List of main battle tanks by generation

Centurion

1945 (Mk 1)

1946 (Mk 2)1948 (Mk 3)1955 (Mk 5)

United Kingdom

4,423

51 t

650 hp

52–100 km

First "Universal Tank" (MBT) Culmination of the WWII cruiser tanks.

T-54

1945 (T‑54)

1947 (T‑54)1955 (T‑54A)1957 (T‑54B)

Soviet Union

35,000

36 t

520 hp

330–440 km

USSR's First Generation of MBT.

Type 59

1959 (T‑54A)

People's Republic of China

13,000

36 t

520 hp

450–600 km

Chinese-produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank.

M48 Patton

1951 (T48)

1952 1953 (A1) 1955 (A2) 1957 (A3) 1975 (A5)

United States

12,000

45–49 t

750–825 hp

110–480 km

A further development of the M47 Patton tank. America's First generation of MBT

FV4202

1955

—

United Kingdom

3

41.5 t

520 hp

50–100 km

Prototype used to develop various concepts later used in the Chieftain.

T-55

1958

1958

Soviet Union

27,500

36 t

581 hp

400–530 km

Improved T-54.

Type 61

1956

1961

Japan

560

35 t

570 hp

200 km

First MBT developed and used by the JGSDF, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

M60

1959 1962 (A1) 1973 (A2) 1978 (A3)

United States

15,000+

46–49.5 t

750 hp

450–500 km

A development of the M48 Patton. M60A2 and M60A3 are sometimes considered as the first intermediate generation. The M60A2 had a new turret housing an M162 152mm gun/launcher.

T-62

1958

1961

Soviet Union

22,700+

37 t

581–620 hp

320–650 km

Development of the T-55, with a new 115mm cannon and enlarged chassis. First tank fitted with a smoothbore gun that could fire APFSDS rounds. Note that Russian doctrine did not yet qualify this tank as an MBT, and still classifies it as a medium tank designed to operate alongside a heavy tank like the T-10.

Leopard 1

1961

1965 1970 (A1) 1972 (A2) 1974 (A4) 1980 (A5)

West Germany

4,744

40–42 t

820 hp

450–600 km

A main battle tank designed and produced in West Germany that first entered service in 1965.

Panzer 61

1957

1965

Switzerland

150

39 t

630 hp

250 km

Initially developed as the Panzer 58 medium tank and developed and redesignated into the Panzer 61.

MBT-70

1965

—

United States  West Germany

14

50.4 t

1470–1500 hp

644 km

An American-West German joint project to develop a new main battle tank. Never entered service.

Vickers MBT Mark 1

1964

1965

United Kingdom

376

38 t

535 hp

480 km

British private venture design for export.

AMX 30 / AMX-30E

1966

1966

France

3,571

36–39 t

700–750 hp

450–500 km

The AMX 30 served as the principal Main Battle Tank (MBT) for the French Army.

T-64

1958

1963 (T‑64) 1967 (T‑64A) 1976 (T‑64B)

Soviet Union

13,000

38–42 t

700–1000 hp

500–700 km

World's first composite armoured tank. In Russian military theory, the T-64 is the first vehicle of the third generation.

FV 4201 Chieftain

19591966

1967 (Mk 2) 1970 (Mk 3) 1975 (Mk 5‑8) 1979 (Mk 9) 1984 (Mk 10‑12)

United Kingdom

1,896

56 t

650–750 hp

400–500 km

First tank with a supine driver position. Designed to replace both the Centurion, and heavier Conqueror tanks. Chobham armour was tested on the FV 4211.

1976

United Kingdom  Iran

185

650–750 hp

400–500 km

Project 4030 Phase 1 was an improved version of the Chieftain, featuring thickened belly armour, tank laser sight, and improved suspension, transmission, and fuel capacity.

1977

—

United Kingdom  Iran

125

1200 hp

Shir (4030 Phase 2) was developed for export to Iran, featuring a new turbocharged engine, thickened belly armour, and a new transmission, suspension, and cooling system. It was cancelled in 1979 before any production vehicles were delivered.

Magach 3

1967

United States  Israel

300

49 t

750 hp

480 km

Modernized M48A1/A2C/A3 including British 105 mm L7 cannon, low profile commander's cupola, and an upgraded communication suite, engine, and transmission.

