Top 10 Assault Rifles

Which is the best assault rifle in the world? Which is the best modern assault rifle and why? Our Top 10 analysis is based on the combined score of accuracy, reliability, range, penetration, production numbers, number of users, and some other features.    This list includes only modern assault rifles, that are currently in service.    Currently top 10 assault rifles in the world are these: Nr.1 M16 (USA)    The AR-15 was designed by Armalite to meet the US Army requirement for a new assault rifle, chambered for a new intermediate cartridge. It was adopted by the US Army as the M16 and became a standard issue infantry weapon.    This weapon was designed in the late 1950s. At the time it was a very progressive design. The US Army demanded for a super light weapon. So the M16 has a number of lightweight materials in order to save weight. It uses aluminum in place of steel, fiberglass construction in place of wood. Also it has an ergonomic design. It incorporated many features, never seen before. At the time of its introduction it was called the "Space Rifle".    The barrel is in one line with the buttstock. This feature significantly reduces the recoil. It operates smoothly during fully automatic fire and is very easy to control. Consequently it is much more accurate during automatic fire than many other assault rifles. Its superior accuracy gives it a decisive advantage.    This superior weapon works great in battle, although it does have some faults. Newer models have a Picatinny-type rail and support various optics and detacheable accessories. It can be also fitted with underbarrel grenade launcher.    Since its introduction this assault rifle was constantly improved. This influential weapon was built in hundreds of variants. Approximately 8 million of these assault rifles were manufactures. The M16 and its derivatives are used by more than 70 countries around the world.    A lot of people like to compare the M16 vs AK-47. The M16 has 3 main advantages over AK-47, including range, accuracy and weight. Nr.2 AK-103 (Russia)    The AK-100 series assault rifles evolved from the AK-74M that is widely used by the Russian Army and many other countries around the world. Technically these assault rifles are similar to the legendary AK-47, but have improved production technologies and are made of new materials.    One of them is the AK-103. It is chambered for 7.62x39 mm ammunition. It is the original ammunition that is used by the legendary AK-47 assault riffle. It has superior penetration and stopping power comparing with the AK-74M, that is chambered for 5.45x39 mm ammo. Also there is an AK-101, chambered for the standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition.    The AK-103, as well as other rifles of the AK-100 series use the same operation mechanism, developed by Kalashnikov. These weapons made their name for unsurpassed reliability. This assault rifle can withstand any misuse and abuse that soldier can throw at it. It is not very accurate, but will operate in worst conditions possible.    This weapon has a remarkable advantage of simplicity. It is simple in design, is made of common materials and uses readily available machining technology. The parts can be manufactured with less precision. From an engineering standpoint it is a low-tech weapon. Production of these rifles can be established at any factory, that makes steel products. No wonder the Kalashnikov assault rifles are being produced all over the world. Also it is simple to maintain.    Comparing with the M16 it has simplicity and fantastic reliability. However it looses in terms of range and accuracy.    The AK-100 series assault rifles are used by Russian armed forces. These assault rifles have been exported to more than 10 countries. Also some countries produce these weapons locally under license. The original AK-47 and its derivatives are in service with more than 100 countries around the world. Nr.3 Heckler & Koch G36 (Germany)    The G36 assault rifle has been designed by Heckler & Koch to replace the G3 rifle in service with the Bundeswehr. Since 1995 the G36 is a standard issue infantry rifle with the German armed forces. This weapon is an export success. It has been exported to more than 40 countries around the world.    The Heckler & Koch G36 is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. It is a conventional gas operated, selective fire weapon. It uses some proven elements of the previous G3 rifle design. Internally it also bears a lot of similarity with the US Armalite AR-18 automatic rifle. Sophistication was eschewed in favor of reliability. Weapon has a simple layout. During trials a prototype of the HK G36 was rated higher than the Austrian Steyr AUG.    This assault rifle is manufactured using the most modern technologies.    This assault rifle is fed form 30-round box-shaped magazines, made form translucent plastic. Two or three magazines can be clipped together for rapid reloading. This weapon is also compatible with a 100-round dual drum magazines. After some adjustments this rifle can accept any standard NATO 5.56x45 mm magazine.    Sights are built into the carrying handle. A standard German Army rifle has a dual sight system. It consists of one 3.5x magnification scope, for long-range accurate shooting and one 1x magnification red dot sight above it, for close ranges.    This rifle is compatible with the HK AG36 40-mm underbarrel grenade launcher. It can also launch barrel-mounted riffle grenades.    