// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Main Battle Tank
A Main Battle Tank (MBT) is a powerful, heavily armored, and tracked vehicle that serves as the primary direct-fire combat vehicle in modern armies. It is designed to combine the best aspects of firepower, mobility, and protection to lead offensive operations and destroy enemy tanks.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Main Battle Tank (MBT) is a class of armored fighting vehicle (AFV) providing the primary mobile, protected direct-fire capability for modern ground forces. Key systems include a large-caliber main gun, advanced fire-control systems, heavy composite armor, and a powerful engine, enabling it to execute offensive actions and anti-armor missions within a combined arms doctrine.
BACKGROUND
The Karrar is an Iranian main battle tank. The tank was announced in 2016. At the announcement, it was stated that it possessed an electro-optical fire control system, a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer and could fire at both stationary and mobile targets in day or night.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MBT
- Tank
- Heavy Armor
- Battle Tank
- Panzer
- Armored Fighting Vehicle
USAGE NOTE
The term distinguishes this single, all-purpose class from the historic separation of light, medium, and heavy tanks.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Main Battle Tank.
A primary American defense contractor and the original manufacturer of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. They are continuously involved in its modernization, upgrades, and the development of next-generation concepts like the AbramsX.
A European defense group formed by the merger of Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and France's Nexter. They are responsible for the Leopard 2 (KMW) and Leclerc (Nexter) MBTs, and are jointly developing the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
A leading German defense and automotive company. Rheinmetall is a key developer and manufacturer of tank armaments, including the 120mm and 130mm smoothbore guns for the Leopard 2 and its own Panther KF51 concept tank.
A British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company. They are responsible for upgrading the UK's Challenger 2 tanks to the new Challenger 3 standard, which involves a new turret, main gun, and advanced electronics.
A South Korean company that manufactures rolling stock, defense products, and plant equipment. It is the manufacturer of the advanced K2 Black Panther Main Battle Tank, used by South Korea and exported to other nations.
A Russian machine-building company that is the primary manufacturer of main battle tanks for the Russian military, including the T-72, T-90, and the next-generation T-14 Armata.
A Chinese state-owned defense corporation that develops and manufactures a wide range of military hardware. They produce China's main battle tanks, including the Type 99A and the VT-4 for export.
A Turkish bus and military vehicle manufacturer. Otokar is the main contractor for the development and production of the Altay, Turkey's first domestically produced Main Battle Tank.
An Israeli defense electronics company that provides critical subsystems for main battle tanks worldwide, including Israel's Merkava series. Their technologies include fire control systems, thermal sights, and active protection systems like the Iron Fist.