Strv 103

1963

1967

Sweden

290

42.5 t

540–780 hp

390 km

World's first turbine engine equipped tank, the Strv 103 is an indigenous turretless design that uses hydropneumatic hull suspension to aim.

WZ-122

1970

—

China

Only a few, project cancelled

<38 t

650–680 hp

—

Main battle tank developed by the People's Republic of China. Its development started in March 1970. After several prototypes were built, the plan was set aside in 1974.

Panzer 68

1971

1971

Switzerland

390

40.8 t

660 hp

200 km

Swiss vehicle based on the Panzer 61. Improvements consisted of wider tracks, stabilized gun, and replaces the coaxial 20mm gun with a machine gun.

T-72

1973

Soviet Union

25,000

41–45 t

780–840 hp

460–700 km

Hilmes puts the T-72 in the first intermediate generation. Post-1990's modernized versions are classified as third generation.

Olifant Mk 1 / Mk 2

1974

1976 1985 (1A) 1991 (1B)

South Africa

153

56 t

650 hp

50–100 km

A South African development of the Centurion Tank. The Mk 1 is largely similar to the Centurion, while the Mk 2 has many locally produced components.

Type 74

1975

Japan

873

38 t

750 hp

300 km

Hilmes puts the Type 74 in the first intermediate generation. Entered widespread use in 1980.

Magach 5

1976

United States  Israel

150

50 t

750 hp

480 km

M48A5 in the original configuration. Similar to the Magach 3, but had slightly different engine and transmission Continental AVDS-1790-2D and Allison CD-850-6A accordingly. Eventually fitted with Blazer ERA.

Vickers MBT Mark 3

1977

United Kingdom

212

40 t

720 hp

400 km

A further development of the Vickers Mk I MBT. Developed as a private venture, it has a new fire control system and is powered by a Detroit Diesel 12V-71T turbocharged engine.

Shir 2

1978

—

United Kingdom  Iran

250

1200 hp

Also known as "4030 Phase 3", the rear of the hull was similar to the previous Shir design, as was the gun and fire control, and automative systems, but it had new suspension and sights, as well as Chobham armour on the hull and turret. It was cancelled before delivery, and the tanks already built were reworked at ROF Leeds into the Challenger 1.

TR-77-580

1979

Socialist Republic of Romania

405

42 t

580 hp

400–450 km

Romanian development of the T-54/55, with a longer chassis and 6 road wheels. It was intended to use the same engine as the Leopard 1, but the refusal of Krauss-Maffei to deliver to a Warsaw Pact member meant that the V-55 engine was retained.

Merkava Mark I / II

1979

Israel

250

63 t

908 hp

500 km

First Main Battle Tank developed and used by Israel Defense Forces.

Type 80/88 / Type 96

1980

People's Republic of China

3500

38–40 t

730 hp

400–500 km

Variants include the Type 80, Type 85, Type 88.

OF-40

1981

Italy

39

45.5 t

820 hp

600 km

Used by United Arab Emirates.

T-55AI Igman

1981

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

~20

37–45 t

~780 hp

~700 km

Yugoslav upgrade of the T-55A, sharing components with the M-84, a local variant of T-72, whom it was in parallel development with. It include two AT-3 Sagger missile rails, a meteosensor, smoke dischargers, spaced armour, and laser rangefinders from M-84.

T-72M/M1

1981

Czechoslovakia

1700

43.5 t

850 hp

480 km

Built under licence by ZTS Martin. In Western sources it is often referred to as T-72G. In the late 1980s they received some improvements from the Soviet T-72A programme, including rubber side skirts (instead of "gill armour") and 902B "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers.

T-55 Enigma

1982

Ba'athist Iraq

8

41 t

520 hp

300 km

Modernized T-55, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks used by Iraqi Armed Forces.

Type 69/79

1982

People's Republic of China

3200

37 t

580 hp

440 km

A further development of the Type 59. Most advanced Type 79 variant was equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun which was also found on the Type 80 tank.

AMX-32

1982

—

France

6

38–40 t

800 hp

530 km

The AMX-32 was a French prototype main battle tank developed by AMX and APX during the late 1970s as an export tank to fit in a specific market niche of nations with smaller defence budgets.

Tanque Argentino Mediano

1983

Argentina

280

31 t

720 hp

590–800 km

Medium tank (main battle tank) in service with the Argentine Army.