Overall the G36 lacks fancy bells and whistles, but is modern, light, accurate, rugged and reliable weapon. It is not as reliable as the AK-100 series weapons, but definitely makes up for it by its astounding precision. Also the G36 is simple in operation and maintenance. Nr.4 Steyr AUG (Austria)    The Steyr AUG (universal army rifle) was designed in Austria. It has been adopted by Austrian Army back in 1977. When it first appeared it was considered to be revolutionary in many respects. Immediately after its introduction the AUG became popular.    Weapon is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. It is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. However it had unusual layout. Also this assault rifle has a modular design. So it can be quickly adapted for a variety of roles by simply changing the barrel. There are four basic barrels, including standard, compact, carbine and light machine gun barrel. This feature is useful, as the same weapon can be tailored to suit mission requirements.    The Steyr AUG is made of synthetic materials and advanced alloys. It is lightweight, robust robust and reliable. Its has got compact dimensions due to its bullpup layout.    The AUG has got no separate fire mode selector. The progressive trigger itself is used to control the mode of fire. Pulling it half the way, will result in a single shot, while the full pull will result in full-auto fire.    The AUG is fully ambidextrous. There are two symmetrical ejection ports, one of which is always covered.    The original model has integral 1.5x magnification sight. It is designed for up to 300 m range. Also there are back-up iron sights for emergency use. Newer models lack integral sights, byt have Picatinny-type rail and can be fitted with any sights.    Rifles equipped with standard and carbine barrels can launch riffle grenades. A modified AUG is compatible with the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher.    This assault rifle made its name for reliability, good ergonomics and decent accuracy. Currently the AUG is in service with nearly 40 countries around the world. It is license-produced in Australia as Lithgow F88. Also it is the most commercially successful bullpup design to date. Nr.5 Tavor TAR-21 (Israel)    The Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle was developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI) back in the early 1990s. This weapon is simple, tough and versatile. It was adopted by Israel in 2006 and became a standard issue infantry rifle. This assault rifle has been exported to more than 20 countries.    It is a gas operated, selective fire assault rifle with a bullpup design. It is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. Weapon has modular design with easily replaceable barrel. It can be quickly adapted for a variety of roles by simply changing the barrel. The TAR-21 proved to be reliable.    Design of this weapon is based on ergonomics and composite materials. The Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle is fully ambidextrous. There are spent case ejection ports on each side. Right or felt side ejection can be selected. A charging handle can be installed on either side of the weapon. Its bullpup layout gives an edge at close-quarters and when employed inside vehicles. However it is also well suited for precision firing at long range.    The Tavor TAR-21 is fed from standard NATO (M16-type) magazines, holding 30 rounds.    This weapon has a standard Picatinny-type rail and is compatible with various scopes or night vision systems. It comes with red-dot sight as standard. It has been report that the TAR-21 is much more accurate and reliable than the M4 carbine. However it looses in terms of accuracy to the M16 due to a shorter barrel.    This assault rifle is compatible with the M203 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. Nr.6 SIG SG 550 (Switzerland)    The SIG SG 550 is produced since 1986. It has been adopted by the Swiss Army in 1990 as a standard issue military rifle. It has been exported to more than 20 countries. It is usually used by elite and special forces units. Over 600 000 of these assault rifles were produced.    This weapon has traditional design. It is a gas operated, selective fire weapon, chambered for a standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. It may not seem obvious, but its operation system is actually based on the AK-47. It one of the finest 5.56 mm assault rifle ever made.    Swiss army SG 550 assault rifles are usually fed from 20-round translucent magazines. However 5-, 10-, and 30-round capacity magazines are also available. Standard magazines can be clamped together for quicker reloading.    Sighting equipment consists of a flip-up front sight and adjustable rear diopter. It has a sighting range of 400 m. Every rifle can be fitted with a detachable scope mount. Swiss army rifles are often used with 4x magnification scope. Current production models are available with a Picatinny-type rail and can mount various scopes, red dot, or night vision sights.    This weapon proved to be accurate and reliable as a Swiss watch. The SG 550 is particularly good at long ranges. This weapon combines accuracy of the M16 and reliability of the AK-47. It handles well and is very controllable during full-auto fire.    There are carbine versions of this weapon for close-quarter battles and even designated marksman rifle.    This weapon proved to be accurate and reliable as a Swiss watch. Nr.7 Heckler & Koch HK416 (Germany)    The HK416 assault rifle was developed by Heckler & Koch company in the 1990s to meet US Army's Delta Force requirement. It is and improved version of the M4 carbine, that is widely used by the US military. However the HK416 is independently made and modified. Currently the HK416 it is used by more than 20 countries, mainly by special forces and law enforcement agencies.    In terms of appearance the HK416 resembles the M4. Due to similarity it has a familiar feel for soldiers, reducing the time needed for retraining. It uses a patented gas piston system, derived from the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle. This new operating system significantly reduced malfunctions and increased life of parts, comparing with the original Colt M4 carbine. The new weapon is much more reliable.    Four models with different barrel lengths are available, including full-size assault rifle, compact assault rifle, carbine and sub-compact assault rifle.    The HK416 has a Picatinny-type scope rail and can be used with various scopes. Furthermore there is accessory rail on all four sides of the forearm. Most current accessories for the M4 andM16 can be used on the HK416, including a 40-mm underbarrel grenade launcher. Nr.8 FN SCAR (Belgium)    The FN SCAR modular assault rifle was developed by the famous Belgian Fabrique Nationale to meet the requirement, issued by the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM). The US Special Forces requested a new combat rifle, available in different calibers. The FN SCAR has been adopted by the US SOCOM. Deliveries commenced in 2009. Currently it is also used by 20 countries around the world. Often this weapon is found with special forces and elite law enforcement units.    The FN SCAR modular assault rifle platform was designed from the scratch. It is not based on any previous designs. It is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. There are two baseline models - the SCAR-L (light), chambered for 5.56x45 mm round and the SCAR-H (heavy) chambered for a more powerful 7.62x51 mm ammunition. Other chambering include a Soviet 7.62x39 mm round.    The key idea of the SCAR modular system, that it will provide the US Special Forces with a wide variety of configurations within the matter of minutes in field conditions. All these configurations have the same layout, controls and maintenance procedures. The SCAR-L and SCAR-H have 90% parts commonality. These weapons are available in three quick-detachable barrel versions - standard (S), close quarters combat (CQC) and long barrel (LB). Different length barrels can be quickly replaced. So this weapon is highly customizable.    The SCAR-L can use the standard M16-type magazines. The SCAR-H uses 20-round magazines. The SCAR-H also accepts the standard AK-47 / AKM magazines with the Soviet 7.62x39 mm ammunition. It allows to fire the enemy ammunition with the alternate barrel, what is very important for operations behind the enemy lines. Nr.9 FAMAS (France)    The French FAMAS assault rifle has been developed in the late 1960s. At the time it was a very advanced design. It was adopted in 1978 and soon became a standard issue infantry rifle with the French Army. Currently there are about 15 operators of this rifle, including its variants.    The FAMAS has a bullpup layout. It is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. Fire mode selector has three positions for "safe", "semi-auto" and "full-auto". There is also additional "3 round burst" selector, located behind the magazine. It switches between "full-auto" and "3 round burst" modes, when the main selector is in "full-auto" mode.    The rifle is very accurate. Yet its bullpup layout gives it advantage in close quarter battles or confined spaces.    The FAMAS is fully ambidextrous. It was a novelty at the time of its introduction. Most of the rifle's furniture is made of polymers. So the weapon is lightweight.    This assault rifle has a standard NATO flash hider, which is used to launch rifle grenades. It can be also fitted with the M203 40-mm underbarrel grenade launcher. This weapon can also be fitted with folding bipod and detachable bayonet. Nr.10 FN F2000 (Belgium)    The F2000 assault rifle was developed by FH Herstal of Belgium in the 1990s. This futuristic-looking weapon was first publicly revealed in 2001. Currently it is in service with about 12 countries. It is popular due to its simplicity and cutting-edge engineering.    So far the F2000 is the first and only bullpup assault rifle, produced by FN. Also this weapon has an out-of-the-box approach to assault rifle design.    The F2000 has a modular design. It is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56x45 mm ammunition. This weapon is is perfectly balanced around the pistol grip. There are very few small arms in existence, designed from an ergonomic point of view.    The basic assault rifle comes with a 1.6x magnification sight. It has a sighting range of 400 m. However this sight can be easily replaced with other scopes or night vision sights, fitted on the standard Picatinny-type rails.    Modularity of this assault rifle allows to modify it to suit various mission requirements. There are plenty of available add-ons and accessories. A standard foregrip can be easily replaced with integrated FN EGLM 40-mm underbarrel grenade launcher. Otherwise it can be fitted with the M303 underbarrel module, which fired tear gas or marker projectiles. This foregrip can also be replaced with three Picatinny-type rails for various accessories, such as laser pointers, tactical flashlights and vertical handgrips.

