internationale ontwikkelingen MBT , niet Leopard 3 zijnde

[pz]

Analysis: How main battle tanks are adapting to modern warfare from lessons of the war in Ukraine

https://www.armyrecognition.com/analysis_focus_army_defence_military_industry_army/analysis_how_main_battle_tanks_are_adapting_to_modern_warfare_from_lessons_of_the_war_in_ukraine.html

In the French Center for Intelligence Research (Cf2R), Olivier Dujardin provides a compelling evaluation of how well tanks fit into contemporary warfare. The evolution of main battle tanks (MBTs) in the context of the war in Ukraine represents a significant chapter in modern armored warfare, highlighting adaptability and technological innovation in response to contemporary battlefield challenges. Initially designed for Cold War-era confrontations, MBTs have been subjected to a complex battlefield environment in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for advanced armor, active protection systems, and precision firepower to counter anti-tank guided missiles and drones.

The war in Ukraine has starkly highlighted the evolving role and challenges of tanks in modern warfare, challenging the notion that the era of the battle tank might be over. Despite significant losses, tanks remain critical to military strategy, prized for their unparalleled protection, formidable firepower, and superior mobility across challenging terrains. This has solidified their position as essential assets on the battlefield, capable of overcoming obstacles and delivering powerful offensive capabilities in all directions.

The conflict in Ukraine has also underscored the importance of electronic warfare capabilities, network-centric warfare, and the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and target acquisition, pushing armies to modernize their armored forces. Additionally, the war has demonstrated the critical role of logistical and repair support for sustaining tank operations, as well as the necessity for MBTs to operate within a combined arms approach, including infantry, artillery, and air support, to effectively counter a well-equipped adversary. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards high-tech, multi-domain combat operations, where traditional tank strengths are augmented by digital warfare and advanced defensive systems to meet the demands of modern conflict.

The design philosophies of tanks have historically been shaped by the strategic demands of their times, notably during the Cold War, which dictated tanks to be formidable opponents in direct confrontations. This has led to two primary design trends: one focusing on heavy armor and long-range capabilities, exemplified by tanks like the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams, and another emphasizing mobility and a higher rate of fire, seen in tanks such as the T-72 and AMX Leclerc. These approaches reflect differing strategic doctrines, with Soviet and Russian strategies traditionally favoring quantity and close engagement, while NATO has opted for quality, heavily armored units capable of engaging from a distance, and France adopting a hybrid approach emphasizing both mobility and long-range firepower.

Despite these differences, the fundamental mission of tanks—to engage and destroy enemy armor—has remained consistent. However, the conflict in Ukraine has revealed a shift in how tanks are deployed and the threats they face. Ukrainian authorities have noted that a small fraction of tank losses were due to enemy tanks, with the majority attributed to mines, artillery, anti-tank missiles, and increasingly, drones. This has highlighted the diminished role of traditional tank-on-tank engagements and the rising significance of asymmetric threats, including kamikaze drones, which have proven effective at targeting tanks.

The increasing use of drones and other anti-tank weapons has necessitated a reevaluation of tank design and protection. Innovations such as cage armor and Active Protection Systems (APS) have been introduced to counter these threats, offering enhanced survivability against a wider range of attacks. This adaptation reflects a broader trend towards tanks capable of defending against hemispheric 360-degree threats, marking a departure from the focus on frontal armor and long-range firepower.

However, the adaptability of current tank models to these evolving threats presents challenges, as demonstrated by the adjustments to the M1A2 Abrams tank design following experiences in Ukraine. This has led to a recognition of the need for lighter, more agile tanks that can effectively respond to new battlefield realities, highlighting a potential shift back towards medium tank designs that prioritize versatility and mobility without sacrificing protection.

The enduring relevance of tanks is underscored by their unmatched capabilities in providing firepower, protection, and mobility. Yet, the war in Ukraine has dispelled the myth of their invulnerability, underscoring the need for an evolutionary approach to tank design that addresses the spectrum of modern threats. This involves enhancing versatility, mobility, and protection to support infantry in high-intensity conflict zones, ensuring tanks can effectively contribute to contemporary combat operations.

In this context, the French Leclerc tank emerges as a model for future developments in armored warfare. Its combination of autoloading, reduced mass, and agility aligns with the evolving requirements of modern battlefields, suggesting a path forward for tank design that balances the demands of protection, firepower, and mobility. As warfare continues to evolve, the adaptation and innovation in tank technology will remain pivotal in maintaining its strategic value and effectiveness in combat.

[Harald]

US greenlights $2.2B deal with Bahrain for Abrams tanks

"The proposed sale will improve Bahrain's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that can deter adversaries and provide the capability to participate in regional operations with the United States and other U.S. partner nations," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The US State Department today approved the potential sale of 50 M1 Abrams battle tanks and other equipment to the Gulf nation of Bahrain in a deal worth an estimated $2.2 billion.

The island nation, which is a close ally of the US in the Middle East and hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet, requested 50 of the General Dynamics M1A2 SEPv3 (Systems Enhanced Package) Abrams variants as well as combat recovery vehicles, assault bridges, machine guns and a host of other equipment.

"The proposed sale will improve Bahrain's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that can deter adversaries and provide the capability to participate in regional operations with the United States and other U.S. partner nations," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. "Bahrain will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces."