Bernardini MB-3 Tamoyo

1983

—

Brazil

Only a few

30 t

500 hp

550 km

Designed by Bernardini; it never passed beyond the prototype stage. The final model, the Tamoyo III was armed with a NATO 105 mm L7 rifled main gun.

TR-85

1986

Socialist Republic of Romania

617

42.2 t

830 hp

400 km

Main battle tank based on the TR-77-580, designed for the Romanian Land Forces. 227 TR-85s were in service in 2017.

CM-11 Brave Tiger / CM-12

1990

Taiwan

450

50 t

750 hp

480 km

Variant based on the M60 Patton and M48 Patton.

M-55S

1992

Soviet Union Slovenia Israel

30

38 t

600 hp

580 km

T-54/T-55 modernization developed by STO RAVNE and Elbit Systems. Slovenia modernized the 30 T-55 tanks in its inventory. The last was modernized to the M-55S standard in May 1999.

Zulfiqar I

1994

Iran

400

52 t

780–1000 hp

450 km

Over 150 built, not including 6 prototypes.

Type 72Z

1997

Iran

400

36 t

780 hp

440 km

A highly modernized version of the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks with upgrades carried out by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization.

Al-Zarrar

2004

China  Pakistan

750

44 t

730 hp

450 km

An upgrade of Pakistan's aging Chinese Type 59 tanks, developed with Ukrainian assistance and manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila, fitted with a 125 mm smoothbore gun.

Ramses II

2005

Egypt

425

48 t

908 hp

530 km

A heavily modernized T-55 main battle tank designed for and used by the Egyptian Armed Forces.

Tifon 2a

2010

—

Ukraine  Peru

4

46 t

1050 hp

—

Main battle tank based on the Soviet T-54/55 tank, developed and manufactured jointly by the Peruvian company DICSAC and the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau. Trials/Development only.

Sabalan

2014

Iran

170

50 t

750 hp

500 km

Iranian upgrade of the M47 Patton, It has side skirts and a new turret fitted with a 105-mm gun, laser range finder, new fire control system and communication equipment. Never used in active service.

Type 59G Durjoy

2015

China  Bangladesh

174

42 t

730 hp

450 km

An upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank for the Bangladesh Army.

T-55AGM

2016

—

Ukraine

4

46 t

850 hp

—

Ukrainian T-54/T-55 modernization (also applicable to the T‑62) bringing them to T-80 standard. Fitted with a new engine and movement control system, ERA, countermeasures system, autoloader, and an anti-aircraft machine gun that can be operated from within the turret.

T-80 / T-84

1976

Soviet Union

>5400

42.5–46 tons

700–1000 hp

First tank solely equipped with a turbine engine (the Strv 103 used a diesel engine alongside a turbine). Early models are considered as intermediate second generation, while T-80U (1985) onwards are third generation.

1985

1987

Soviet Union

500–800

46 tons

1000 hp

T-80UD Bereza is a Soviet (xUSSR) version with diesel 6TD engine and remote-controlled antiaircraft machine gun.

Leopard 2

1979

West Germany

3600

~60 tons

1500 hp

Development of the Leopard 2 began in 1970. It is armed with a fully-stabilized Rheinmetall RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun.

MBT-80

1980

—

United Kingdom

17

62 tons

1500 hp

The FV4601 MBT-80 was a British experimental third-generation main battle tank, designed in the late 1970s to replace the Chieftain tank. It was eventually cancelled in favour of the Challenger 1, itself an evolution of the Chieftain design.

M1 Abrams

1979

1980

United States

10,400

60–74 tons

1500 hp

M1A1 production began in 1985, and featured NBC protection, the M256 gun replaced the M68. The M1A2 began production in 1986 and entered service in 1992, and offers an independent hunter-killer thermal sight and depleted uranium armour. The System Enhancement Package in 1992 integrated graphite-coated third generation depleted uranium armour.

Challenger 1

1983

United Kingdom

420

62–70 tons

1200 hp

Replaced the Chieftain. It is armed with a fully-stabilized L11A5 120mm rifled gun, an improved version of the Chieftain's gun. The Challenger 1 is powered by a Rolls-Royce Condor V12 turbocharged diesel engine. With the introduction of the Challenger 2 into British service, the retired now surplus Challenger 1s were exported to Jordan at no cost.

