mounted on rear of turret roof.[11][13][12]
T-55AM Merida	1985	Poland	630	36 tons	581 hp	400-530 km	Polish version of T-55AM developed between the late 1970s and early 1980s, fitted with a new SKO "Merida" (SKO stands for System Kierowania Ogniem - fire control system) fire control system with cross-wind sensor and a new CDDN-1 (CDDN stands for celownik-dalmierz dzienno-nocny - day/night sight-rangefinder) day/night sight-rangefinder system.
TR-85	1986	Socialist Republic of Romania	617	50 tons	820 hp	400 km	Main battle tank based on the TR-77-580, designed for the Romanian Land Forces.
CM-11 Brave Tiger	1990	Taiwan	450	50 tons	750 hp	480 km	Variant from M48 Patton.
CM-12	1990	Taiwan	100	49 tons	750 hp	203 km	Variant from M48 Patton.
M-55S	1992	Slovenia	30	38 tons	600 hp	580 km	T-54/T-55 modernization developed by the STO RAVNE company and engineers of the Israeli company Elbit Systems. Slovenia modernized 30 T-55 tanks in the inventory of its armed forces. The last T-55 was modernized to the M-55S standard in May 1999.
Zulfiqar I	1994	Iran	400	52 tons	780-1000 hp	450 km	Over 150 built, not including 6 prototypes.
TR-85M1 "Bizonul"	1997	Romania	54	50 tons	860 hp	310 km	First built in 1985, the modernised TR-85M1 "Bizonul" (the bison) variant was updated in 1996, as an effort to bring it up to date with other NATO countries. The project was a cooperative effort between Aerospatiale-Matra, Sagem, Kolmorgen-Artus, Racal and Romanian factories, such as ROMARM, METRA, I.O.R. and Aerostar
Type 72Z	1997	Iran	400	36 tons	780 hp	440 km	A highly modernized version of the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks with upgrades carried out by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization.
Type 96	1997	China	2,500+	41-43 tons	730-1000 hp	400 km	Domestic version of Type 85-IIM later known as Type 96.
Leopard C2	2000	Germany  Canada	114	43 tons	830 hp	600 km	The Leopard C2 MBT is a Canadian upgrade of the German Leopard 1.
Olifant Mk 2	2003	South Africa	26	60 tons	1040 hp	500 km	Improved Olifant Mk 1 Tank.
Al-Zarrar	2004	China  Pakistan	750	44 tons	730 hp	450 km	An upgrade of Pakistan's aging Chinese Type 59 tanks, developed with Ukrainian assistance and manufactured by the Heavy Industries Taxila, featuring a 125 mm smoothbore gun as primary weapon.
Ramses II	2005	Egypt	425	48 tons	908 hp	530 km	A heavily modernized T-55 main battle tank designed for and used by the Egyptian Armed Forces.
Tifon 2a	2010	Ukraine  Peru	4	46 tons	1050 hp	—	Main battle tank based on the Soviet T-54/55 tank, developed and manufactured jointly by the Peruvian company DICSAC (Diseños Casanave Corporation S.A.C. of Peru) and the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, Ukraine. Trials/Development only to date.
Sabalan	2014	Iran	170	50 tons	750 hp	500 km	Iranian upgraded version of the US M47 Patton, It has side skirts and a newly built turret fitted with a 105-mm gun, laser range finder, new fire control system and communication equipment. Never used in active service.
Type 59G(BD) Durjoy	2015	China  Bangladesh	174	42 tons	730 hp	450 km	An upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank for the Bangladesh Army.
T-55AGM	2016	Ukraine	—	46 tons	850 km	—	Ukrainian T-54/T-55 modernization. It brings up the T-54/T-55 tanks to T-80 standard. It can also be applied to Chinese made Type 59 and Soviet T-62. It is fitted with 5TDFM, two-stroke liquid-cooled multi-fuel supercharged diesel engine with opposed pistons which develops 850 hp (634 kW), improved running gear, automated movement control system with a steering handlebar control, additional passive protection, built-in explosive reactive armour, countermeasures system, new fire suppression system with over-ride facilities at the commander's station, automatic loader which holds 18 rounds and anti-aircraft machine gun that can be aimed and fired from within the turret under a complete armour protection.

