Top 10 Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks 😍🔥

Main battle tanks are the key components of modern armies. Today's article is based on Top 10 Best Deadliest Main Battle Tanks in the world. Our list is based on the combined score of firepower, features, accuracy and mobility. This analysis is based on specifications and available data of these tanks. All of the tanks mentioned here are incredibly powerful and devastating. This list does not contains tanks that are currently under development, at the prototype stage or tanks that never reach production. So without any further delay lets get started with the Top Ten Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks in the world.



Context

  • Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks
      • T-90
      • OPLOT-M
      • Leclerc
      • Type 90
      • Merkava Mk.4
      • T-14 Armata
      • Challenger 2
      • M1A2 SEP
      • K2 Black Panther
      • Leopard 2A7+



Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks



10. T-90 (Russia)

T-90 (Russia)

We started our list with T-90. The T-90 is a Russian main battle tank that started to produce in 1992. It is not as advanced as its Western rivals. This tank uses proven technology and it is cost-effective. As for today, this tank is the most commercially successful main battle tank on the global market. This tank is small in size due to which it is harder to hit it. The T-90 Russian tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. This tank lacks some features like advanced sights with thermal vision and panoramic commander's sight, which would allow to identify and engage objectives quicker. 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore gun with 43 rounds is in its main armament, however, 12.7mm Kord Heavy machine gun, 7.62mm PKMT is his secondary armament. This main battle tank is powered with V-84MS 12-cyl. engine that gives him the speed of 60 km/h (37 mph). There are other variants of T-90 like T90A and T-90MS, other variants may have different specification.

  • Origin: Russian
  • In-Service: 1992
  • Main Armament: 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore gun with 43 rounds
  • Secondary Armament: 12.7mm Kord Heavy machine gun, 7.62mm PKMT
  • Engine: V-84MS 12-cyl. diesel
  • Speed: 60 km/h



9. OPLOT-M (Ukraine)

OPLOT-M (Ukraine)

At number 9th best tank is OPLOT-M. OPLOT-M is a Ukrainian battle tank that started its service in 2009. Their latest version of T-84 is the T-84 Oplot-M. This battle tank inherited automatic ammunition loading system from its predecessor. This tank is not as reliable against long-range aims as its Western competitors. This tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same way as ordinary munitions. The Oplot-M has explosive reactive armour of the new generation. The Oplot-M has a feature of independent commander's sight with thermal vision. This Ukrainian tank is superior to the Russian T-90 in many aspects like add-on armour, better engine and better fire control system. This tank has 125 mm smoothbore KBA-3 cannon with 46 rounds as his primary armament. 1 × 12.7 mm (.50) KT-12.7 anti-aircraft machine gun with 450 rounds and 1 × 7.62 mm (.308) KT-7.62 Coaxial machine gun with 1250 rounds are its secondary armament. This beast is powered with a 6TD-2E 6-cylinder turbocharged liquid-cooled engine and it can travel at the speed of 70 km/h.

  • Origin: Ukraine
  • In-Service: 2009
  • Main Armament: 125 mm smoothbore KBA-3 cannon with 46 rounds
  • Secondary Armament: 1 × 12.7 mm (.50) KT-12.7 anti-aircraft machine gun with 450 rounds and 1 × 7.62 mm (.308) KT-7.62 Coaxial machine gun with 1250 rounds
  • Engine: 6TD-2E 6-cylinder turbocharged liquid-cooled
  • Speed: 70 km/h

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8. Leclerc (France)

Leclerc (France)

Next best and deadliest tank is Leclerc. This French main battle tank entered service in 1993. Overall it is a successful design. Some design features of the Leclerc are used on other Western tanks. This French Leclerc tank has superior composite armour with add-on modular protection. The Leclerc can not match tanks such as the US M1A2 Abrams or the British Challenger 2 in terms of protection. This tank has a hunter-killer engagement capability. Leclerc can engage 6 targets, located 1.5 - 2 km away, within one minute with a hit probability of 95%. This tank is armed with a 120 mm modèle F1 smoothbore gun. Also, it is equipped with 12.7 mm coaxial M2 heavy machine gun and a roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun. The Leclerc is powered with V8X SACM (Wärtsilä)8-cylinder diesel engine that gives him the speed of 71 km/h on the road.