AMX-40

1983

—

France

4

44 tons

1100 hp

A replacement for the AMX-32, it was designed to be inexpensive for militaries with smaller defence budgets, and featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility, however it failed to attract interest and sales, and was discontinued in 1990.

M-84

1983

1984

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

650

41.5 tons

1000 hp

The M-84 is essentially a license-built Soviet T-72 with a number of Yugoslavian sub-systems. By 1992 over 600 had been built. Currently operational with some countries of the former Yugoslavia and Kuwait.

1991

—

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

2

1200 hp

The M-91 Vihor is a Yugoslav prototype, based on the M-84, which is in turn a domestic copy of the T-72. Due to the disintegration of Yugoslavia, it never entered production, and only a few prototypes were made for testing. Its development later led to the M-95 Degman.

1995

—

Croatia

2

48.5 tons

1200 hp

The M-95 Degman is a Croatian main battle tank prototype, developed by the Đuro Đaković and developed from the M-91 Vihor tank derived from the T-72. It did not enter full production.

EE-T1 Osório

1985

—

Brazil

2 prototypes

40.9–43.7 tons

1100 hp

The EE-T1 Osório was a Brazilian prototype developed by Engesa. Intended first to be exported to other countries, enabling the Brazilian Army to later place orders without having to fund development costs. Initially privately funded by Engesa, but cashflow issues led to the Brazilian government extending a loan to assist the program. It was never adopted for service.

K1 / K1A1

1985

1987

South Korea

1,027

51.1 tons

1200 hp

Referred to as the "Type 88" by American engineers. First Main Battle Tank in use with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, designed by General Dynamics.

1996

2001

South Korea

484

53.2 tons

1200 hp

The K1A1 is an improved version of the K1, developed by Hyundai Rotem. It is similar to the US M1A1 Abrams in terms of firepower and protection. Production began in 1996, however it only entered service with the ROK Army in 2001. Production ceased in 2010. A total of 484 of these tanks were built.

TR-125

1987

Socialist Republic of Romania

5–10

50 tons

900 hp

Prototype main battle tank is a redesigned T-72 made with Romanian components only. It is now designated P-125 (P stands for Prototype).

Merkava Mark III / IV

1989

Israel

780

The Mark III was retired from active service in 2022 but is still the most numerous tank in the IDF's arsenal. Compared to the Mark II, it has upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and electronic systems. It incorporates the locally developed IMI 120 mm gun.

Type 90

1976

1990

Japan

341

Intended to replace the Type 61 medium tanks in service with JGSDF. It is armed with RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun and fires HEAT-MP and APFSDS-T rounds, but is compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition.

Pokpung-ho II

1992

North Korea

200–500

A further development of Ch'onma-Ho. The tank may incorporate technology found in the T-62, T-72, and Ch'onma-ho MBTs. The P'okp'ung-ho is only known to be used in North Korea.

Leclerc

1990

1992

France

862

Replaced AMX 30. Development began in 1978 with prototypes ready in 1989. Named in honor of Philippe Leclerc. It is in service with France and United Arab Emirates.

Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD)

1992

—

South Africa

1

A prototype main battle tank completed in the early 1990s. It shared some technology with the Leopard 2 and was intended to replace ageing South African MBTs., but didn't go into service because of funding issues. Some of the subsystems were applied to the Olifant Mk 2.

T-90

1992

Russia

750–1,000

Deep modernization of the T-72B; originally introduced into service in October 1992 as T-72BU, but simultaneously renamed as the T-90.

T-72M2 Moderna

1993

—

Slovakia

1

A further development of the T-72M1A. Development was completed but without any order for tank fleet modernization.

PT-91 Twardy

1995

Poland

281

A development of the T-72M1. The PT-91 Twardy is an improved variant of the Soviet T-72. Production for Poland was completed in 2002. A total of 233 tanks were delivered. Malaysia ordered 48 PT-91M Pendekar which were delivered in 2007–2009.

Ariete

1989

1995

Italy

200

Developed by Iveco and OTO Melara. Named in honour of the WW2 "Ariete" Armored Division. It was intended to replace M60A1 in service with Italian Army. First prototype was revealed in 1986 and six pre-production vehicles were built in 1989. It entered service in 1995.

