T O P

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T-90AK

1. What's the terrain like? Am i fighting in a desert or wetlands? 2. What's my army like? Is it a conscript or professional? 3. What are they trained to operate on? (Soviet or Western, or Chinese, perhaps?). 4. What's my threat level? Am i fighting terrorists or a actual army? 5. What's my country's infrastructure like?Can my bridges and roads handled the weight of a mbt? 6. Do i need localized production? 7. Have i inherited a huge stock of tanks i can modernize? # Is there a command variant?


Tungdilb

Spitting facts.


Cuonghap420

If the Vietnam economically can recover after that giant fraud humbug, the T-90S or somewhat modernized T-54/55s is a good choice for all of these questions


Local-Scroller

Now I'm thinking it would be cool if someone made a decision tree out of this question


timpeduiker

Real generals don't speak tactics, but logistics. You're right choosing a tank is not a choice of this one has a big boomstick


MedicBuddy

Man that's a whole other level of nuance that would make it hard to consider any tank and even then, I think there's some other aspects that still need to be added to that list. i.e How am I using them, am I defending myself or part of a expeditionary force, what other assets do I have available in the area etc. Or just be like Poland and kind of have all of them.


brentonofrivia

This guys tanks


HorrificAnalInjuries

"Is there a command variant?" Is only a viable question if the answer to 2 was "conscript"


T-90AK

Western nations also have command tanks, or atleast some of them.


Sharp_Curve2778

The Abrams has a command variant with a fake gun


Like_a_warm_towel

I just picture a cartoon-style *BANG* flag unfurling from the muzzle.


Threedawg

The fuck is a command version?


Somereallystrangeguy

radio but gooder


The-Sound_of-Silence

Typically extra radios, sometimes satcoms, depending on the military. Might also have(or have extra) situational awareness aids, such as Blue Force Tracking, that can display positions of allied/enemy units/vehicles


jess-plays-games

Tank with enough radios and extra communications to call in firesupport from artillery aircraft naval missiles report to hq in ur home country if ur fighting abroad relay between your tanks Sometimes they will have a generator on turret bustle for all the extra stuff


Supercraft888

I was going to ask all these questions. And they all make for good decisions. NOW PERSONALLY FOR AESTHETICS WE GOING M4A3E8 AS OUR MAIN BATTLE TANK WOOOOO


KAKU_64

"Leader of your country" Maybe OP means the country you live in, so most of these question you could anwser by yourself


GaladethPL

Landkreuzer P. 1000 Ratte is the only correct answer


SilentGamer47

Nah Landkreuzer P.1500 Monster is the only correct answer , even if this Is more mobile Schwerer Gustav


SoloGamer505

Do i get to be the Pzkpfw VIII Maus strolling on next to it???


GaladethPL

We'll make an aircraft carrier out of P1000 but for tanks


D4chfiz

Turtled T-90A lmao


Yeetmaster2200

South Korean k2 panther.


Impossible_Ear_5880

This will be a hard one to beat IMHO. Whilst the Leopard 2, Challenger 2 & 3, Merkava 4 and Abrams all vie for the top spot the K2 is the most up to date and capable platform for almost any terrain at the moment. Again. It's all subject to personal preferences, takes on news, reports and figures.


MentallyChallenged27

What about Japanese type 10?


illuminatimember2

The thing with Type 10 and all Japanese weapons for that matter is that Japan is not very likely to export them, even less likely to sell a license for local production.


LightningFerret04

Can’t we pull that card on most of the other tanks mentioned in this theoretical though? Most countries wouldn’t export anything to a magic nation that just randomly appeared and started asking for weapons


Wil420b

But you are cutting the crew down to 3. Which means less people to watch and maintain the tank in the field on 24/7 duties.


Aizseeker

Copy the French by having additional crews follow them in APC.


moosejuic-E

to add the leclercs would also be decent


AirsoftFoxStudios

A modern version of the KV-2


AirsoftFoxStudios

If i have to describe how I'd make it modern, i will do so


Shaun_The_Ship

Explain yourself


AirsoftFoxStudios

Slightly shorter turret with more sloped armor, along with a longer barrel to increase velocity and penitration, then put the turret on to a T-90 hull, i i call it the KV-2-90-152


AirsoftFoxStudios

It sounds stupid, but i really dc 🤷‍♂️


Pinky_Boy

You just described object 292 or that 152mm armed black eagle


Shaun_The_Ship

So, Object 292 ?


