Will we see a rise in MBT alternatives in future armoured warfare?
The Type 100 Light Tank recently unveiled by China. (Photo: Chinese state television)
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of militaries procuring alternative vehicles to the traditional tank. The spread of these vehicles appears to be driven by the ever-increasing cost of MBTs and the changing nature of the modern battlefield.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there has been significant debate on the role of the main battle tank (MBT) in modern warfare. MBT detractors claim that heavy armour has been rendered obsolete by the proliferation of new threats like first-person view (FPV) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions.
These new threats are exceedingly cheap, while MBTs are increasingly expensive. The Leopard 2A8, recently unveiled by KNDS, costs an estimated US$16 million, while drones like the GA-10FPV-AI, which have been so effective in Ukraine, cost an estimated $850. The MBT’s defenders, meanwhile, maintain that nothing provides the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026]()
The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026
2025 was a busy year for the land domain and 2026 looks set to be just as big. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill analyses some of the major trends we are likely to see in the year ahead.
-
![Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?]()
Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?
Iran’s defence industry is now producing a range of surface-to-air missile systems and has begun to market them internationally. Using what appears to be a mixture of original and reverse-engineered elements, how do they stack up compared to other countries’ offerings?
-
![Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year]()
Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year
December saw several milestones on the howitzer front with billions of dollars worth of orders placed and Germany committing to more 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles. Taiwan was also approved for equipment orders worth $11 billion even as the year came to an end with China encircling the country as part of an exercise.
