Only a few countries produce their own tanks. Among them are Russia, the USA, 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 significant changes.
Weapons are made not only for defense needs, but also for export, and, according to all market laws, there is competition. The best tanks of the world compete in demonstration runs and firing during international exhibitions, their strengths and weaknesses are evaluated by experts. The most complete comparative analysis is also possible during military conflicts, but such an assessment is subjective, since the success of hostilities depends significantly on the skills of the crews, the tactical advantages of the terrain, and many other factors that level out the quality indicators 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 a modern tank at the moment is a tower gun, its caliber in the last two decades has grown from 120 to 140 mm. In addition, the best tanks in the world can use their trunks to fire not only shells, but also guided missiles.
Vitality, that is, the ability to withstand modern means of destruction, is determined by the properties of armor. To create modern protection, it is not enough just to increase its thickness, its structure is important, as well as the presence of reactive layers capable of dispersing cumulative effects. Important indicators include the created conditions that allow the crew to quickly leave the car in case of its defeat.
Speed and maneuverability are determined by driving performance and power plant. The best tanks in the world are currently equipped with diesel engines. A promising direction for the development of engines is gas turbines.
The rationalization of all crew movements and maximum automation create a combat unit of advantage over time, which can be a decisive factor in victory. The 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 is the ability to modify previously manufactured cars to the level of the latest model by installing new guidance devices and an engine.
The American M1A2 tank is equipped with a turbine, which, despite the obvious advantages, has shown its vulnerability in the conditions of sand and dust storms. Engines too often have to be shipped from the US conflict zone for repairs. 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 Type-90, the French Leclerc and the English Challenger-2. All three cars are not much different from each other and from the Leopard, they are built in the mainstream of the design ideas of the 1990s, abundantly equipped with electronics and electric drives.
A very cautious approach was taken in assessing the combat qualities of the Russian Black Eagle. Data about him are published sparingly, but just in case he was given the sixth place in the world tank rating. His predecessor (T-80) was often criticized, however, significant changes were made, and apparently, they concerned just identified shortcomings.
The same considerations dictated the assignment of seventh place to the Russian T-90. Dynamo-reactive armor system “Contact-5”, electronic defense “Shtora-1”, a cannon capable of firing laser-guided projectiles - all this could suggest that this is the best modern tank in the world, but failed in terms of Western standards comfort level. The same claims to the Ukrainian T-84.
The South Korean Type-88 is similar to the Japanese Type-90. Why is he in eighth place, it is not clear. Apparently, the small experience of the tank builders of the "Country of Morning Freshness" is having an effect.
Russian T-72 in honorable ninth place. Its export modifications are readily bought by many countries; it is good, reliable, inexpensive. Perhaps, in some respects, it is inferior to the Leopards and Abrams, but it is quite suitable for carrying out the usual tasks confronting the tanks.
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 slow-moving. That's right, Israel is a small country, and long-range offensives are not expected, the main thing is to defend our own.
Chinese cars were not included in the top ten.
It is possible that this rating is not objective, it was compiled by Western observers taking into account their own preferences.
Russians and Ukrainians did not get prize places. They know little about our tanks, but they still respect us and consider us one of the best.