"Iraq Learned Tank Lessons in the War With Islamic State" Topic

"Following its success against the Islamic State (ISIS) on the battlefield Iraq is looking into the future needs of its armored forces. Baghdad has plans to purchase T-90 main battle tanks on the table and is simultaneously evaluating the feasibility of fundamentally revamping its fleet of vintage T-55 tanks and transform them into much more modern weapon platforms.

This is according to a report in the Al Sura news agency which says that Iraq will transform its T-55/Type 69s in its arsenal, following a series of extensive upgrades, into new domestically-produced Khafil-1 tanks. "Khafil" is Arabic for "Guarantor."

The Iraqis plan to achieve this feat by adding locally-manufactured armor and imported European-made reactive armor to their units of the world's most common tank. On top of this the Khafil will get a ballistic computer, enabling it to track other moving targets while on the move itself, a separate ammunition compartment, to lessen any harm done to the crew if the tank takes a direct hit, and a remotely-operated machine gun…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Let's hope the Iraqi army does not leave its tanks behind for the taking without a fight next time.

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And why are they not buying M1s?!

According to the article, they aren't buying more M1s due to cost. Easier/cheaper to upgrade and customize their older inventory of T72s and T55s to their liking. Seems like any M1s or T90s will be reserved for more conventional operations than what they currently deal with. The older stuff will be upgraded and used for lower intensity ops.

I thought they were taught some very clear tank lessons during the Gulf War (the first one).

Dan

Well if all you need is something to shoot up technicals and provide direct fire support and generally the worst that's going to be directly lobbed at you is RPG's….

I thought they were taught some very clear tank lessons during the Gulf War (the first one).

Yeah, but the learners who actually survived were booted out because of their 'regime links'.

You don't need M1s to fight Isis any more than you need F22s. Bombed up crop dusters and T34s will do the job.

Those Iranian err, um, I mean Iraqi tankers will surely appreciate getting their hands on those T90s.