Third generation

The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by composite armour and computer stabilized fire control systems, which allow firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability on targets up to 2,000 meters away.

Name	Year in service	Origin	Number built	Notes
T-80[14]	1976	Soviet Union	5,400+	World's first tank solely equipped with a turbine engine (the Swedish strv 103 that entered service in 1960s used a turbine engine alongside a diesel). The earliest models are considered as intermediate second generation, while models from T-80U (1986) onwards are third generation.
Leopard 2[15]	1979	West Germany	3,600	Development of the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) began in 1970. It was just a couple of years after a previous Leopard 1 entered service. Is armed with a fully-stabilized Rheinmetall RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun.
MBT-80	1980	United Kingdom	17 prototypes	The FV4601 MBT-80[16] was a British experimental third-generation main battle tank, designed in the late 1970s to replace the Chieftain tank. It was eventually cancelled in favour of the Challenger 1, itself an evolution of the Chieftain design.
M1 Abrams	1980	United States	10,400	Production began (at Chrysler) in 1979 and continued to 1985 (at General Dynamics) (3,273 built for the US).
FV4030/4 Challenger 1	1983	United Kingdom	420	Replaced FV 4201 Chieftain. The Challenger 1 is armed with a fully-stabilized British L11A5 120 mm rifled gun. It is a significantly improved version of the Chieftain's gun. It is extremely accurate, however this MBT was fitted with slow fire control system. The Challenger 1 MBT is powered by a Rolls-Royce Condor CV12-1200TCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1200 hp.
AMX-40	1983	France	Few prototypes	The AMX-40 was a French main battle tank developed by GIAT during the latter stages of the Cold War as an export tank to replace the earlier AMX-32. Designed to be an inexpensive tank orientated towards militaries with smaller defence budgets, the AMX-40 featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility reminiscent of previous French MBTs with a powerful 120 mm cannon. It however failed to attract interest and sales, rendering the project a failure, being discontinued in 1990.
M-84	1984	Yugoslavia	650	The M-84 main battle tank is essentially the Soviet T-72, produced under license. However it has a number of Yugoslavian sub-systems. Production of the M-84 MBT began in 1983 and first vehicles entered service in 1984. By 1992 over 600 of these MBTs have been built. Currently it is operational with some countries of the former Yugoslavia and Kuwait.
EE-T1/EE-T2 Osório	1985	Brazil	2 prototypes	The Engesa EE-T1 Osório was a Brazilian main battle tank prototype developed by Engesa. The tank was intended to be sold first to Arab and other Third World countries, jump-starting production and enabling the Brazilian Army to later place its own orders without having to fund development costs. Development of the tank was initially privately funded by Engesa, but cashflow issues eventually led to the Brazilian government extending a loan to assist the program. Two prototypes of the tank were built, but the EE-T1 was never adopted for service.
M1A1 Abrams	1986	United States	6,109	Improved M1 Abrams. Production started in 1985 and continued to 1992, pressurized NBC system, rear bustle rack for improved stowage of supplies and crew belongings, redesigned blow-off panels and M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon (4,976 built for the U.S. Army, 221 for USMC, 59 M1A1 AIM SA sold to Australia).
Panzer 87	1987	Switzerland	380	License manufactured in Switzerland of the Leopard2A4. This version included Swiss-built 7.5 mm MG 87 machine guns, communications equipment, and featured improved NBC protection system. Switzerland operated 380 Panzer 87 tanks.
TR-125	1987	Socialist Republic of Romania	5-10 prototypes	Prototype main battle tank is a redesigned T-72 made in Romania with Romanian components only. It is now designated P-125 (P stands for Prototype).
T-80UD Bereza	1987	Soviet Union	500-800	Ukrainian diesel version with 1,000 hp 6TD engine and remote-controlled antiaircraft machine gun.
K1 88-Tank	1988	South Korea	1,027	First Main Battle Tank in use with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, developed by Hyundai Precision (later Hyundai Rotem).[17]
Lion of Babylon	1989	Iraq	500-750	Licensed copy of the T-72.
Merkava Mark III	1989	Israel	780	As of 2022, the Merkava III was retired from active service but is still the most numerous tank in the IDF's arsenal. Compared to the Merkava Mark II, it has upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and electronic systems. The most prominent addition was the incorporation of the locally developed IMI 120 mm gun.
