![]() Also, like the aviation industry, Europe has put forward many fine ideas but achieved little beyond national boundaries. United Defense and GDLS are now the big two in US armored vehicle manufacture. It acquired Teledyne Land Systems and several parts of General Electric, which new owner Lockheed Martin was prepared to hive off. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), hitherto focused on the heavy M-1 Abrams MBT, broadened its holdings to include more smaller AFVs and subsystems. BMY Combat Systems and FMC Corporation merged to become United Defense LP. What has attracted less attention is that it has been happening in the armored vehicle field, too.Īs in aviation, the most sweeping changes have come in the United States. They are aided in this by other companies adopting a strategy of leaving the defense business or retaining only a small niche market. A substantial number of potential customers must doubt the utility of the latest MBTs for their requirements, especially since relatively modern and useful previous generation MBTs are becoming available at bargain prices as NATO reduces its tank fleets in accordance with arms reduction treaties and post-Cold War economies.Īs a result, the post-Cold War pattern of industrial restructuring has been for some companies to merge or take over smaller companies in order to get the advantages of (relative) size and (more nearly) monopolistic position. At the same time, export markets have become more difficult. In some cases production continues, in others only upgrades to existing MBTs are required, but in either case the work the manufacturers can expect from the home market is clearly defined and limited. ![]() The main Western tank-building nations now have current generation Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in their armies. ![]() But before the battle is even joined, new warfare mobility requirements and budgets conspire to put more lighter armor into service, reducing the MBT numbers. For a start, thin topsides mean that munitions which penetrate from above are the most significant threat on the battlefield. Today, however, the MBT faces new threats. It was for decades said that the best way to kill a main battle tank was with another main battle tank. The Most Powerful Enemy of a Main Battle Tank The Most Powerful Enemy of a Main Battle Tank ![]()
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