The Most Advanced MBT, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the MBT you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:16

In a world where technology rapidly transforms the tools of warfare, understanding the capabilities of modern main battle tanks (MBTs) has become essential for both military enthusiasts and defense analysts. By voting for and ranking the most advanced MBTs, users contribute to a clearer overview of where global tank technology stands today. This data can also offer insights into trends in armor, firepower, and mobility that define the next generation of ground warfare vehicles. This live ranking system allows users to express their opinions and preferences when it comes to these formidable machines. By participating, voters not only engage with a community of like-minded individuals but also help shape an ongoing discussion about military technology. Your votes matter in painting a current picture of the best and most effective MBTs, influencing how these rankings evolve with every new development and user input.

What Is the Most Advanced MBT?

1

31
votes
Vitaly V. Kuzmin · CC BY-SA 4.0

T-14 Armata

Uralvagonzavod

T-14 Armata widely considered the most advanced MBT in the world, featuring a revolutionary unmanned turret and advanced composite armor.
The T-14 Armata is a state-of-the-art battle tank developed by Russia. It is designed to be highly adaptable, with a modular construction, advanced armor, and a wide range of features to make it effective in modern warfare.

Crew: 3

Weight: about 48 tons

Main Armament: 125 mm smoothbore cannon

Secondary Armament: 12.7 mm machine gun, 7.62 mm machine gun

Engine: 12-cylinder diesel engine, 1500 hp
T-14 Armata in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced Russian tank
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced battle tank
2

36
votes
Boevaya mashina · CC BY-SA 4.0

Leopard 2A7+

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)

Leopard 2A7+ the latest variant of the Leopard 2, featuring improved armor, a new gun, and advanced electronics.
The Leopard 2A7+ is a highly advanced German main battle tank designed for modern warfare scenarios. It is an upgrade variant of the Leopard 2A6, integrating improved technology and enhanced capabilities.

Weight: 62.3 metric tons

Length: 10.97 meters

Width: 3.75 meters

Height: 3.0 meters

Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Leopard 2A7+ in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced German tank
3

23
votes
M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams

General Dynamics Land Systems

M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams the latest variant of the Abrams, featuring upgraded armor, advanced sensors, and improved electronics.
The M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams is the latest version of the M1 Abrams main battle tank, which has been in service with the United States Army since 1980. It is a highly advanced and heavily armored tank that offers enhanced capabilities in terms of firepower, mobility, and protection.

Weight: 72.6 metric tons

Length: 9.77 meters

Width: 3.66 meters

Height: 2.44 meters

Crew: 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)
4

30
votes
Simta · CC BY-SA 3.0

K2 Black Panther

Hyundai Rotem

K2 Black Panther a South Korean MBT featuring advanced armor and a powerful gun.
The K2 Black Panther is a South Korean main battle tank designed and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. It is recognized as one of the most advanced battle tanks in the world, combining cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance.

Weight: 55,000 kilograms

Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)

Main Armament: 120mm smoothbore gun

Secondary Armament: 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 7.62mm machine gun

Engine: MT883 diesel engine with 1,500 horsepower
K2 Black Panther in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most advanced battle tank
5

18
votes
Type 99A2

Type 99A2 a Chinese MBT featuring advanced armor, a powerful gun, and advanced electronics.
The Type 99A2 is a modern Main Battle Tank (MBT) used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. It is an advanced variant of the Type 99 MBT and is designed for superior performance in various combat situations.

Weight: 54 tons

Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

Length: 11 meters

Width: 3.5 meters

Height: 2.4 meters
6

6
votes
7th Army Training Command from Grafenwoehr, Germany · CC BY 2.0

Ariete C1

CIO

Ariete C1 an Italian MBT featuring advanced composite armor and a powerful gun.
The Ariete C1 is an advanced Main Battle Tank (MBT) designed and produced by the Italian company CIO. It is a formidable war machine known for its excellent firepower, mobility, and advanced technology.

Weight: 55 tons

Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)

Main Armament: 120mm smoothbore gun

Secondary Armament: Coaxial machine gun (7.62mm) and anti-aircraft machine gun (12.7mm)

Armor Protection: Composite and modular armor with advanced reactive armor kits
7

10
votes
Nehemia Gershuni-Aylho · CC BY-SA 3.0

Merkava IV

Israel Military Industries

Merkava IV an Israeli MBT featuring advanced armor, a powerful gun, and advanced electronics.
The Merkava IV is an advanced Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by Israel Military Industries. It is a fourth-generation tank and the latest iteration of the Merkava series. The tank is renowned for its advanced safety features, superior firepower, and robust design.