Type 90	1990	Japan	341	Development of the new Japanese Main Battle Tank (MBT) commenced in 1976. It was intended to replace the Type 61 medium tanks in service with Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF). The new tank was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in cooperation with German Krauss-Maffei and MaK tank manufacturers. This MBT is armed with German Rheinmetall RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun, which was produced in Japan under license by Japan Steel Works. It fires HEAT-MP and APFSDS-T rounds, but is also compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition.
M-91 Vihor	1991	Yugoslavia	2 prototypes	The M-91 Vihor is a Yugoslav main battle tank prototype, based on the M-84, which is turn a Yugoslav-made licensed copy of the Russian T-72. Due to the Disintegration of Yugoslavia, it never entered production, and only a few prototypes were made, mainly for testing. Its development later led to the M-95 Degman.
Pokpung-ho II	1992	North Korea	200-500	A further development of Ch'onma-Ho. The tank may incorporate technology found in the T-62, T-72, and Ch'onma-ho MBTs. The P'okp'ung-ho is only known to be used in North Korea.
M1A2 Abrams	1992	United States	2855	Improved M1A1 Abrams. Production began in 1986 and entered service in 1992 (77 built for the U.S. and more than 600 M1s upgraded to M1A2, 315 for Saudi Arabia, 1,005 for Egypt, 218 for Kuwait). The M1A2 offers the tank commander an independent thermal sight and ability to, in rapid sequence, shoot at two targets without the need to acquire each one sequentially, also 2nd generation depleted uranium armor components.
Leclerc	1992	France	862	Replaced AMX 30. The Leclerc main battle tank was developed by GIAT Industries. Its development began in 1978 and first prototypes were built in 1989. Production of the Leclerc MBT started in 1991. It is named in honor to general Philippe Jacques Leclerc, commander of French armored division during World War II. It is in service with France (406) and United Arab Emirates (388).
Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD)	1992	South Africa	1 prototype	The TTD or Tank Technology Demonstrator prototype main battle tank was completed in the early 1990s. It used some German Leopard 2 technology and was intended to replace ageing South African MBTs. Only a prototype has been built and the TTD never went into service because of limited funding. Some of the TTD subsystems were applied to the Olifant Mk 2. These upgraded MBTs are expected to serve well into the 21st century.
T-90	1992	Russia	750–1,000	Deep modernization of the T-72B; originally introduced into service in October 1992 as T-72BU, but simultaneously renamed as the T-90.
PT-91 Twardy	1995	Poland	285	A development of the T-72M1. The PT-91 Twardy (tough) is an improved variant of the Soviet T-72 main battle tank. The PT-91 was developed in Poland in the early 1990s. Production of the PT-91 Twardy tanks for the Polish Army was completed in 2002. A total of 233 tanks were delivered. Currently Polish Army also operates 120 older T-72M1 tanks (with additional 470 tanks mothballed, actual number of machines in working condition is unknown).
Ariete	1995	Italy	200	The Ariete (ram) main battle tank (also referred as the C-1) was developed by Iveco and OTO Melara. It is named in honor to Italian Ariete armored division, which fought during World War II. This main battle tank was intended to replace ageing fleet of M60A1 in service with Italian Army. First prototype of the C1 Ariete was revealed in 1986 and six pre-production vehicles were built in 1989. It entered service with Italian army in 1995. Italy operates 200 MBTs of this type.
M-95 Degman	1995	Croatia	2 (prototypes) Specifications	The M-95 Degman is a Croatian main battle tank prototype, developed by the Đuro Đaković company and is largely based on the M-91 Vihor tank that which is turn based in the M-84 tank. The Degman M-95 has not entered serial production.
Stridsvagn 122	1997	Sweden	120	Swedish main battle tank based on the German Leopard 2 Improved variant utilizing newer technology such as command-, control-, and fire-control systems, as well as reinforced armour and long-term combat capacity.
Zulfiqar II	1997	Iran	Few prototypes	Further development of the Zulfiqar I. It is an interim MBT, which served as a test bed for the Zulfiqar III. It had an extended hull and was fitted with new engine. It also has a new turret with sloping front and bustle at the rear. This may indicate removal of the autoloader, or possibly, a new autoloader. Prototype, never entered service.
FV4034 Challenger 2	1998	United Kingdom	447	Further development of the Challenger 1. The new main battle tank is significantly more capable than its predecessor. It entered service with the British Army in 1994. Currently the Challenger 2 is in service with United Kingdom (386) and Oman (38). Armed with the British 120 mm L30 rifled gun.
