"Tanks: for the Memory?" Topic

Given the power of modern antitank weapons, including the many varieties of "cheap" man portable types, are main battle tanks still a viable, useful piece of kit or just an expensive white elephant?
Opinions sought. Ta

Given the power of modern antitank weapons, including the many varieties of "cheap" man portable types, are main battle tanks still a viable, useful piece of kit or just an expensive white elephant?
Opinions sought. Ta

I was just discussing this issue with some colleagues today. I think the death knell for the tank started with the Yom Kippur War – when the Egyptians, initially, used the Saggers to great effect. Man held anti-tank capabilities have only increased since. Let alone drones. I think the day of the tank is definitely numbered – and the tank tactics employed by the Russians are definitely out of date.

This is why we need Ogres and BOLOS!

Possibly, but their replacement on the battlefield has not yet been identified. Drones can't hold ground, and troops still need armor from basic infantry weapons and a way to move quickly.

Is the IFV the way of the future? Or something else?

What will replace tanks? That is the million dollar question.

Is it going to be wheeled LAVs/IFVs that are fast but with significant weaponry? Like the Strikers with 105mm gun(M1128) or Centauros?

Tanks ARE still very viable, especially with reactive armor, and other modern, self-defense systems that shoot down incoming ordnance before it can damage, or kill the tank.

A lot of vehicles don't have this yet, but more top of the line tanks will be getting it.

I predict tanks will evolve into the L. Da Vinci drawing: Covered with a thick turtle-like shell for better protection… ;-)

Tanks/AFVs will continue to evolve, but I don't see them going away.

I've been somewhat surprised by the apparent lack of infantry support in some of the videos coming out of the current unpleasantness. So that'd be my answer: They're viable if employed correctly.

Jeff Ewing – that may be the answer – that tanks are still viable if provided with the proper infantry and air support.

Until tanks can integrate a kinetic self-defense system against direct fire, drones and ATGM threats it's just a juicy target. Infantry support may protect out to 200m but not much further. In the Ukraine air support is becoming a juicy target too.

Asymmetrical warfare against conventional forces gives them the initiative advantage. Even if tanks are almost invincible their logistical support is not. With dismounted infantry support protection on the flanks the convoy proceeds at a slow walk and they can be ambushed too.

The fighting vehicle of the future may be a 2-4 man hybrid ATV. It can use battery power to move with a low heat signature and use the gas engine to recharge the batteries. The vehicle should have a camo/thermal shroud to shield it while moving or static. It should be fitted with a smoke grenade launcher to hide their position to disengage. It should have a small drone to scout out ahead, perform recon and target ID. Equipped with secure satcom it can call in target coordinates to MLRS systems.

Weapons load out would include personal weapons, a sniper rifle, MANPAD, Javelin or other anti-vehicle systems, EFP mines to put in along the roadside (do not need to be dug in), and laser designator. A jumbo sized Claymore mine would handle infantry concentrations or enemy units that attempt to pursue the ATV.

They could also be used by SigInt units to set up bogus hot spots and cell towers to capture the enemy cell phone traffic. When identifying commanders cell phones they can be tracked and eliminated.

Dozens of these could be dispersed and then concentrate for a coordinated attack and then disperse again. Sort of like the German Wolf Pack tactics early in WWII.

Wolfhag