Zulfiqar II

1997

—

Iran

Few prototypes

Interim development between the Zulfiqar I and III, derived from the former. It had an extended hull and a new engine. It also had a new sloping turret with a bustle at the rear. It never entered service.

Challenger 2

1993

1998

United Kingdom

447

A further development and redesign of the Challenger 1. Currently the Challenger 2 is in service with United Kingdom (386) and Oman (38). Armed with the British 120 mm L30 rifled gun.

T-72M1S

1998

Syria Italy

124

Syrian-Italian upgrade with the addition of the Galileo Avionica TURMS-T computerised FCS, infrared cameras, improved gun and sight stabilisation, and 9M119 Svir/Refleks launch capability. Between 1998 and 2000, T-72M1s and T-72AVs were upgraded to this standard, with very few of the upgraded T-72AVs retaining their ERA after being upgraded.

Black Eagle

1999

—

Russia

1

The Black Eagle tank (Object 640), was a presumed prototype Russian tank, thought to have been developed in the late 1990s. A production version of this tank has never been publicly demonstrated. It is a T-80 variant which has helped development of the T-14 Armata.

T-95

2000

—

Russia

2

T-95 (Object 195), was developed at Uralvagonzavod from 1988 until its cancelation in 2010. Little about it is publicly known. Work from it was used in the T-14 Armata, which began production in 2016.

Zulfiqar III

2000

Iran

100–250

The most advanced variant of the Zulfiqar family, bearing a resemblance to the M1 Abrams. It features upgrades to the fire-control system, chassis, engine and main gun. The new variant is equipped with an autoloaded 2A46 125 mm smoothbore cannon, laser rangefinder and a new fire-control system.

M60-2000

2001

—

United States Turkey

1

The M60-2000 or 120S was initially aimed at the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) M60 upgrade requirement but this competition was subsequently won by Israel Military Industries with their Sabra II upgrade. The Egyptian Army was considering this offer until it was finally rejected in favor of a licensed contract to build M1s in Egypt. Only one prototype was made.

Type 99

2001

People's Republic of China

1200

It is a development of the [[Type 99 tank#Project 9910 prototype|]]. The Type 99 was revealed in 2000 and entered service with the Chinese Army in 2001. It shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology. An improved version was presented in 2017.

MBT-2000/Al-Khalid

2002

People's Republic of China Pakistan

994

Jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It is a further development of the Chinese Type 90-II tank, which was not accepted to service with the Chinese Army. In the late 1990s it was marketed for export as the MBT-2000. Pakistan acquired a production license. Named after Khalid ibn al-Walid. First deliveries of this tank were made in 2002. It is currently in service with Pakistan.

Tank EX

2002

—

India

9

Experimental hybrid prototype with turret of Arjun and hull of T-72. It underwent six months of trials, but was subsequently rejected by the Indian Army.

Pokpung-ho III

Between 1992 and 2002

North Korea

200–500

Outside parties codename the tank M-2002 because the tank went through performance trials on February 16, 2002 (therefore being officially confirmed by outside sources), although the tank may have been in existence since 1992.

T-72M4CZ

2003

Czech Republic

30

Upgraded Czech version of the T-72 tank. The T-72 main battle tank was licensed-produced in the former Czechoslovakia but after its dissolution in the early 1990s, upgrade programs were developed both in Czechia and Slovakia to keep their fleets of T-72 MBTs operational and combat capable.

M60 Phoenix

2004

Jordan

182

The M60 Phoenix is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. The gun was replaced by a Swiss RUAG CTG fully-stabilized 120 mm/L50 smoothbore gun, compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition.

Arjun Mk 1

1996

2004

India

141

The first prototype was built in 1989, and 15 pre-production prototypes by 1996. Production variant entered service in 2004. MK1A variant of Arjun was developed and entered service with the Indian Army in 2021.

C2 Ariete

2005

Italy

200

The C2 Ariete was revealed in 2005. It has a modular armor, 120 mm smoothbore gun fitted with an autoloader, hydropneumatic suspension, 1500 hp engine and more advanced fire control system.

Mobarez

2006

Iran

50

A domestically upgraded version of the British Chieftain tank by Iran.

T-90S Bhishma

2006

India

330

An improved T-90S developed with assistance from Russia and France. Equipped with the French Thales-built Catherine-FC thermal sights, Russian Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour, in addition to primary armor which consists of laminated plates and ceramic layers with high-tensile properties.

