The best tanks of the world, according to foreign observers

Only a few countries in the world produce their own tanks. Among them - Russia, the United States, Germany, Israel, France, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and China. The defense industry of some states is trying to improve the design of its own armored vehicles based on samples purchased abroad, without making any significant changes.

Armament is manufactured not only for defense needs, but also for export, while, under all market laws, there is competition. The best tanks of the world compete in demonstration runs and shooting during international exhibitions, their merits and demerits are estimated by experts. The most complete comparative analysis is possible during military conflicts, but such an assessment is subjective, since the success of combat operations depends on the training of crews, the tactical advantages of the terrain and many other factors that level the quality of armored vehicles.

All the best tanks in the world have a number of common features that determine the general line of modern design solutions. The most important parameters are the characteristics of weapons, the degree of survivability, speed, maneuverability and ergonomics.

The main weapon of the modern tank at the moment is a turret gun, its caliber in the last two decades has grown from 120 to 140 mm. In addition, the best tanks of the world can use their barrels for firing not only shells, but also guided missiles.

Vitality, that is, the ability to resist modern means of destruction, is determined by the properties of armor. To create modern protection it is not enough simply to increase its thickness, its structure is important, as well as the presence of reactive layers capable of dispelling cumulative effects. Important factors include the created conditions that allow the crew to quickly leave the car in case of its defeat.

Speed and maneuverability are determined by the driving qualities and power of the power plant. The best tanks of the world are equipped with diesel engines. The promising direction of the development of engines is gas turbines.

The rationalization of all movements of the crew and the maximum automation create a combat unit advantages over time, which can become a decisive factor for victory. The issues of ergonomics of military equipment are given great attention.

Based on all the criteria, most foreign experts believe that the German "Leopard-2A5" is the best tank in the world in 2013. Its main advantage lies in the ability to modify previously produced cars to the level of the latest model, installing new guidance devices and the engine.

The American tank M1A2 is equipped with a turbine, which, despite its obvious advantages, showed its vulnerability in the conditions of sand and dust storms. Engines too often have to be sent from the conflict zone to the US for repair. In all other respects, the tank is not inferior to the Leopard.

Third, fourth and fifth place, according to foreign military observers, went to the Japanese "Tipu-90", the French "Leclerc" and the English "Challenger-2". All three cars differ little from each other, and from the Leopard, they are built in the mainstream of the design thought of the 1990s, abundantly equipped with electronics and electric drives.

A very cautious approach is shown in assessing the combat qualities of the Russian "Black Eagle". Data about him is published sparingly, but just in case he was taken the sixth place in the world tank rating. His predecessor (T-80) was often criticized, but the changes were made substantial, and apparently, they concerned the identified shortcomings.

The same considerations dictated the assignment of the seventh place to the Russian T-90. Dynamoreactive armor system "Contact-5", electronic shielding "Shtora-1", a cannon capable of firing shells with laser guidance - all could suggest that it is the best modern tank in the world, but failed to bring it by Western standards Comfort level. The same claims against the Ukrainian T-84.

South Korean "Type-88" is similar to the Japanese "Type-90". Why he is in eighth place, is unclear. Apparently, the small experience of tank builders of the "Country of morning freshness" is affecting.

Russian T-72 in the honorable ninth place. Its export modifications are readily purchased by many countries, it is good, reliable, inexpensive. Perhaps, according to some characteristics, he is inferior to "Leopards" and "Abrams", but for the ordinary tasks set before tanks, it is quite suitable.

The Israeli tank Merkava III should not have been included in this rating at all. This machine is very specific, it was created for the conditions of the Middle East. The tank has powerful weapons, reliable protection, is adapted to evacuate the wounded from the battlefield, but it is quiet. That's right, Israel is a small country, and there are no long-range offensives, the main thing is to defend it.

Chinese cars in the top ten did not enter.

It is possible that this rating is not objective, it is compiled by Western observers taking into account their own preferences.

Russians and Ukrainians did not win prizes. About our tanks know little, but still we are respected and considered one of the best.