M1A2 Abrams SEP	1999	United States	3,273	System Enhancement Package (SEP) has upgraded third-generation depleted uranium armor components with graphite coating (240 new built, 300 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2 SEP for the US, also unknown numbers of upgraded basic M1s and M1IPs, also 400 oldest M1A1s upgraded to M1A2 SEP).
T-84	1999	Ukraine	55	The T-84 is a Ukrainian main battle tank. It is a further development of the T-80UD. Development of the T-80UD began in the late 1980s. Models of the T-84 include the T-84U MBT with new armored side skirts, built-in Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, muzzle reference system and some other improvements.
Black Eagle (tank)	1999	Russia	Few prototypes	The Black Eagle tank (Russian: Чёрный Орёл, Chyornyy Oryol or Object 640), was a presumed prototype main battle tank produced in the Russian Federation. It was thought to have been developed by the KBTM design bureau in Omsk in the late 1990s. A production version of this tank has never been publicly demonstrated. The Black Eagle has been cancelled, with all production and development halted. It is a T-80 variant which has helped development of the T-14 Armata.
T-95	2000	Russia	—	T-95, or Object 195, is the common informal designation of a Russian main battle tank that was under development at Uralvagonzavod from 1988 until its cancelation in 2010. Little about the tank is publicly known. The work from the Object 195 was used in the Object 148, later type classified as the T-14 Armata, which began production in 2016.
T-84 Oplot	2000	Ukraine	10	T-84U with a new welded turret with separate crew and ammunition compartments with blowout panels on the ammunition compartment, a new bustle-mounted autoloader.
Zulfiqar III	2000	Iran	750	The most advanced variant of the Zulfiqar family which was selected for production, bears an uncanny resemblance to the American M1 Abrams. It features considerable upgrades to the fire-control system, chassis, engine and main gun. The new variant is equipped with the 2A46 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader, a laser rangefinder and a new fire-control system. It is also fitted with a reinforced turret and the wheels are covered by an armoured skirt.
M60-2000	2001	United States  Turkey	1 ( 120S prototype only)	The M60-2000 or 120S was initially aimed at the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) M60 upgrade requirement but this competition was subsequently won by Israel Military Industries with their Sabra II upgrade. The Egyptian Army was considering this offer until it was finally rejected in favor of a licensed contract to build M1s in Egypt.[18] Only one prototype was made.
K1A1	2001	South Korea	484	The K1A1 main battle tank is an improved version of the K1 88-Tank. It was developed in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem. It is broadly similar to the US M1A1 Abrams in terms of firepower and protection. First production vehicle was completed in 1996, however it entered service with the ROK Army only in 2001. Production ceased in 2010. A total of 484 of these tanks were reportedly built.
Type 99	2001	China	1,200	The Type 99 main battle tank is a further development of the Type 98 MBT. It is generally similar to the Type 98, but has a number of improvements. The Type 99 was revealed in 2000 and entered service with the Chinese Army in 2001. This main battle tank shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology. As of 2017 improved version of this tank is produced in China. Currently it is the most advanced Chinese main battle tank.
MBT-2000/Al-Khalid[19]	2002	China  Pakistan	994	The Al Khalid main battle tank was jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It is a further development of the Chinese Type 90-II tank, which was not accepted to service with the Chinese Army. In the late 1990s it was marketed for export as the MBT-2000. Pakistan acquired production license of this MBT. The Al Khalid is named after the legendary general Khalid ibn al-Walid. First deliveries of this tank were made in 2002. The Al Khalid is currently in service with Pakistan.
Tank EX	2002	India	8 prototypes	Experimental hybrid prototype with turret of Arjun and hull of T-72. It underwent six months of trials, but was subsequently rejected by the Indian Army.
Pokpung-ho III	2002	North Korea	200-500	Outside parties codename the tank M-2002 because the tank went through performance trials on February 16, 2002 (therefore being officially confirmed by outside sources), although the tank may have been in existence since 1992.
T-72M4CZ[20]	2003	Czechoslovakia	30	Upgraded Czech version of the T-72 tank. The T-72 main battle tank was licensed-produced in the former Czechoslovakia. It entered service with the Czechoslovakian Army in 1981. After the dissolution of the Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s upgrade programs were developed both in Czech Republic and Slovakia to keep their fleets of T-72 MBTs operational and combat capable.