Top 9 Attack Helicopters

Often we receive many questions which is the best attack helicopter in the world. Which is the greatest modern gunship and why? Our Top 9 analysis is based on the combined score of performance, firepower, protection and avionics. We use specifications for comparison and available data. This list do not includes gunships, that are currently in development or at the prototype stage. It includes only best helicopters that are currently in service and in production. All of the attack helicopters mentioned here are incredibly powerful and devastating. Crew training of the helicopter is also important, as performance of the actual machine depends from the crew performance.    Currently top 9 best attack helicopters in the world are these: Nr.1 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian (USA)    The AH-64E (AH-64D Block III) is an upgraded version of the original AH-64A, which was developed for the US Army, to replace the AH-1 Cobra. The Apache helicopter saw combat during a number of recent wars.    The Apache Guardian is fitted with a mast mounted antenna with updated Longbow fire control radar. This attack helicopter can fire Hellfire 2 air-to-ground missiles in fire-and-forget mode. Other improvements include targeting, battle management system, cockpit, communications, weapons and navigation systems. The gunship is also fitted with a 30-mm cannon.    Deliveries of the Apache Guardian began to the US Army in 2011. A total of 634 AH-64D helicopters will be be upgraded to the AH-64E standard. This attack helicopter was approved for export. It is also in service with Saudi Arabia and Taiwan. India, Indonesia, Iraq and South Korea ordered this helicopter. Nr.2 Bell AH-1Z Viper (USA)    The AH-1Z Viper gunship is based on the AH-1W SuperCobra. This helicopter is used by the US Marine Corps. It follows the line of the AH-1 Cobra, which was the world first dedicated attack helicopter. A total of 189 Vipers will be built. Most of them will be upgraded from AH-1W airframes. Others will be newly-built machines. The Viper was introduced in 2010 and full-rate production began in 2012.    The AH-1Z Viper has new engines, new rotor, uprated transmission upgraded avionics and new target sighting system. Upgraded helicopters have improved flight characteristics. This helicopter is fitted with infrared suppression system, which covers exhausts.    The Viper is armed with a 20-mm three-barrel cannon. It can carry up to 16 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. It can also carry pods with unguided rockets and two Sidewinder fire-and-forget air-to-air missiles. Nr.3 Kamov Ka-52 Hokum-B (Russia)    The Ka-52 is a further development and a two-seat version of the famous Ka-50 Hokum. This attack helicopter entered service with the Russian Army and its small scale production commenced in 2008.    The Ka-52 is one of the fastest and most maneuverable attack helicopters due to its two coaxial contra-rotating main rotors. Armor of this gunship withstands hits from 23-mm projectiles. Pilots are seated in ejection seats.    This gunship is armed with a 30-mm cannon and up to 12 Vikhr anti-tank missiles. It can also carry unguided rockets and Igla air-to-air missiles.    The Ka-52 is fitted with a battlefield management system and can exchange data with other helicopters, as well as third-party sources. This helicopter is also intended as an aerial command post for a group of helicopters. It provides target detection and coordinates the attacks. Nr.4 Mil Mi-28 Havoc (Russia)    The Mi-28 has been in development since the late 1970s. This helicopter was finally accepted to service with the Russian Army in 2006. Currently Russian Army operates over 20 of these helicopters. Some sources report that it is also in service with Kenya.    This attack helicopter is fitted with two heavily-armored cockpits. Probably it is one of the most armored attack helicopters to date. The Mi-28 is also fitted with emergency escape system for the crew.    The Mi-28 is typically fitted with eight Ataka anti-armor missiles along with unguided rocket pods. This gunship is also fitted with a 30-mm cannon.    Comparing with the previous Mi-24 Hind it is better optimized for anti-armor role. It lacks secondary troop transport capability. However the Mi-28 has a small passenger compartment and in case of emergency it can carry three passengers. This feature allows to rescue downed helicopter crew.    It was reported that during comparative trials the Mi-28 lost to the Ka-50. Nr.5 Eurocopter Tiger (France/Germany)    The Eurocopter Tiger was jointly developed by France and Germany. It is a medium-weight attack helicopter, which entered service in 2002. It is also in service with Australia and Spain. The Tiger has seen combat in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.    