Type 96A/B

2006

People's Republic of China

2500

42.8 tons

It is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armor and thermal imaging system, intended to approach the Type 99 in overall performance. It is also proposed for export customers as the VT2B. In 2016 a new version emerged, fitted with a new engine and various improved systems.

Sabra Mk I / II

2007

United States Israel

630

An extensively upgraded M60 Patton tank developed by Israel Military Industries.

M60A3 SLEP

2019

Taiwan

—

Taiwanese 2019 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modular update of the M60A3 in conjunction with Elbit Systems. Includes MG251/L44 120 mm gun with a semi-automatic load assist, Elbit Knight FCS, laser range finder, an independent commander's thermal sight, an RWR/IR warning system, improved suspension and NBC protection, and modular active and reactive armour packages.

Cheonma-2

2020

North Korea

9

First seen during the 75th anniversary of the Worker's Party military parade. Initially given the unofficial name "M2020" by South Korean media. Its design resembles the American M1 Abrams, Russian T-14 Armata and the Iranian Zulfiqar. It is equipped with composite armour and possibly an autoloader. The armament is believed to be the Soviet 2A46 125 mm gun, a Russian AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher, two Bulsae 3 ATGM and an unidentified co-axial machine gun.

Leopard 2NG

2011

—

Germany  Turkey

1

65 tons

The Leopard 2NG (Next Generation) is a privately funded Turkish upgrade by ASELSAN that includes AMAP, upgraded optics, overhauled turret mechanics, and a new fire control system which is also intended to be used on the new Altay MBT. It was developed without an order from the Turkish Army, but might meet the requirements for the modernization of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s.

Mark 4M Meil Ruach

2011

Israel

300

Merkava Mark IV equipped with the Trophy active protection system (APS), designated "Meil Ruach" (Hebrew: מעיל רוח; "Windbreaker"). The Merkava IVm now equips all active service combat brigades.

T-84 Oplot-M

2013

Soviet Union Ukraine

54

51 tons

The newest and most sophisticated version of the T-84 is an upgraded version of the "T-84 Oplot" mounting more advanced armor, new electronic countermeasure systems, and the new PNK-6 panoramic tank sight. The T-84 Oplot-T is an export version for Thailand.

T-90MS/M

2013

Soviet Union Russia

100

The main features include the modernisation of the old turret design, which is equipped with the advanced "Kalina" fire control system, improved armour on the ammo carousel, and an upgraded 2A46M-5 gun, as well as a remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun "UDP T05BV-1". T-90MS is the export version, also known as T-90SM.

K1A2

2013

South Korea

480

Upgraded variant of the K1A1 with the technology of the K2 Black Panther. It features additional systems such as a digital battlefield control system, IFF system, front and rear surveillance camera and navigation system, and with improved real-time information sharing, inter-combat vehicle operation, friendly fire prevention and driver operability.

Type 99A

2014

China

600

1500 hp

The Type 99A is a Chinese main battle tank. It is an improved version of the Type 99, which was adopted by the Chinese Army back in 2001. This tank is also incorrectly referred as the Type 99G, Type 99A1 and Type 99A2. It has a number of improvements over the baseline Type 99, related with fire control, targeting and countermeasures systems and modified suspension.

Leopard 2A7+

2014

Germany

106

The 2A7+ has improved mobility, sustainability, and due to a modular protection kit, improved survivability. Its modular design makes it suitable for urban warfare and high-intensity conflicts. It has advanced IED, mine, and RPG protection. It can fire programmable HE munitions enable it to engage targets behind cover and is equipped with the FLW200 remote weapon station. The tank also has an adaptable dozer blade to clear obstructions, and third generation thermal sights for both commander and gunner. Hungary ordered 44 of these, making them the second operator of the improved version, after Qatar.

VT-4

2016

China

<100

57 tons

1200 hp

The VT4 is a Chinese main battle tank, developed specially for export. It is also known as the MBT-3000. It is being marketed by NORINCO. This tank can be seen as a simplified export version of the Type 99G, which is used by the China's Army. The VT4 is a further development of the VT1A.