Leopard 2E	2003	Germany  Spain	219	A derivative of the Leopard 2A6, with greater armour protection, developed under a programme of co-production between the defence industries of Spain and Germany.
M60 Phoenix	2004	Jordan	182	The M60 Phoenix is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. It was developed by the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (KADDB). A total of 182 Jordanian M60A3 tanks were reportedly upgraded to the Phoenix standard. A 105 mm rifled gun was replaced by a Swiss RUAG CTG fully-stabilized 120 mm/L50 smoothbore gun. It is compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition. The Jordanian M60 Phoenix is notable for packing heavier punch than other upgunned M60s, that have 120 mm/L44 guns.
Arjun Mk 1	2004	India	141	The first prototype of the Arjun main battle tank was built in 1989, 15 pre-production prototypes were built by 1996. Production variant designated as Arjun MK1 entered service with the Indian Army in 2004. MK1A variant of Arjun was developed and entered service with the Indian Army in 2021.
Merkava Mark IV	2004	Israel	360	The Merkava Mk IV Main Battle Tank (MBT) entered service with Israel Defense Forces in 2004. It is a further development of the Merkava Mark III. Now they equip the 460th training brigade and the 4th reserve brigade. For a long time these tanks were not available for export, though some of the tank's systems and components were offered for the export customers. However, in 2014 it was reported, that Israel will export a number of these tanks to an undisclosed customer, possibly Colombia.
M-84AS	2004	Serbia	1	Upgraded Yugoslav version of the M-84 tank. M-84AS is sometimes referred to as M-84AB1 and M-2001.
C2 Ariete	2005	Italy	200	The C2 Ariete was revealed in 2005. It has a modular armor, 120 mm smoothbore gun fitted with an autoloader, hydropneumatic suspension, 1500 hp engine and more advanced fire control system.
Type 96A/B	2006	China	2500	Type 96G (also referred as Type 96A). It is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armor and thermal imaging system for all-weather, day/night operation. It was revealed in 2006. It is believed that upgraded vehicles approach the Type 99 in terms of protection, firepower and mobility. Weight of upgraded MBT increased to 42.8 t. All Type 96 tanks might be upgraded to this standard. This tank is also proposed for export customers as the VT2B. In 2016 a new version of the Type 96G emerged, which is most likely to be fitted with a new engine.
Mobarez	2006	Iran	50	A domestically upgraded version of the British Chieftain tank by Iran.
Sabra Mk I	2007	United States  Israel	630	An extensively upgraded M60 Patton tank developed by Israel Military Industries.
Al-Khalid I	2009	China  Pakistan	150	Upgraded variant with Ammunition capacity increased to 49 125 mm rounds, 1,500 12.7 mm rounds and 7,100 7.62 mm rounds. Incorporates modifications made to the fire-control system which is now a more advanced multi process fire control computer with up to 7 km effective identification range.
Sabra Mk II/M60T	2009	Israel  Turkey	450	The Sabra Mk II is known as the M60T in Turkish service.
Leopard 2A4M CAN	2010	Germany  Canada	20	The Leopard 2A4M CAN is the upgraded Canadian version of the Leopard 2A4 acquired from the Royal Netherlands Army surplus. The Leopard 2A4M CAN is specially designed for the War in Afghanistan, based on experience gained by Leopard 2 operators.
T-72B3	2013	Russia	2,000	Upgraded Russian version of the T-72. T-72B3 UBKh (obr.2016) is the most advanced variant. Another variant, T-72B3M, included a CITV but never entered service.
PT-16	2016	Poland	233	A further development of PT-91 Twardy. Claimed proposed upgrades include improved armor, armament, and mobility. Only non functional mock-up ever built. Prototype never built.
M-84AS1	2017	Serbia	10	The M-84AS1 and M-84AS2 are substantially modernized versions of the M-84 main battle tank designed by the Military Technical Institute and produced by Technical Overhauling Institute "Čačak" in Serbia. The first version designated as M-84AS1 was presented in 2017. Later revisions feature numerous improvements and were presented in 2020 and 2021.
M-84D	2018	Croatia	16	Upgraded version of the M-84 with improvements to its armor, armament, mobility and electronics. 75 to be upgraded, possibly replacing the 125mm 2A46 gun with a NATO 120mm gun.
M60A3 SLEP	2019	Taiwan	—	Taiwanese 2019 SLEP modular update of the M60A3 in conjunction with Elbit Systems. Upgrades includes MG251/L44 120 mm gun with a semi-automatic load assist, Elbit Knight Independent Fire Control System (IFCS) with an independent thermal commander's sight, laser range finder, an RWR/IR warning system and Curtis-Wright electric turret drive. Improved hull suspension, improved NBC protection system and modular active and reactive armor packages.