This helicopter incorporates stealth technology as well as other advanced features to increase its survivability.    The Tiger is available in attack and fire support (escort) configurations. The attack version is fitted with Trigat or HOT 3 anti-tank missiles, as well as unguided rockets. It also carries Stinger air-to-air missiles. This version is not fitted with a cannon.    The escort version of the Tiger is fitted with 30-mm cannon and unguided missiles, as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles. This version is in service with the French Army. Nr.6 Z-10 (China)    The Z-10 is the first Chinese dedicated attack helicopter. It has been designed with extensive technical assistance from Eurocopter and Augusta. Other sources claim that development of this attack helicopter has been assisted by the Russian Kamov helicopter design bureau. This new Chinese helicopter is advanced. It seems that first production gunships were delivered to the Chinese Army in 2009-2010.    Primary mission of the Z-10 is anti-armor and battlefield interdiction. It also has some limited air-to-air combat capabilities.    The fuselage has sloped sides to reduce radar cross section. All vital areas are believed to be protected by armor plates. Weapons of the Z-10 may consist of 30-mm cannon, HJ-9 anti-tank guided missiles (comparable to the TOW-2A), newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank missiles (comparable to the AGM-114 Hellfire) and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. It can also carry unguided rocket pods. Nr.7 Denel AH-2 Rooivalk (South Africa)    Despite its new appearance the Rooivalk was based on reverse-engineered Aerospetiale Pumaand uses the same engines and rotor. This helicopter has been designed to operate without sophisticated support.     A nose turret of the Rooivalk is fitted with a 20-mm cannon. It contains an automatic target detection and tracking system. This attack helicopter can carry up to 16 TOW or indigenous ZT-6 Mokopa anti-tank missiles. It also has provision for air-to-air missiles and launchers with unguided rockets. This gunship can be used in anti-armor, ground attack, armed reconnaissance, fire support, escort and deep penetration roles.    A pair of external seats can be fitted to the Rooivalk, allowing it to pick up the crew of a downed helicopter.    Currently only 11 of these helicopters are operational due to funding problems. Nr.8 Augusta A129 Mangusta (Italy)    The A129 Mangusta was the first dedicated attack helicopter to be produced in Western Europe. First helicopters were delivered to the Italian Army in 1990. Production of Mangusta was stopped in 1992 due to funding problems and changing operational requirements with the end of the Cold War. Later all Italian Mangustas were upgraded to the A129 International standard.    It is a lightweight attack helicopter, hence it carries less armor than its counterparts. Yet its rotor blades withstand hits from 30-mm rounds. Primary role of the Mangusta was anti-tank. It was fitted with Hellfire or TOW anti-tank missiles and Stinger or Mistral anti-aircraft missiles. It could also carry unguided rockets. TOW missiles were its primary armament. However the A129 International is a more flexible multi-role machine. It was fitted with an undernose 20-mm cannon. It can be used in anti-armor, ground attack, armed reconnaissance, fire support and escort roles.    Currently Turkey is developing an indigenous attack helicopter, which is a derivative of the Mangusta. It will have some key improvements over its predecessor. Nr.9 Mil Mi-24 Hind (Russia)    The Mi-24 is one of the most widely known assault helicopters. It saw widespread combat action during wars and military conflicts. This ageing gunship is still very capable.    This helicopter has heavily-armored, stepped cockpits ant an undernose gun turret. First versions were fitted with a 23-mm twin-barrel cannon, however later production version with a 30-mm twin-barrel cannon emerged. Other weapons include anti-tank missiles and unoperated rockets.    The Mi-24 has a secondary troop transport capability. It can carry a full infantry squad of 8 fully equipped troops, which makes this gunship a flying IFV. Because of the troop carrying capability this helicopter is used in a slightly different manner than other attack helicopters.    This helicopter was produced in large number for the Soviet Army as well as Soviet allies. Over 2 300 helicopters were produced since the 1970s. Despite its age it is in service with at least 50 countries around the world. It is estimated that 1 500 Hinds remain in service. Production of this helicopter ceased in 1991, however various upgrade and refurbishment programs are still available

