# List of main battle tanks by generation

Main battle tanks are often classified as belonging to a particular generation, although the actual definition and membership in these generations are not defined. Soviet military planners organize tanks with the first generation of tanks up to 1950, and four generations of tanks (with the first main battle tank being the third-generation T-64), while American strategists organize main battle tanks into three generations. The military of the People's Republic of China also recognizes three generations of its own tanks.
In 1973, Rolf Hilmes saw three tank generations and three "intermediate generations", which consisted mainly of upgraded vehicles. The first generation of main battle tanks was based on or influenced by designs of World War II, most notably the Soviet T-34. The second generation was equipped with NBC protection (only sometimes), night-vision devices, a stabilized main gun and at least a mechanical fire-control system. The third generation is in Western parlance determined by the usage of thermal imagers, digital fire-control systems and special (composite) armour (Soviet doctrine, however, de-emphasizes thermal vision and electronic fire control, preferring large-caliber gun and engines of high power).
However, Hilmes acknowledged that tanks cannot be definitively grouped by generations, as each tank-producing country develops and introduces its tanks in tune with its own ideas and needs. He also states that breakdown of postwar tanks by generations is based on timeframe and technical factors, as a basis for further discussion.

## First Generation

The first generation of "universal tanks" or "main battle tanks", all except the Centurion had a main gun calibre of 100mm or less
| Name | Year first built | Year entered service | Origin | No. built | Mass (tonnes) | Engine power | Range | Notes |
| Centurion | 1945 (Mk 1) | 1946 (Mk 2) 1948 (Mk 3) 1955 (Mk 5) | United Kingdom | 4,423 | 51 t | 650 hp | 52–100 km | First "Universal Tank" (MBT) Culmination of the WWII cruiser tanks. |
| Centurion | | 1953 (C III) 1955 (C V) 1958 (C X) | Sweden | 110 | 51–53 t | 650 hp | 52–100 km | Strv 81 and 101 were the Swedish designations fitted with, Swedish machine guns and instruments. |
| Centurion | | 1958 (Pz55) 1976 (Pz57) | Switzerland | 100 12 | 52 t | 650 hp | 52–100 km | Panzer 55 and 57/60 were the Swiss designations. |
| Centurion | | 1960 (Meteor) 1970 (Kal Alef) 1975 (Kal Bet) 1980 (Kal Gimel) c.1985 (Kal Dalet) | Israel | 390 | 51 t | 650 hp | 52–100 km | Sho't is the Israeli designation of the 105 mm L7 armed Centurion tank. |
| T-54 | 1945 (T‑54) | 1947 (T‑54) 1955 (T‑54A) 1957 (T‑54B) | Soviet Union | 35,000 | 36 t | 520 hp | 330–440 km | USSR's First Generation of MBT. |
| T-54 | | 1956 (T‑54/T‑54A) | Polish People's Republic | 3,000 | 36 t | 520 hp | 330–440 km | Produced under license in Poland. |
| T-54 | | 1957 (T‑54A) | Czechoslovakia | 2,700 | 36 t | 520 hp | 330–440 km | T-54A produced under license in Czechoslovakia. |
| T-54 | | 1959 (T‑54A) | People's Republic of China | 13,000 | 36 t | 520 hp | 450–600 km | Chinese-produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank. |
| M48 Patton | 1951 (T48) | 1952 1953 (A1) 1955 (A2) 1957 (A3) | United States | 12,000 | 45–49 t | 750–825 hp | 110–480 km | A further development of the M47 Patton tank. America's First generation of MBT |
| FV4202 | 1955 | — | United Kingdom | 3 | 41.5 t | 520 hp | 50–100 km | Prototype used to develop various concepts later used in the Chieftain. |
| T-55 | 1958 | 1958 | Soviet Union | 27,500 | 36 t | 581 hp | 400–530 km | Improved T-54. |
| T-55 | | 1964 | Polish People's Republic | 7,000 | 36 t | 581 hp | 400–530 km | Produced under license in Poland. |
| T-55 | | 1964 | Czechoslovakia | 8,300 | 36 t | 581 hp | 400–530 km | Produced under license in Czechoslovakia. |
| Type 61 | 1956 | 1961 | Japan | 560 | 35 t | 570 hp | 200 km | First MBT developed and used by the JGSDF, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. |