Modernized

These are third-generation tanks modernized with fourth-generation technology.

Name	Year in service	Origin	Number built	Notes
Merkava IVm Windbreaker	2011	Israel	300	Merkava Mark IV equipped with the Trophy active protection system (APS), designated "Meil Ruach" (Hebrew: מעיל רוח; "Windbreaker" or "Wind Coat"). the Merkava IVm now equip all the active service combat brigades
T-84 Oplot-M	2013	Ukraine	36	The newest and most sophisticated version of the T-84 is an upgraded version of the "T-84 Oplot" mounting more advanced armor, new electronic countermeasure systems, and others. One visible feature is the new PNK-6 panoramic tank sight. The T-84 Oplot-T is an export version for Thailand.
T-90MS/M	2013	Russia	67-100	The main features include the modernisation of the old turret design, which is equipped with the new advanced Fire control system "Kalina" (with integrated combat information and control systems), improved armor on the ammo carousel, and a new upgraded 2A46M-5 gun, as well as a remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun "UDP T05BV-1". T-90MS is the export version, also known as T-90SM.
K1A2	2013	South Korea	480	Upgraded variant of the K1A1 with the technology of the K2 Black Panther. It features additional systems such as a digital battlefield control system, IFFS, and front and rear surveillance cameras. With its improved real-time information sharing, inter-combat vehicle operation, friendly fire prevention and driver operability.[21]
Type 99A	2014	China	600	The Type 99G is a Chinese main battle tank. It is an improved version of the Type 99, which was adopted by the Chinese Army back in 2001. This tank is also referred as the Type 99A, Type 99A1 and Type 99A2. It has a number of improvements over the baseline Type 99, related with fire control, targeting and countermeasures systems and modified suspension.
Leopard 2A7+	2014	Germany	106	The Leopard 2A7+ is an advanced third generation tank and has been tested by the Bundeswehr under the name UrbOp (Urban Operations).
VT-4	2016	China	338+	The VT4 is a Chinese main battle tank, developed specially for export. It is also known as the MBT-3000. It is being marketed by NORINCO. This tank can be seen as a simplified export version of the Type 99G, which is used by the China's Army. The VT4 is a further development of the VT1A, which is in turn a downgraded export version of the Type 99.
T-80BVM	2017	Russia	300+	Up to 300 units, new "Relikt" ERA, PNM Sosna-U gunner sight (as in T-90 and T-72B3), improved 2A46M-4 125mm gun, upgraded gas turbine engine, and upgrade of various other systems. Currently being delivered.
M1A2 SEPv3 (formerly M1A2C)	2017	United States	154	Prototypes began testing in 2015, and the first unit were delivered in October 2017.
Karrar	2017	Iran	600+	Iranian MBT claimed to be on a par with the Russian T-90M and American M1A2. Both Iran and Russia, however, deny any Russian involvement in the project outside of the hull's original production.
Leopard 2PL[22]	2020	Poland	142	Modernized version of the Leopard 2A4 tank, used by the Polish Armed Forces.
Arjun MK 1A	2021	India	17	The Arjun Mk 1A is an improved variant of the Arjun main battle tank. It has a redesigned turret protected with Kanchan composite armour, ERA and NERA. It has ALWCS active protection system and DRDO developed health monitoring system. Arjun MK1A has capability to fire indigenous gun-launched dual purpose missile viz, SAMHO. Arjun MK1A entered service with the Indian Army in 2021.
M1A2 SEPv4 (formerly M1A2D)	2021	United States	—	Under development as of 29 March 2022[update].
Leclerc XLR	2022	France	—	Newest upgrade package part of the SCORPION program. Inclusion of new tactical interfaces, new armor packages, RWS turret, as well as several additional sensors and grenade launchers. First units to be delivered in 2022, with a total fleet of 200 Leclerc XLR by 2030.
Al-Khalid II	2023	Pakistan	—	Upgraded variant incorporating redesigned turret, increased weight, upgraded modular armour package and sensors, improved ammunition and a new powerpack developing 1,500 hp.
Challenger 3	2027	United Kingdom	—	Further development of the Challenger 2, the Challenger 3 has an all new turret with an improved hull. The L30A1 120 mm rifled gun has been replaced with the new NATO-Standard Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm smoothbore gun; itself a derivative of Rheinmetall Rh-120 120 mm gun currently used in the Leopard 2A6 and Leopard 2A7. The Challenger 3 is due to enter service in 2027 with the total fleet being 148 tanks.

