Shock Effect

Atul Chandra

Modern militaries the world over are upgrading their Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to cater to the rapidly evolving changes in the modern battlefield. MBTs remain a potent force on the battlefield and provide much needed firepower and mobility for armies worldwide. However, they are now facing a host of threats, ranging from unmanned systems, loitering munitions, 5^th generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) and more.

The ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the performance of Russian MBTs against Western armour and ATGMs and vice versa is also informing the modernisation efforts of many MBTs worldwide. Two large-scale operators of modern MBTs, the USA and Israel, have recently showcased their plans for MBTs that will be a force to reckon with on the battlefield.

Israel Unveils Future MBT

In September, Israel’s Ministry of Defence (IMOD) revealed the Israel Defence Force’s (IDF) future MBT “Barak”. The cutting-edge new MBT has been developed over a five-year period and the Barak is the first 5th generation MBT to enter service globally. The development of this MBT was undertaken by the Tank and APC Directorate of Israel’s Ministry of Defence, the Israeli Ground Forces and the Armoured Corps.

The IDF’s 52^nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade took delivery of the first mass-produced Barak MBTs in September this year. The new MBT will go on to replace the Merkava MBTs operated by the Israeli Arm