Top 10 Main Battle Tanks

   Often we receive many questions which is the best main battle tank in the world. Which is the greatest modern MBT and why. Our Top 10 analysis is based on the combined score of protection, firepower, accuracy and mobility. All of the tanks mentioned here are incredibly powerful and devastating, however none of them have seen combat against each other during military operations yet. Analysis is based on specifications and available data. Crew training of the tank is also important, as performance of the actual tank depends from the crew performance. This list do not contains tanks that are currently under development or are at the prototype stage.

   Currently top 10 best tanks in the world are these:

Nr.1 Leopard 2A7 (Germany)

   It is a recent version of the proven and successful Leopard 2 design. It has additional armor and updated electronics.

   The Leopard 2A7 is well protected against conventional and urban warfare threats, such as RPG rounds and IEDs.

   This tank has better accuracy and longer range of fire comparing with other tanks due to its powerful gun and advanced fire control system.

   This MBT is powered by a proven engine, developing 1 500 hp. Despite increase in weight vehicle has increased mobility due to improved suspension components. Cross-country performance is similar to other Leopard 2 series tanks.

   German Army ordered a first batch of 20 Leopard 2A7 MBTs, upgraded from Leopard 2A6. Deliveries commenced in 2014. German army plans to upgrade 50 to 150 tanks to the 2A7 standard. Qatar ordered 62 of these MBTs and Saudi Arabia more than 200.

Nr.2 K2 Black Panther (South Korea)

   Currently the Black Panther is one of the most advanced main battle tank in the world, outclassing anything North Korea or China have. Furthermore it is the most expensive main battle tank to date.

   This tank uses composite armor of undisclosed type and explosive reactive armor modules. The K2 is also completed with active protection and countermeasures systems. Its protection is broadly similar to the M1A2 Abrams, considering that the K2 is much lighter.

   This new South Korean tank is armed with the latest German 120-mm gun, similar to that used on the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7. This tank has a very advanced fire control system with can spot, track and fire automatically at visible vehicle-size targets, even low-flying helicopters, without needing any input from a human operator. The K2 also uses advanced munitions.

   The Black Panther is fitted with a powerful diesel engine. It is fast and has a state-of-the-art hydropneumatic suspension.

   Currently this main battle tanks is not yet in series production. It might enter service with the South Korean Army soon.

Nr.3 M1A2 SEP (USA)

   The M1A2 SEP is a successor to the M1A2 Abrams. This tank has incredible technology and armor. Also it has seen combat. It is one of the most feared MBTs.

   The M1A2 SEP offers significant protection against all well-known anti-tank weapons. This main battle tank uses advanced armor, reinforced with depleted uranium layers.

   Its gun and accuracy are slightly inferior to that of the Leopard 2A7. Yet it still packs a formidable punch.

   Its complex gas turbine engine offers good performance, but requires tremendous amount of maintenance, logistical support and is thirsty on fuel.

   A number of 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 urban environment. To date very few Abrams tanks have been destroyed in combat.

   The M1A2 SEP is in service with United States Army (at least 900). It is planned that this tank will remain in service beyond 2050. The M1A2 SEP has not been exported yet. However the previous M1A2 has been supplied to Kuwait (218) and Saudi Arabia (373).

Nr.4 Challenger 2 (United Kingdom)

   It is a very capable tank. The Challenger 2 has the latest Chobham armor and is one of the most protected MBTs in the world today. It offers very high level of protection against direct fire weapons

   This British tank is armed with a very accurate 120-mm rifled gun. Its gun is rifled as opposed to smoothbore guns used by all other modern MBTs. Its maximum aimed range is over 5 km. Currently the Challenger holds the record for for longest tank-to-tank kill.

   Engine of the Challenger 2 is less powerful than of its Western rivals. Also it is not as fast as other MBTs. However this tank is famous for its mechanical reliability.

   The Challenger 2 is in service with United Kingdom (386) and Oman (38).

Nr.5 Merkava Mk.4 (Israel)

   It is the latest Israeli development which is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3.