Fourth generation/next generation

Next generation[23]^{[better source needed]} or fourth generation tanks are still under development or at early stages of their generation. While the term "(fourth) next generation" has no formal basis, these main battle tanks are using the latest technology and designs to compete in the current advanced warfare environment.^{[citation needed]}

Active service

Name	Year in service	Origin	Number built
Type 10[24]	2012	Japan	106
K2 Black Panther[24][25]	2014	South Korea	260

Planned

Name	Year in service	Origin
T-14 Armata	2022	Russia
Altay[26]	2023	Turkey /  South Korea
AbramsX[citation needed]	2023-2025	United States
FMBT[27]	2025	India
Main Ground Combat System[28]	2035	France  Germany  Italy
Decisive Lethality Platform[29]	2035	United States

Prototype

Name	Year in service	Origin
Panther KF51[30]		Germany

Unconfirmed

Name	Year in service	Origin
M2020[31]		North Korea

See also

Explanatory notes

• Note to the Pancerni website source: Translation of most important parts of 1st, 2nd, 2.5 and 3rd generation MBTs characteristics: "The first generation MBTs are tanks made immediately after WWII. The second generation MBTs have better sights in comparison to the first generation MBTs. Also second generation MBTs were the first ones to use laser sights and APFSDS rounds. The third generation consists of tanks armed with high caliber and velocity guns like M1A1 Abrams. Third generation tanks also use composite armour as well as armour made out of highly resistant sintered ceramic materials. Third generation tanks also have full stabilization system for the main gun. There are tanks between second and third generations, like Soviet T-72 which has powerful gun which would classify it as a third generation MBT but at the same time the stabilization system is much too primitive for it to a third generation MBT. It also lacks engine power to be a third generation MBT and has ammunition with less quality."

Citations

General bibliography

• Lamontagne, J. G. Pierre (2003). "Are the Days of the Main Battle Tank Over?" (PDF). Toronto, Ontario, Canadian Forces College. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
• Hunnicutt, R. P. (1984). Patton: A History of the American Main Battle Tank. ISBN 0-89141-230-1.
• Hilmes, Rolf (1983). Kampfpanzer der Die Entwickelungen der Nachkriegszeit (in German). ISBN 3-524-89001-6.

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