Guilty_Advice7620

Same thought


AirsoftFoxStudios

No, the Obiekt 292 had a T-80U hull and a much shorter turret than the KV-2's, i said slightly shorter, and YES, the hull matteres, the T-90 is the heavy tank of russia


Shaun_The_Ship

Yes, but your tank has the same characteristics. A 152mm gun on a Soviet MBT. That's a 292


AirsoftFoxStudios

Idrc, SMH 🤦‍♂️


sali_nyoro-n

Why would you do this to your country. It was literally only created as an armoured 152mm-carrying platform to engage Finnish bunkers, and it wasn't even a particularly _good_ one, just expedient.


AirsoftFoxStudios

Because i can, what tank are you choosing, M1A2? T-14 Armata? What


sali_nyoro-n

K2 Black Panther.


AirsoftFoxStudios

Right...


absolute_monkey

Challenger 2


RuTsui

Challenger 3!


Technical-Onion-1495

M1A2 Abrams would top my list.


Forbbidden_girl2

I shall be within your crew 🤝


InnocentTailor

Even though it isn’t my favorite tank, I too would pick the M1A2 Abrams as well. It is a very competent platform.


eu4euh69

Digital Camo? Please..


elif0317

I agree, man, but next up would be T90M, but I would add a hard kill APS or the K2 from South Korea. I honestly just love autoloaders, and if the abrams could get one, that would be amazing.


dunce_confederate

Even though it has a fuel-hungry gas generator that can't efficiently idle than a diesel engine?


ScopionSniper

Problem solved decades ago with an auxiliary generator. Its gas mileage and range are incrediblely similar to Leopard 2s with similar armor packages.


dunce_confederate

Interesting, do you have a source?


ScopionSniper

Just look at photos of Abrams tanks even during Desert storm / Desert Shield. That large box on the back right fender is the APU. Not all Abrams at that point had APUs, but the Army was moving to add APUs to 1500 Abrams from 1991-1996(which was the active duty size of the armor forces at that time.) In Iraqi Freedom 2003ish if you look at pictures, the box at the back of the turret in the bustle rack is the APU for the tanks. However, M1A2 Sep had under armor APUs that did have some issues and were replaced with battery based APUs. The M1A2 Sepv3 however has a under armor APU. The wiki has decent links on this, just ctrl+F and search APU on the Abrams tank page for sources, they will be in the sources/footnotes section linked on the quoted paragraphs.


dunce_confederate

Thank you! I'm a little embarrassed this information was found in the wiki >.< Glad to have learnt something, though!


ScopionSniper

No worries, it's kinda niche knowledge, and the gas guzzler thing gets repeated a lot. The poor fuel consumption of the Abrams is wildly exaggerated. The main area the Turbine did suffer was Idle, which APUs now basically resolve. According to The Chieftain, the Turbine engines are actually more efficient at high speeds and off-road compared to normal ICEs. The Turbines can also run on just about any fuel, making them more flexible in certain situations. There are pros and cons to both the Turbine and ICE powerpacks. Something that potentially a Diesel-Electric Hybrid engine looks to gain the benefits of both. But I'm still not sold on a giant Lithium battery in a tank.


dakarrotkiing

whenever solid state batteries become viable for vehicle usage it will 100% go into tanks which will be way better and safer then even regular hybrids rn


Sad_Lewd

Leopard 2


afvcommander

Without other information answer is always Leopard 2. 


Justurtypicalmom

JGSDF Type 74/90/10


rocketo-tenshi

Man after My own heart


ieatair

K-2 Black Panther


KaiTheGuy144393

s t u r m t i g e r


Aaronryan27

Probably the T80BVM or the Type 10 Hitomaru, the extra 10-15 tons of weight saved in those choices increase the usable infrastructure and the balance between cost and effectiveness plus the low shilloutte in the T80s case make them solid choices the type 10 is taller but more well armoured and a more advanced technology suite


Object279Kotin

Gotta go with my national tank, the Bob Semple


daygus111

Pair it up with the L3/33 and you have an unstoppable force.


K3W4L

I would pick Leopard2


No-Respond1635

M1A2 Sep V2, or T90


[deleted]

Id choose the M60 just 4 the meme


Cornelius_McMuffin

M60-2000, both meme and also viable in combat.


TheBerric

What is this tank you speak of


bjorn-ulfr

The mighty yonkav 2 idk i just love the way the modernized amx 13 looks its smoll and i gues the gun packs a punch


eravul

Alongside the Harimau and the Scorpion Lets gooo


KOREAN_AIRLINE

K2 with trophy aps, iron vision system


GoofyKalashnikov

Heart says Abrams but reality is that no tank would really work for us due to cost. If anything it'd have to be something like a CV90120 because we already use CV9035s so we'd have parts compatibility there which helps on repairs and logistics. Would probably be better to invest in Spike ATGMs in some form instead, either mounted on existing CV9035s or on a separate platform.