The M1A2 SEPv3 is currently the most advanced Abrams in operation. The US military was planning a relatively modest upgrade to a SEPv4 variant, but the Army announced in September it was scrapping that plan to pursue a more ambitious next-generation Abrams.

For Foreign Military Sales, the amount of equipment and price point can change as negotiations continue, and lawmakers could always step in to block the deal.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/us-greenlights-2-2b-deal-with-bahrain-for-abrams-tanks/

[Harald]

Turkey's Extreme M60 MBT Upgrade 

[Huzaar1]

Interessant, bedankt!
Hehe, ik wilde niet direct vanuit mijn onderbuik reageren...
Deze is wel interessant: in het Westen vinden we het wellicht verouderde opvatting, maar misschien zijn ze nog geldig in Zuid-Amerika? (Ik zou 't niet weten; ik verdiep me nooit in hun defensie-apparaten.)

Dat is het hele ding, daar prima relevant maar kan je op een briefje geven dat als er daar een conflict uitbreekt we ook ATGM'S en drones gaan zien.

[Lynxian]

Het is een in Duitsland ontwikkelde medium tank uit de jaren '80 op basis van het Marder APC chassis door het bedrijf Thyssen-Henschel (tegenwoordig Rheinmetall). Origineel ontwikkeld voor Peru, maar door het annuleren van het contract zijn ze over gegaan naar Argentinie. Er zijn ook nog verschillende varianten ontwikkeld zoals een APC (VCTP), 155 mm howitzer, MLRS & mortier.

Het is dus een APC met wat meer vuurkracht.

Interessant, bedankt!

  wat zegt je gevoel?

Hehe, ik wilde niet direct vanuit mijn onderbuik reageren...

Vol consessies, compromissen en verouderde opvattingen.

Deze is wel interessant: in het Westen vinden we het wellicht verouderde opvatting, maar misschien zijn ze nog geldig in Zuid-Amerika? (Ik zou 't niet weten; ik verdiep me nooit in hun defensie-apparaten.)

[Huzaar1]

Vol consessies, compromissen en verouderde opvattingen.

[Zander]

  wat zegt je gevoel?

Hoog playmobiel gehalte als ik enkel naar het uiterlijk kijk.
Maar door jouw reactie vermoed ik dat dit ook geldt voor de rest van het blikkie.

[Parera]

Ik had nog nooit van deze tank gehoord. Is het wat?

Het is een in Duitsland ontwikkelde medium tank uit de jaren '80 op basis van het Marder APC chassis door het bedrijf Thyssen-Henschel (tegenwoordig Rheinmetall). Origineel ontwikkeld voor Peru, maar door het annuleren van het contract zijn ze over gegaan naar Argentinie. Er zijn ook nog verschillende varianten ontwikkeld zoals een APC (VCTP), 155 mm howitzer, MLRS & mortier.

Het is dus een APC met wat meer vuurkracht.

[Harald]

Ik had nog nooit van deze tank gehoord. Is het wat?

Vergelijk het met een Leo 1

https://tank-afv.com/coldwar/Argentina/TAM.php

[Master Mack]

M48 Walker Bulldog. Later had je nog de Patton. Lijkt hij op. Ouwe meuk.

[Huzaar1]

Ik had nog nooit van deze tank gehoord. Is het wat?

   wat zegt je gevoel?

[Lynxian]

Ik had nog nooit van deze tank gehoord. Is het wat?

[Harald]

Argentine Army Now Equipped with Modernized TAM 2C Medium Tanks

Based on information released through SA Defensa's X account, the Argentine Army has recently upgraded its armored capabilities with the introduction of the TAM 2C, an upgrade of the Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM). This medium tank, originally designed and operated by Argentina, has been modernized to meet current battlefield requirements. The Military Balance 2023 reports that Argentina's arsenal includes 225 units of the TAM tank.



https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/argentine_army_now_equipped_with_modernized_tam_2c_medium_tanks.html

[Huzaar1]

Wellicht gebruiken ze die ondersteundende vtgwn op leopard2 basis voor hun painf.

[Harald]

140 Ondersteuningstanks? Ik zal niet klagen dat ze investeren, maar is dat niet erg veel ten opzichte van de Leo2A8s die ze kopen? (Ik heb even niet helder wat ze met hun Ariete tanks willen gaan doen als de Leo er is.)

132 stuks Leopard 2A8
140 stuks ondersteunende voertuigen

90 stuks bestaande Italiaanse tanks (+optie 35 stuks) krijgen een MLU van C1 naar C2

All 272 armored vehicles, including 140 recovery tanks, bridge-laying tanks, and engineering vehicles, will be produced in Italy at the Leonardo facilities in La Spezia (formerly Oto Melara). This will involve the adoption of numerous national electronic systems and the involvement of the CIO (Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium), Leonardo (which in December signed an ad hoc agreement with KNDS), and, of course, the two German companies responsible for the battle tank (Krauss Maffei Wegnman – KMW) and for special vehicles (Rheinmetall).

In the Italian Army, the Leopard 2A8 tanks will join the 90/125 Ariete C2 tanks. The related contract, which includes the upgrade of 90 C1 version tanks plus an option for another 35, was awarded in August 2023.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2024_global_security_army_industry/italian_government_approves_the_purchase_of_132_german_leopard_2a8_tanks.html

Italy modernizes Ariete main battle tanks under EUR 850 million deal
https://defence-industry.eu/italy-modernizes-ariete-main-battle-tank-under-eur-850-million-deal/