Engineering and design mean smaller vehicles can be tank killers but is it a good idea?
An FNSS Pars 4x4 launches a Kornet-EM ATGM, a capability being increasingly added to smaller wheeled vehicles. (Photo: FNSS)
The eulogy for the dedicated tank hunter or buster appears to have been written with most armies putting them out to retirement in the face of alternatives like longer-range missiles or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). However, arming infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) or armoured personnel carriers (APCs) with medium-range missiles seems to indicate some kind of tank killer is required.
Introducing tank killer capability to IFVs and APCs, or even smaller vehicles, can add a capability without the need for an extra fleet of vehicles and it is an option now being picked up by most forces.
While adding two pods of anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) onto the latest turrets is a common design, consideration still needs to be given to whether it is necessary, as the total cost goes beyond just the missile.
Adding ATGMs to counter threats such as main battle tanks (MBTs) can deal with the large platforms which cannot be neutralised by the IFV’s primary armament, normally a 20-40mm cannon. This can
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Still no clarity on the future of the British Army’s new wheeled artillery system]()
Still no clarity on the future of the British Army’s new wheeled artillery system
The UK donated its AS90 155mm/39cal tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine ahead of planned retirement and bought Archer platforms to fill the gap. Eventually RCH 155s were ordered but the procurement effort remains under a cloud.
-
![Analysis: British Army Ajax in service after problematic delivery – but what now?]()
Analysis: British Army Ajax in service after problematic delivery – but what now?
The Ajax has finally rolled into place and achieved what the UK Ministry of Defence describes as Initial Operating Capability. With the production line for UK contracts only going to the end of the decade, what’s next?
-
![Rheinmetall looks to international partners as its sales grow]()
Rheinmetall looks to international partners as its sales grow
Rheinmetall has been riding high for several years as countries look to buy artillery and budgets boom.
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