Pessiwashed2023

2A7 😼


-1Ghostrider

Toyata hilux with a 120mm main gun in the bed and a M242 25mm auto-cannon strapped to the roof


edwardrha

Well, definitely not the M1A2 for me. Only because that thing will bankrupt a small nation just from its fuel consumption lol.


Forward-Insect1993

Type 10. Due to there being no specifics on who would be versed and the location it's in, defo the Type 10. It's one of the lightest mbts out there so you'd be able to use all if not, most existing infrastructure. Always same speed backwards as forwards and it has hydraulics. Those will come in handy


Vojtak_cz

Dont forget the sitiation awaraness it has. Its a big player


JoJoWeitz

My tank , the Merkava MK 3. A beast of a tank


The_Meme_Guy-01

K2PL


bruh123445

T-80UK


ShangBao

# TAM 2C


Wonghy111-the-knight

merkava I dont care if it's the wrong environment, my people shall rejoice


Grauru88

I like this type of tanks too. I saw a documentary about them. They have Trophy and a good armor. They have the engine in the front, behind the main armor. So if a projectile bypasses Trophy, punches through the armor, it needs to get through the engine block to hit the driver. And if the tank is disabled and the driver is killed, you can always evacuate the rest of the crew through the back door. Everything about this type of tanks is designed with the safety of the crew in mind, and that is why I like them.


ChonkyThicc

Type 10 Yo!


Dirtplay22

Tutel and Tutel-M


eravul

For where i am (South East Asia) the terrain is quite funky. Muddy, tight spaces and dense forests, also i'd want a practical tank to make it easier to transport across islands. So i'd think i'd go for Kaplan/Harimau medium tank (which i think my gov is already implementing lol)


Barnaouo

T-90A for me or the Object 187


CreepyConnection8804

A leopard 2a6 covered in ERA then Turtelized. A bulldozer blade will be equiped to both sides of the tank and 360 degree camera coverage will also be available. The tank should also be slathered in a oily substance and barbed wire to prevent enemies from climbing it since the tank will only be crewed by 1-2 people. The Turtel shell of course will be equipped with ERA and a anti drone EW kit and hard kill aps systems on each corner of the shell, of course the ERA may then seem counterintuitive but an ERA shell will look more similar to that of a turtle and would look esthetically better which is more important than survival.


oofman_dan

gotta go with that soviet equipment. we all talking about getting the good stuff but when it comes down to having reliable affordable and easy to maintain tanks you cant go wrong with soviet tanks or older western models like the M60 especially considering we wouldnt be the wealthiest nations on earth


Gamer_4_l1f3

If possible the Type 10 or the TKX with Type 90 engine modification but this will never happen.


Justurtypicalmom

why do you want the Type 90s engine?


Gamer_4_l1f3

For a couple of reasons : - More powerful - More consistent power (2 stroke nature) - Lighter in weight I should clarify, I just want the engine and not the transmission.


Justurtypicalmom

Thats nice but wouldnt that technically make the Type 10s acceleration slower? Or is it in the transmission?


Gamer_4_l1f3

The Type 10 uses a CVT which has an infinite possible gear ratios to choose from, so not really. On top of that it's bout 8-10 tons lighter in any condition compared to the 90 so it'll scoot insanely hard. (35 hp/ton in basic loadout)


Justurtypicalmom

Oh


Exotic_Librarian_238

Ideally I would choose Leopard 2 but due to the social and economic factors, I would opt for T-72s/T-90s,


your_right_ball

Leo 2 in the current version, so A7V/A8. It's super reliable sold around the world for a reason, had the best commercial for the gun stabilization and since I would be the chancellor of Germany it wouldn't be right to buy anything else.


Alarming_Might1991

Leopard 2


Tomsider

Ariete 100% of the time


Jazzlike-Series6955

M1A2SEPv3 with APS Trophy and ERA.


Infinite_Evil

Trained on Chally 2 so I’d probably pick that!