Weight: about 65 tons

Length: 9.04 meters

Width: 3.72 meters

Height: 2.66 meters

Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
8

2
votes
Graeme Main · OGL v1.0

Challenger 2

Challenger 2 a British MBT featuring advanced armor and a powerful gun.
The Challenger 2 is a main battle tank that was developed and manufactured by British defense company Vickers Defence Systems (now known as BAE Systems Land & Armaments). It was designed to succeed the Challenger 1 and has been in service with the British Army since 1998.

Weight: 62.5 metric tons

Length: 11.55 meters

Width: 3.51 meters

Height: 2.49 meters

Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Challenger 2 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most advanced battle tank
9

1
votes
T-90M

T-90M a Russian MBT featuring advanced composite armor and a powerful gun.
The T-90M is a highly advanced main battle tank (MBT) that is an upgraded variant of the T-90. It is designed for modern warfare, with improved protection, firepower, and mobility.

Weight: 48.8 tons

Engine: Diesel engine, 1,130 hp

Speed: Up to 70 km/h (43 mph)

Crew: 3

Range: 500 km (311 miles)
10

2
votes
Los688 · CC0

Type 10

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Type 10 a Japanese MBT featuring advanced armor and a powerful gun.
The Type 10 is a highly advanced main battle tank (MBT) designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It is the latest addition to Japan's armored vehicle fleet, replacing the aging Type 90 MBTs.

Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)

Weight: 44 tons

Length: 9.4 meters

Width: 3.2 meters

Height: 2.3 meters

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Discussion

Ranking factors for advanced MBT

Protection

The ability of the tank to withstand enemy fire and protect its crew is crucial. This involves the tank's armor, the quality of the materials used, and any reactive and composite armor systems. Additionally, protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) should also be considered.
Firepower

The tank’s main gun, secondary weapons, ammunition types, and weapon systems should be evaluated. The accuracy and range of the main gun, its caliber, rate of fire, and the variety of ammunition it can use are all essential factors.
Mobility

The tank's flexibility and agility on the battlefield, including its top speed, acceleration, off-road capabilities, and suspension system, should be considered. Additionally, its weight to power ratio and fuel consumption are important aspects to review.
Electronics and technology

Advanced tanks should have modern electronic systems, including communication systems, targeting systems, situational awareness technology, and advanced fire control systems. The tank's ability to integrate with other units on the battlefield and its countermeasure systems against enemy threats should also be considered.
Crew comfort and survivability

The living conditions of the tank crew, including ergonomics, noise level, and ventilation, can impact their ability to operate the tank for extended periods. The design of the tank's crew compartment and its safety measures can also contribute to their survivability in case of an enemy attack or friendly accident.
Maintenance and logistics

The ease of maintaining and repairing the tank, as well as the availability and cost of spare parts, should be assessed. This includes the tank's modularity and the ability to upgrade its systems as technology evolves.
Cost

The overall cost of the tank, including its initial purchase price and lifecycle costs (maintenance, ammunition, and fuel), should be considered to determine its cost-effectiveness.
Combat experience

Though not always a direct indicator of a tank's capabilities, its performance in actual combat scenarios can provide valuable insights into its strengths and weaknesses.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced MBT. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or MBT is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1698 views
160 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each MBT once every 24 hours. The rank of each MBT is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most advanced mbt

When it comes to modern military technology, few things are as impressive as the Main Battle Tank (MBT). These heavily armored vehicles are designed to be the ultimate ground weapon, capable of taking on enemy forces in a variety of environments. But with so many countries developing their own MBTs, it can be difficult to determine which one is truly the most advanced. The term "advanced" can mean different things depending on the context, but in the case of MBTs, it typically refers to a combination of factors. These may include the tank's armor protection, firepower, mobility, and overall technological sophistication. Some of the most notable MBTs in the world today include the American M1 Abrams, the Russian T-90, and the German Leopard 2. Each of these tanks offers its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and determining which one is the most advanced requires careful consideration of a range of factors. From the quality of the tank's sensors and communication systems to the effectiveness of its weapons and defenses, there are many different variables to take into account. Ultimately, the question of which MBT is the most advanced is one that is likely to remain a subject of debate among military experts for years to come. But regardless of which tank ultimately comes out on top, one thing is certain - the MBT remains a vital component of modern military strategy, and will likely continue to play a major role in conflicts around the world for many years to come.