  • Origin: France
  • In-Service: 1993
  • Main Armament: 120 mm modèle F1 smoothbore gun
  • Secondary Armament: 12.7 mm coaxial M2 heavy machine gun and a roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun
  • Engine: V8X SACM (Wärtsilä)8-cylinder diesel
  • Speed: 71 km/h



7. Type 90 Kyū-maru (Japan)

Type 90 Kyū-maru (Japan)

Type-90 is the 7th best army tank so far. The Japanese Type 90 tank was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Type 90 was officially ratified by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. This tank produced from 1990 to 2009. At the time Japan laws did not allow the export of military equipment so This tank was never exported to any other country. This MBT is armed with a Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loader. The second armament of Type 90 is M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun and Type 74 7.62 mm machine gun. Type 90 is fitted with a bustle-mounted automatic ammunition loading system. This tank has a feature of the fire control system with independent commander's sight. The hydropneumatic suspension allows this main battle tank to "kneel", or "lean", giving many advantages. Its main role is not to combat enemy tanks but to support infantry with its firepower. It is powered with a Mitsubishi 10ZG 10-cylinder, two-stroke cycle engine and has a speed of 70 km/h.

  • Origin: Japan
  • In-Service: 1989
  • Main Armament: 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loader
  • Secondary Armament: Type 90 is M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun and Type 74 7.62 mm machine gun
  • Engine: Mitsubishi 10ZG 10-cylinder, two-stroke cycle
  • Speed: 70 km/h

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6. Merkava Mk IV (Israel)

Merkava Mk IV (Israel)

Moving on to number 6 we have Merkava Mk IV. The Merkava Mk IV is the latest Israeli main battle tank. The Merkava Mk IV was adopted in 2004. This MBT has an unusual design with a front-mounted engine which gives the crew protection and chance to survive if the tank is destroyed. Merkava Mk IV tanks are powered with a combat-proven Trophy active protection system. This protection system destroys incoming anti-tank missiles and rockets. Merkava Mk IV is well defended against air-launched guided missiles and advanced top attack anti-tank armament. The Israeli tank is armed with indigenous 120 mm (4.7 in) MG253 smoothbore gun, capable of firing LAHAT ATGM. The Merkava Mk.4 is equipped with a new fire control system like high hit probability firing against low-flying helicopters. Merkava also has 1 × 12.7 mm (0.50 in) MG, 2 × 7.62 mm (0.300 in) MG, 1 × Mk 19 grenade launcher, 1 × 60 mm (2.4 in) internal mortar and 12 smoke grenades in its second armament. The engine that is fitted into this tank is 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) turbocharged diesel engine. Due to its heavyweight, its speed is 64 km/h.

  • Origin: Israel
  • In-Service: 2004
  • Main Armament: 120 mm (4.7 in) MG253 smoothbore gun, capable of firing LAHAT ATGM
  • Secondary Armament: 1 × 12.7 mm (0.50 in) MG, 2 × 7.62 mm (0.300 in) MG, 1 × Mk 19 grenade launcher, 1 × 60 mm (2.4 in) internal mortar and 12 smoke grenades
  • Engine: 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) turbocharged diesel
  • Speed: 64 km/h



5. T-14 Armata (Russia)

T-14 Armata (Russia)

At number 5 we have T-14 Armata Russian tank. The Armata T-14 is a new Russian MBT of the new generation. It was revealed publically in 2015. This tank will slowly replace the old T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks. The Armata has many advanced features. This tank also has a clean-sheet design. Its base armour is made of steel, ceramics and composite materials. Armata has a new Malakhit add-on explosive reactive armour. This MBT has a completely unmanned turret. It is armed with a new 2A82-1M 125 mm (4.92 in) smoothbore cannon with 45 rounds. This tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. This tank also has a hunter-killer capability. The second armament consists of 12.7 mm (0.50 in) Kord machine gun (6P49) and 7.62 mm (0.30 in) PKTM machine gun (6P7К). It is powered with 1,500 hp–2,000 hp diesel engine and has a speed of 80 km/h to 90 km/h.

  • Origin: Russia
  • In-Service: N/A
  • Main Armament: 2A82-1M 125 mm (4.92 in) smoothbore cannon with 45 rounds
  • Secondary Armament: 12.7 mm (0.50 in) Kord machine gun (6P49) and 7.62 mm (0.30 in) PKTM machine gun (6P7К)
  • Engine: 1,500 hp–2,000 hp diesel
  • Speed: 80 km/h

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4. Challenger 2 (United Kingdom)

Challenger 2 (United Kingdom)

Our next pick is Challenger 2 for the 4th spot in the list of Top 10 Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks. Challenger 2 is the UK originated tank that started its service in 1998. Challenger 2 is a very capable tank. This tank has the Chobham armour. This tank is one of the most protected MBTs in the world today. It offers a very high level of protection against direct fire threats. This British tank is armed with a very accurate L30A1 120 mm rifled gun with 47 rounds which is its primary armament. Its gun is rifled as opposed to smoothbore guns used by all other modern MBTs. Its maximum aimed range is over 5 km. As of today, this tank holds the record for the longest tank-to-tank kill. The second armament comprises of Coaxial 7.62 mm L94A1 chain gun EX-34 (chain gun) and 7.62 mm L37A2 Operator/Loader's hatch machine gun. The engine of the Challenger 2 is Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel 26.1 litres which is less powerful than of its Western rivals. Due to less powerful engine, this tank has 59 km/h speed.