T-80BVM

2017

Soviet Union Russia

>220

Up to 300 units, new "Relikt" ERA, PNM Sosna-U gunner sight (as in T-90 and T-72B3), improved 2A46M-4 125mm gun, upgraded gas turbine engine, and upgrade of various other systems. Currently being delivered.

M1A2 SEPv3 / SEPv4

2015

2017

United States

154

The SEPv3 (formerly M1A2C) has improved power and communications systems, an auxiliary power unit, improved FLIR cameras and counter-IED armour, CROWS, and replaceable modules for improved maintenance. Passive protection added to the turret faces, with new ERA and Trophy APS added to the turret sides. It can also fire airburst rounds.

Karrar

2017

Iran

800

51 tons

Iranian MBT claimed to be on a par with the Russian T-90M and American M1A2. Both Iran and Russia, however, deny any Russian involvement in the project outside of the hull's original production.

Leopard 2PL

2020

Poland  Germany

142

Modernized version of the Leopard 2A4 used by the Polish Armed Forces. The upgrade included a new commander's control and monitoring system, an auxiliary power unit, new turret stowage compartment for crew equipment, upgrade of its main gun to use new programmable ammunition, and integrated day/night rear camera for the driver.

Arjun MK 1A

2021

India

17

An improvement of the Arjun. It has a redesigned turret protected with Kanchan composite armour, ERA and NERA, ALWCS active protection system and DRDO-developed health monitoring system. Arjun MK1A has capability to fire indigenous SAMHO gun-launched dual purpose missile.

Ariete AMV

2022

Italy

125

1500 hp

The Ariete AMV is a mid life update and includes upgraded transmission and engine, new tracks, new electronics and optronics (LOTHAR SD for the gunner, Multispectral ATTILA D for the commander), add-on armor and mine protection and integration of SICCONA battlefield management system.

Merkava IV Barak

2023

Israel

—

The "Barak" (Lightning) is entered service in 2023. It has upgraded Trophy APS, day/night cameras, a heads-up display for the tank commander, and new sensors enabling it to independently acquire and strike targets, in addition to electronic warfare capabilities, and a directed energy system capable of intercepting drones and cruise missiles.

Haider MBT

2024

People's Republic of China Pakistan

—

1200 hp

Main battle tank designed and manufactured by the Heavy Industries Taxila for the Pakistan Army. It has various improvements, and features 125mm smoothbore gun, advanced fire control system, sensors, and targeting devices, and new composite armor and ERA.

Type 10[better source needed]

2010

2012

Japan

117

40–48 tons

1200 hp

Additional emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities. An autoloader reduces reload time to about 3.5 seconds. It also features configurable modular armour. The reduced size and weight means that 84% of Japan's bridges are passable for the Type 10, compared to only 65% for the Type 90 and 40% for typical western MBTs.

K2 Black Panther[better source needed]

2008

2014

South Korea

260

55–56 tons

1500 hp

Development was completed in 2008, but production was delayed to develop a domestic power pack, and it began to be service with the South Korean Army from 2014. For the fourth batch, 150 units will be produced from 2024 to 2028.

Leclerc XLR

2018

2023

France

>15

~60 tons

1500 hp

Newest upgrade package part of the SCORPION program. Inclusion of new tactical interfaces, new armour packages, RWS turret, as well as several additional sensors and grenade launchers. First units delivered in 2023, with a total fleet of 200 Leclerc XLR by 2030.

T-14 Armata

2014

-

Russia

"Low Tens"

55 tons

1500hp

In 2015, 12 prototypes were delivered, while at the end of 2021, Rostec announced the start of serial production of 40. It has "Malakhit" add-on ERA, and an unmanned turret with an electrically stabilised 2A82 125mm smoothbore gun.

Type 100

2024

2025

China

Unknown

Approximately 40 tons

1500hp

Armed with a next generation 105mm gun comparable to larger 125 and 120mm guns in terms of performance. Features an unmanned turret and autoloader with a hybrid power pack that is significantly lighter than previous generations of power packs. The Type 100 debuted at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.

Altay

2008

2025

Turkey South Korea

5 + 2 prototypes

65 tons

1500hp

Main battle tank based on South Korean K2 Black Panther developed by Otokar and produced by BMC under design assistance and technology transfer by Hyundai Rotem. Entered active service in 28 Oct 2025.