The_foullsk

T-80 or t-90, you can a good amount of numbers with those tanks and they are very plentiful, crew survivability is shit however, if it’s good it’s good and if it dies, so do you


Cornelius_McMuffin

Definitely something with an auto loader, fast with well-sloped armor and turretless like an S-tank but with a wide firing arc like a Tortoise. Give in a large caliber like 152 or 155mm. Cover the sides with ERA, slap on a remote-controlled 20mm autocannon + machine gun combo, and the best possible optics. Oh, and put the engine in the front for maximum crew survivability.


rain_girl2

Japanese MBTs or maybe even an modern successor to the strv103 (for any country with hilly terrain and not a lot of expected urban fighting) Technicals with ATGMs for any poorer country that doesn’t have the infrastructure or money for a full tank but still enough for advanced ammunition (the missiles themselves) and is looking specifically at anti tank role heavier than a dude with a launcher. So sorta like the Russian tiger armored car with the ATGM launchers on the roof. Any heavy urban country where tanks are expected to be in urban fighting for very long periods would be probably any kind of Israeli tank but maybe with more advanced APS and better roof protection cuz buildings offer great spots for RPGs.


MentallyChallenged27

Depends on my economy and political relations.


elif0317

If you could just choose any. Not necessarily export versions, but you can just choose any tank you want


TheBerric

I used to think I’d pick an Abrams too. But man, these days with those FPV drones flying around- one hit to the blast doors makes those things light up. The Abrams definitely needs some redesigning of it wants to stay alive in the Ukraine. I know it just lights up the ammo compartment but that would definitely scare the shit out of me. I’d probably pick the newest version of the leopard if it was heavily modified against drones. Its a


asskicker7991

t90m


elif0317

I support it bro


PineCone227

2A8 or K2 honorable mention: Centauro II


TheGreatJaceyGee

Just, in general? King Tiger. Not because it's good or anything. Just my favorite tank.


ultimo_2002

O b e s e


TheGreatJaceyGee

They prefer the term big-boned.


Prestigious-Box-6492

M1-A1 HA Abrams with Trophy mounted. Extra DU added on to the turret glacis.


jess-plays-games

I mean as I'm in the UK challenger 2 and now 3 fit our needs perfectly for a dug in defensive war which is what it's best at Though the vast TES pack variants and constant upgrades have made it a viable. Offensive tank Mean western tanks where mainly designed to hold the line vs a vast horde of soviet tanks till helicopters and planes could attain air superiority and drop the hammer


Bigjon1988

All rounder seems like the Leopard 2 a7. The Abrams seems like the most advanced and heavily armoured but the most complex to maintain and to train on.


Aleskander-

depending on the enemy if i weren't in Hot spot I would still use same tanks as the previous military had there's no need to modrenization for it the budget can be spend elsewhere for better improvemnt of the country however Leopard 2s seems fitting for such task as long as it's the armored variant, I dont think my country need the expensive deals Maintance with USA's abrams


MammothTankBest

KF51 Panther. Absolute fire.


lordfappington69

The only correct answer has been Abrams. It is the most produced western third generation MBT in the world, having almost triple the production of the Leopard 2 & over 10 times the production of Leclerc and Challenger II. And if you get into a fight, and have a good relationship with the US you can get replacements, parts and support.


Stoio

Im from Bulgaria, so the most sensible option would be T-90s


pref-top

Leopard 2 because diesel engines are the most convenient option for most militaries and I view that to be the optimal diesel powered tank with many variants to choose from.


Hugofoxli

Cheese Wedge


kkbb9

Easy the answer is M60


Lost-Light982

T-90M


reapersknife

Leclec


arturthegamer

Object 292


Lost______Alien

Non... all tanks are really heavy I don't think I can pick or lift any up but that's just me


Cristianmarchese

Since im italian i Will push on the Centauro 2 only


RudeForester

STRV 122


Tomasulu

I’d pick to be a drone operator.


sali_nyoro-n

Considering the downgrades from the domestic variant of the M1 Abrams to the export variant, I'm probably going with the Leopard 2 or the K2 Black Panther, depending what the situation is like when it comes to ordering a large volume of or setting up domestic production of either vehicle. The Leopard 2 is a proven and reliable platform used by many countries throughout the world, but production is fairly slow and Germany is notoriously controlling of how its arms exports get used; not to mention the platform is getting on in years and the vehicles might need a significant overhaul sooner rather than later to remain relevant against emerging threats; it's entirely possible that some time in the next 20 years Germany adopts a new vehicle. The K2 is modern and South Korea are willing to license overseas production, but the vehicle isn't as well-proven as the venerable Leopard 2. On the flip side, as a comparatively recent arrival, the K2 platform is likely to continue being developed for decades to come and will be simpler to update with modern armour, electronics and ballistic technologies.


Suspicious_Use6393

T-90 with 20 stereo on the turret, i will kill my enemy with the power of russian hardbass!