   The Merkava Mk.4 is one of the most protected tanks in the world. This MBT has an unusual design with a front-mounted engine which gives the crew additional protection and chance to survive if the tank is knocked-out. All Merkava series tanks have a rear compartment which ca be used to carry troops and cargo under armor. It can carry up to 10 troops when ammunition is unloaded.

   The Israeli tank is armed with indigenous 120-mm smoothbore gun. The Merkava Mk.4 is equipped with new fire control system, that includes some very advanced features. One of them is a high hit probability firing against low-flying helicopters using conventional munitions.

   Mobility of the Merkava Mk.4 is rather average due to excessive weight, even though it is fitted with a powerful engine.

   The Merkava Mk.4 is in service only with Israel (360), as this tank is not offered for export.

Nr.6 TK-X (Japan)

   The TK-X or Type 10 is the latest Japanese development. It entered service in 2012. Currently it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world.

   This new lightweight MBT is more agile, however less protected than contemporary tanks.

   It is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, broadly similar to that of the Leopard 2A5 and M1A2 Abrams. It also has advanced fire control system.

   This tank has great mobility due to its impressive power-to-weight ratio, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and state-of-the-art hydropneumatic suspension.

   The TK-X is in service with Japan (12). This tank is not available for export customers as far as Japan's laws do not allow export of military equipment.

Nr.7 Leclerc (France)

   This French main battle tank entered service in 1992. A number of design features of the Leclerc were later used on other Western tanks.

   The Leclerc has advanced composite armor with add-on modular armor.

   This MBT has a crew of three and is fitted with an autoloader. It is fitted a powerful gun and has a high hit probability against stationary and moving targets. Also it has a hunter-killer capability.

   This tank has good mobility due to its 1 500 hp engine and hydropneumatic suspension.

   Currently it is in service with France (406) and United Arab Emirates (388).

Nr.8 T-90 (Russia)

   The T-90 is currently the only tank produced in quantity in Russia. It is not as sophisticated as its Western rivals, however it uses proven technology and is cost effective. Currently it is the most commercially successful main battle tank on the global market. Also it is one of the cheapest among modern MBTs.

   The T-90 has a small profile which makes it a harder target to hit. Significant drawback of the T-90 is ammunition stored in the main compartment due to its carrousel-type autoloader. Once hit ammunition detonates by killing all the crew and destroying the tank. This drawback is common to all Soviet, Russian Ukrainian and recent Chinese MBTs. Western tanks have a separate compartment in the turret bustle with a blow-out panels

   The T-90 is not as accurate against long-range targets, however it can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions.

   Original version has poor power-to-weight ratio due to its underpowered engine. Later models were fitted with more powerful engines.

   The T-90MS Tagil is a recent version with new armor, new engine, new gun, improved turret, updated observation and aiming system.

   The T-90 is currently in service with Russia (approximately 700), Algeria (305), Azerbaijan (20), India (620), Turkmenistan (40) and Venezuela (50 ~100).

Nr.9 Oplot-M (Ukraine)

   With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine continued development of the T-80UD main battle tank. Their latest version is the Oplot-M.

   The Oplot-M is fitted with explosive reactive armor of new generation. This MBT inherited from its predecessor automatic ammunition loading system, however ammunition is stored in the main compartment, rather than a separate compartment with a blow-out panels.

   The latest Ukranian tank is not as accurate against long-range targets as Western rivals, however it can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. The Oplot-M has a hunter-killer capability.

   The Oplot-M completed Ukrainian Army trials and is due to enter service with Ukrainian Army. Also it is in service with Thailand. This tank is broadly similar in terms of firepower, protection and mobility to the latest Russian versions of the T-90, however currently it is produced only in small numbers.

Nr.10 Type 99 (China)

   This Chinese MBT shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology.

   Like the Russian/Soviet tanks the Type 99 also lacks accuracy against long-range targets, however it is also capable to launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions.

   Automatic loading system of the Type 99 was copied from the Russian/Soviet design. Hence its drawback, as ammunition is stored in the main compartment, rather than a separate compartment with a blow-out panels. This MBT is fitted with unique active laser protection system, which uses a high-powered laser to disrupt missiles laser or infrared guidance signal, disable enemy observation optics and damage eyesight of enemy gunner. This active laser protection system can also be used against helicopters.

   The Type 99 is fitted with a powerful engine and has good mobility.

   The Type 99G is the latest version with some improvements.

   Currently The Type 99 is in service only with China (approximately 200).