  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • In-Service: 1998
  • Main Armament: L30A1 120 mm rifled gun with 47 rounds
  • Secondary Armament: Coaxial 7.62 mm L94A1 chain gun EX-34 (chain gun) and 7.62 mm L37A2 Operator/Loader's hatch machine gun
  • Engine: Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel 26.1 litres
  • Speed: 59 km/h



3. M1A2 SEP (USA)

M1A2 SEP (USA)

At number 3 we have M1A2 SEP. The M1A2 SEP is in service with the United States Army. The M1A2 SEP is a successor to the M1A2 Abrams. M1A2 SEP has unbelievable technology and armour. It offers significant protection against all well-known anti-tank weapons. This MBT uses advanced armour, reinforced with depleted uranium layers. The firepower and accuracy of this MBT are somewhat poor to that of the Leopard 2A7 or the K2 Black Panther due to a shorter 120 mm/L44 smoothbore gun. Several older M1, M1A1 and M1A2 tanks were upgraded to this standard. The tank can be also fitted with a Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK), that improves survivability in an urban environment. It has 1 × .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun with 900 rounds and 2 × 7.62 mm (.308 in) M240 machine guns with 10,400 rounds as its second armament. The engine used in M1A2 SEP is Honeywell AGT1500C multi-fuel turbine engine. It has a speed of 42 mph on road.

  • Origin: United States Army
  • In-Service: 1992
  • Main Armament: 120 mm/L44 smoothbore gun
  • Secondary Armament: 1 × .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun with 900 rounds and 2 × 7.62 mm (.308 in) M240 machine guns with 10,400 rounds
  • Engine: M1A2 SEP is Honeywell AGT1500C multi-fuel turbine
  • Speed: 42 mph

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2. K2 Black Panther (South Korea)

K2 Black Panther (South Korea)

K2 Black Panther is the second-best tank in the world. This is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. It is also the most expensive main battle tank to date. Deliveries of the K2 Black Panther tank started to the South Korean Army in 2016. It is claimed that front armour of this tank can withstand direct hits from 120 mm tank rounds, fired from L55 guns. It has an active protection system and countermeasures system. This new South Korean tank is armed with the latest Hyundai WIA 120 mm 55 cal. smoothbore gun (40 rounds). This tank has a very advanced fire control system with can spot, track and fire automatically at visible vehicle-size targets, and even low-flying helicopters, without needing any input from a human operator. 1× 12.7×99mm (.50 BMG) K6 heavy machine gun (3,200 rounds) and 1× 7.62×51mm NATO coaxial machine gun (12,000 rounds) are also fitted in this tank as its secondary armament. The engine used in K2 Black Panther is MTU MT-883 Ka-501 4-cycle, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel. Its speed is 70 km/h on paved road.

  • Origin: South Korea
  • In-Service: 2014
  • Main Armament: Hyundai WIA 120 mm 55 cal. smoothbore gun (40 rounds)
  • Secondary Armament: 1× 12.7×99mm (.50 BMG) K6 heavy machine gun (3,200 rounds) and 1× 7.62×51mm NATO coaxial machine gun (12,000 rounds)
  • Engine: MTU MT-883 Ka-501 4-cycle, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel
  • Speed: 70 km/h



1. Leopard 2A7+ (German)

Leopard 2A7+ (German)

Finally, the best and the most deadlines tank so far is Leopard 2A7+. It is a recent version of the successful Leopard 2 design. It has additional armour and updated electronics. The Leopard 2A7 is well protected against RPG rounds and IEDs. This tank has better accuracy and longer range of fire. In terms of overall performance Leopard 2 series tanks outperformed numerous time in international tank challenge competitions against the American M1A2 SEP, British Challenger 2, French Leclerc and some other tanks. This tank has 1× 120 mm Rheinmetall L/55 smoothbore gun (42 rounds) as its primary armament and 2× 7.62 mm MG3A1 (4,750 rounds) as its secondary armament. The engine used in Leopard 2A7+ is MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V12 twin-turbo diesel engine that gives him the speed of 68 km/h.

  • Origin: German
  • In-Service: N/A
  • Main Armament: 1× 120 mm Rheinmetall L/55 smoothbore gun (42 rounds)
  • Secondary Armament: 2× 7.62 mm MG3A1 (4,750 rounds)
  • Engine: MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V12 twin-turbo diesel
  • Speed: 68 km/h



The data provided above may not be 100% accurate.
 We hope you agree with our list, if not, please comment below in the comment section to let us know that what we missed.

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