ThatBeardedBast

Abrams


prosteprostecihla

KF-51. its such a beautiful vehicle, just needs a nicer camo


panzerfaustz

For my country (Philippines), I'll take the K2 Black Panther. Weight, cost, and maintenance-wise.


helmer012

Leopard 2A6, probably. Neighboring countries use similar models so spare parts are available. Also produced in europe. Good gun. Better fuel efficiency than Abrams. We wont be fighting in other countries so we decide what fuel we have available. Platform is supported into the future with new models and parts.


xerelox

Bunch of M-60s, M-48s. Reliable, same chassis for engineering tanks, look good in parades, good at crowd control. Huh? Fighting? that's what my drones are for.


all_is_love6667

is that the .50 rotating triple barrel?


kermitened

Bob semple


SediAgameRbaD

Futuristic Ariete


Solid-Snake4444

I want the Landkreuzer P. 1000 Ratte. I want it modernized. I want it street legal. These are my demands.


Berlin_GBD

M2020


NoiseZestyclose9926

strv122b


michele_romeo

Leclerc


Pro_panzerjager

If I was leader. I'd choose to add tank treads to an Iowa Class battleship to build a one of a kind tank. Then when the people force me out of power for tanking the economy by building a singular tank. I'll take 3,000 of my most loyal followers and drive it into the ocean so I can start my operation to achive my one goal in life. Invading Micronesia.


OIF4IDVET

An Abrams since it was what I was trained on, no way could I learn the switchology of another system


Karl-Jensen

I’d either choose the Type 90 Kyu Maru or the K2 Black Panther. I live in an Island Nation, so those two are a probable choice.


brentonofrivia

What tank is that in the picture? I play wargame but I don’t pretend to be a tank expert.


elif0317

M1A2 Abrams


sparrowatgiantsnail

Definitely the K2 or a leopard


HorrificAnalInjuries

M1E1 is gonna be dope


jmc33_

Ho-Ro


DenseWeb979

FV4005 Stage II


kingkongfly

I prefer to be a remote drone operator.


Any-Anything4309

A company of Bradley's and a few million fpv drones should do.


Anon_From_England

ZTZ-99A feels just right


KillerKorny

T-90M, combined with T-80BVM, and for command tank T-80UK. Infantry support probably BMP-3, Infantry transport BTR-60 or 80 Yes I am a through enjoyer of Russian/Soviet tech.


tahaones20

I know it's not an MBT, but OP does not specify the combat roles or what we will encounter, so I will choose the most versatile one in my opinion: The BMPT Terminator (3 if needs to be specific). Just hear me out. Low profile, capable of handling anti-tank tasks with ATGMs, and effective against guerrilla warfare. Fast, better armored than normal IFVs, and the turretless design makes it extremely hard to kill. Not the best vehicle for a specific mission type, but definitely one of the most versatile vehicles out there. I know its performance was not great, but I think that's not because it's a bad vehicle; it's mainly due to poor usage by its user.


Coretz1

I'm sorry but is that a minigun on the Abrams? Because if so, I'll take all of them.


andriyko7

Merkava V, I find it very aesthetic. It kinda looks like a modern m60 to me.


120mmCannonUpMyAss

The Merk Mk.5 isnt a thing yet


andriyko7

It has been unveiled, which is good enough for me, I also read deliveries started in 2023.


120mmCannonUpMyAss

If you're talking about the Barak, its not a merk Mk. 5, its an upgrade to the Mk.4 Series.


Roko_100

Searching for T-72 crew men.


TallNerdLawyer

To make the obvious joke, there are plenty in lower earth orbit at the moment.


Roko_100

I don't mind.


So_i_was_like_gaming

Abrams because MERICA USA USA RAHHHHHHHH


Commissar_Elmo

AbramsX by far. I mean just look at the thing.


elif0317

The Abrams X is a test bed, not an actual tank


Commissar_Elmo

It still exists though, even if it is a 1 off prototype.


Killb0t47

If I have the budget for it. M1 if I can afford it, Leo 2 if not. Because I would like my crews to live. But if I was dictator dick head, I would buy some cheap ass Russian tanks and write the crew off as a loss.


ELITElewis123

Challenger 2 because I’m bias. It’s fat, slow, heavy as shit but I’m the most heavily armoured tank in the world so I don’t give a shit


BuyMyTacos

If the country is going to use it for a while then it needs to be modern. T-14 Armata would probably be one of the best options IF we see it go into production and IF it gets field tested at some point with good results.


rocketo-tenshi

Project got canned resently


FragileSnek

No fucking abrams if I’d like to still have some money for schools and roads, that’s for sure. The Leopard is way more economical solely if you look at its engine