12/26/2023 0 Comments List of modern battle tanks comparedThe Australian Leopard AS1 MBT is a vehicle from an era when heavy armour was sacrificed for speed. This degree of protection is highly appealing in any conflict, not just for the combat troops,īut for decision makers who have to send troops into combat whilst worrying about the impact of casualties.Īustralia acquired 103 Leopard AS1 MBT variants in 1977. Alan Dupont-a highly respected strategic commentator-has been advised by defence that 'new tanks will increase the chance of mission success by 30 per cent and reduce Australian casualties by a factor of six'.2 Whilst around a dozen US and UK MBTs have been damaged in Iraq by mines and anti-armour weapons, less than a handful of tank crew have died. Analysed are some of the strengths and questions arising from the decision to buy new MBTs.Īdvanced MBTs allow military forces better chances of winning in battle and possession of them substantially improves crew protection. This acquisition is contrary to the policy announced in the 2000 defence white paper when the Government said it had 'decided against the development of heavy armoured forces suitable for contributions to coalition forces in high intensity conflicts'.1 So why buy tanks now when military interventions like those in East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands have seen only one Special Forces soldier killed? Why buy new tanks when there are calls for budget surpluses to be spent on education or health? This Research Note seeks to determine what factors have prompted the need for Australia to replace its current tank fleet. The Australian Army is in the process of acquiring a new main battle tank (MBT).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |