#MBTs

The ZTZ96 is China’s most advanced second generation main battle tank (MBT). But its history actually extends well before the ZTZ96 actually appeared and its development history is extremely messy (not that any tank development project is ever neat), filled with several weird prototypes and secretive vehicles. So, let’s take a look at the history of this tank’s development, its main variants, and all of those weird 1-off prototypes that never made it to production.

The Stridsvagn 103 (Strv 103), also referred to as the S-tank or Stridsvagn S, was a Swedish MBT manufactured by Bofors AB. It was in service during the Cold War, at a time where tank technology was rapidly advancing. The tank is instantly recognizable by its flat, turretless profile, and is frequently referred to as a cheese wedge or doorstop.

The Type 90 (90式戦車) is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Introduced in 1990 to replace the ageing Type 61 and Type 74, it was designed to counter modern Soviet tanks like the T-72 and compete with Western MBTs such as the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2. Armed with a 120 mm L/44 smoothbore gun, it reflects the standard firepower of Gen 3 tanks. Though still in service, the Type 90 is being supplemented & gradually phased out in favour of the lighter yet more advanced Type 10, shifting as the Japanese Gen 3.5 MBT.

The Merkava Mk.4M "Meil Ru'ach" is an Israeli indigenous MBT, designed and manufactured by Mantak and the IDF Ordinance Corps. Prioritizing crew protection and survivability over all other aspects, the tank has a frontally mounted engine to shield the crew and a well-balanced armor layout. When compared to the preceding Merkava Mk.4B/LIC, the Merkava Mk.4M is upgraded to use the venerable Trophy APS to protect the tank from ATGMs and other guided munitions. The Merkava has the potential to be a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player, but it demands more expertise from players to achieve success compared to other MBTs, primarily due to its weak armor.

The Leopard 2PL is a modernized Leopard 2A4 main battle tank in service with the Polish Armed Forces. After Germany retired its fleet of Leopard 2A4s in the 2000s, the Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (Polish Armaments Group) and Rheinmetall AG carried out a series of upgrades to keep the 2A4 effective and up-to-date in modern conflicts, and specifically improved the turret armor and optoelectronics. In War Thunder, the Leopard 2PL is a versatile opponent due to its strong turret cheeks, excellent mobility, and great optics, but it inherits some weaknesses from the preceding 2A4, which make it somewhat of a sidegrade to the Leopard 2A5 and 2A6.

Emerging from the T‑72/T‑90 lineage, the T‑90M “Proryv” blends proven Soviet design with targeted modernizations. Relikt ERA and composite modules reinforce its low‑profile turret and sloped glacis, reducing incoming damage. At its heart sits the 125 mm 2A46M‑5  cannon with an autoloader, capable of launching APFSDS, HEATFS, HE, or tandem‑warhead ATGMs offering adaptable firepower at all ranges. Though its –6° gun depression and 4 km/h reverse speed limit certain hull‑down and withdrawal maneuvers, the T‑90M excels when used to dictate engagements from hull‑down positions, supporting advances and punishing overextended foes.

The Type 74, or 74式戦車 (Nana-yon Shiki Sensha) is a Japanese main battle tank that began development at the height of the Cold War. Since entering service in 1975, over 800 were built, the most numerous of any post-war Japanese tank, and only recently was withdrawn from service in 2024.

In War Thunder, the T-80s are among the pinnacle of Russian MBTs. They are fast, have a good gun, and decent armour. They excel at many roles, and at all ranges. The T-80U-E1 is a modification of the existing T-80U, with better thermals and a slightly better turret traverse. This variant is technologically superior to most other T-80s apart from the T-80BVM. How is this vehicle played?

The M1A1 AIM is an export version of the M1A1 AIM for the Royal Australian Armored Corps (RAAC), receiving an upgraded armor array and improvements in the FCS that the previous M1A1 in the US tech tree doesn’t have; said improvements include the addition of enhanced protection in both the turret and LFP that the M1A1 lacked in, and Gen 2 thermals for the gunner and the commander’s .50 cal machine gun. The KE-W round it possesses is also a potent round, being able to penetrate the enemies that the AIM faces at its BR. While this MBT lacks further upgrades to protection that the M1A2s possess, it’s a generally reliable brawler-sniper that can hold its own on the battlefield.

Emerging from the T‑72 lineage, the T‑90A refines Cold War resilience with early‑2000s tech upgrades. Outfitted with Kontakt‑5 ERA and a composite armor suite, it maintains a low silhouette while boasting a robust defensive profile against both kinetic and chemical rounds. At its core sits the 125 mm 2A46M‑5 cannon autoloaded and stabilized, capable of launching a wide range of ammunition, from standard APFSDS to tandem‑warhead ATGMs. Its most distinct feature, however, is the Shtora-1 electro‑optical protection system — it's an "unblinking hunter", thanks to its ever-watchful "eyes".