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
-
![First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027]()
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