Challenger 3

2014

2019

2025

United Kingdom

A development of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP), the Challenger 3 has a new turret and an improved hull. The L30A1 120 mm rifled gun has been replaced with the new NATO-Standard Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm smoothbore gun; a derivative of Rh-120 gun in use with the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7. The Challenger 3 is due to enter service in 2025 with the total fleet of 148 tanks.

Future Main Battle Tank

2010

—

2030

India

(Also known as Arjun Mk2) It is an upcoming main battle tank developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.

Leclerc Evolution

2024

2030

France

1

A modified version of Leclerc XLR, intended mainly for export. Tank is equipped with a turret armed with the ASCALON (Autoloaded and SCALable Outperforming guN) gun, capable of firing 120 or 140 mm shells, an ARX30 turret, a PASEO sight coupled with a 7.62 mm machine gun, a "Trophy" active protection system and the ability to use remotely operated ammunition.

EMBT

2018–2024

2035

France Germany

3

EMBT is a series of French-German prototypes developed and manufactured by KNDS. The first was presented during the Eurosatory 2018, the second in 2022, and the third prototype (EMBT ADT140) in 2024, and features a 140mm autoloaded ASCALON gun, coaxial automatic 20mm gun and a 30mm ARX 30 RWS. The tank features six anti-drone radars, four laser/missile warning sensors, and an acoustic gunfire locator. It includes the Prometheus active protection system, and the AI-enabled “SAFE” fire control system to assist in the autonomous selection and queuing of weapon systems. It is also serving as a technology demonstrator for the MGCS specification. Intended to replace the European Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks.

Decisive Lethality Platform

2017

—

2035

United States

Prospective unmanned MBT presented as part of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle program, not presently in active development.

Panther KF51

2016

2022

—

Germany Hungary

3

Technology demonstrator created by Rheinmetall, armed with a 130mm gun. In August 2023, Hungary announced that it will join the development, and signed a $288 million contract in December to begin full-scale production. At Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall showcased the CUT (Concept Unmanned Turret) mounted on the KF51 platform. In November 2024, Italy announced its intent to buy 132 Panther KF51s.

Future Ready Combat Vehicle

2024

—

—

India

(Also known as Project Ranjeet) It is a design and development programme to develop a next generation MBT to replace the T-72 fleet of the Indian Army.

AbramsX/M1E3

2022

—

United States

A technology demonstrator of the M1 Abrams series, the AbramsX features include the XM360 electrothermal-chemical gun, an autoloader, unmanned turret, a hybrid diesel-electric power pack that gives 50% more fuel efficiency, a 30mm chain gun in a remote controlled weapon station, active protection systems, and a silent mode when running on electric power. The M1E3 tank development is reportedly based on some concepts of the AbramsX including integrated APS, hybrid powertrain, and unmanned turret.

Leopard 2A RC 3.0

2024

—

Germany

Unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 as a "next-gen tank" to enter service before the MGCS, it features an unmanned turret with an autoloaded 120mm smoothbore gun, which moves along two pivot points to keep it above the chassis at all times, and a 30mm remote controlled weapon station. It also has potential to have the main gun upgraded to more powerful 130mm or 140mm calibre guns for longer range.

Leopard 2AX

—

2030s-40s

Germany

Developed at the express request of the Bundeswehr as an interim or alternative vehicle to the MGCS, envisioned as a "substantial improvement over the Leopard 2A8" with advanced passive and active protection systems, improved armament and ammunition, and enhanced connectivity and digital command interoperability in multinational operations.

Main Ground Combat System (MGCS)

—

2040s

France Germany

In September 2023 Germany and France announced to be working on next generation main battle tank, a successor to the Leopard 2 and Leclerc XLR tank. In 2024, two models: Leclerc Evolution and EMBT ADT140 were presented that will be technology demonstrators for the future system. In addition to France and Germany, six other European states are also interested in the program: Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

K3 Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NG-MBT)

—

2030s

South Korea

In May 2025, Hyundai Rotem registered its design for the K3 Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NG-MBT) with a maximum combat weight under 55 tons. It is slated to have CITV-integrated Remote Weapon Station (RWS), unmanned turret with armored crew capsule in the hull, rear-mounted launcher for rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and an infrared countermeasure system. It is expected the K3 will initially be released in production in a hybrid power pack consisting of diesel and hydrogen/electric components before a full transition to hydrogen fuel cell technology for propulsion in later variants.