## Second Generation

The second generation had enhanced night-fighting capabilities and in most cases NBC protection. Most western tanks of this generation were armed with the 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 tank gun or derivatives of it.
| Name | Year first built | Year entered service | Origin | No. built | Mass (tonnes) | Engine power | Range | Notes |
| M60 | | 1959 1962 (A1) 1973 (A2) 1978 (A3) | United States | 15,000+ | 46–49.5 t | 750 hp | 450–500 km | A development of the M48 Patton. M60A2 and M60A3 are sometimes considered as the first intermediate generation. The M60A2 had a new turret housing an M162 152mm gun/launcher. |
| T-62 | 1958 | 1961 | Soviet Union | 22,700+ | 37 t | 581–620 hp | 320–650 km | Development of the T-55, with a new 115mm cannon and enlarged chassis. First tank fitted with a smoothbore gun that could fire APFSDS rounds. |
| T-62 | | 1978 1992 (II & III) 2000 (IV) 2001 (V) | North Korea | 1,200+ | 37 t | 750 hp | 450 km | North Korean copy of the T-62 known as the Ch'onma-ho. |
| Leopard 1 | 1961 | 1965 1970 (A1) 1972 (A2) 1974 (A4) 1980 (A5) | West Germany | 4,744 | 40–42 t | 820 hp | 450–600 km | A main battle tank designed and produced in West Germany that first entered service in 1965. |
| Panzer 61 | 1957 | 1965 | Switzerland | 150 | 39 t | 630 hp | 250 km | Initially developed as the Panzer 58 medium tank and developed and redesignated into the Panzer 61. |
| MBT-70 | 1965 | — | United States West Germany | 14 | 50.4 t | 1470–1500 hp | 644 km | An American-West German joint project to develop a new main battle tank. Never entered service. |
| Vickers MBT Mark 1 | 1964 | 1965 | United Kingdom | 376 | 38 t | 535 hp | 480 km | British private venture design for export. |
| Vickers MBT Mark 1 | | 1965 | India | 2,200 | 39 t | 535 hp | 530 km | Vijayanta was the Indian license-built version of British Vickers MBT Mark 1. |
| Vickers MBT Mark 1 | | 1970 | Kuwait | 70 | 38 t | 535 hp | 480 km | Al Jahra is the Kuwaiti designation for Vickers MBT Mark 1s modified for desert warfare. |
| AMX 30 / AMX-30E | 1966 | 1966 | France | 3,571 | 36–39 t | 700–750 hp | 450–500 km | The AMX 30 served as the principal Main Battle Tank (MBT) for the French Army. |
| AMX 30 / AMX-30E | | 1970 | France Francoist Spain | 299 | 36 t | 670 hp | 400 km | The AMX-30E was a Spanish development of the AMX-30. 280 units were manufactured by Santa Bárbara Sistemas, between 1974 and 1983. |
| T-64 | 1958 | 1963 (T‑64) 1967 (T‑64A) 1976 (T‑64B) | Soviet Union | 13,000 | 38–42 t | 700–1000 hp | 500–700 km | World's first composite armoured tank. In Russian military theory, the T-64 is the first vehicle of the third generation. |
| T-64 | | 1999 (T‑64U / T‑64BM) 2004 (T‑64BM Bulat) | Ukraine | | 44 t | 850–1000 hp | 385 km | Ukrainian modernisation, bringing it to T-84 standard. Fitted with Nizh reactive armour, 9K120 Refleks missile, and a new engine, optics, and fire control system. |
| FV 4201 Chieftain | 1959 1966 | 1967 (Mk 2) 1970 (Mk 3) 1975 (Mk 5‑8) 1979 (Mk 9) 1984 (Mk 10‑12) | United Kingdom | 1,896 | 56 t | 650–750 hp | 400–500 km | First tank with a supine driver position. Designed to replace both the Centurion, and heavier Conqueror tanks. Chobham armour was tested on the FV 4211. |
| FV 4201 Chieftain | 1976 | | United Kingdom Iran | 185 | | 650–750 hp | 400–500 km | Project 4030 Phase 1 was an improved version of the Chieftain, featuring thickened belly armour, tank laser sight, and improved suspension, transmission, and fuel capacity. |
| FV 4201 Chieftain | 1977 | — | United Kingdom Iran | 125 | | 1200 hp | | Shir (4030 Phase 2) was developed for export to Iran, featuring a new turbocharged engine, thickened belly armour, and a new transmission, suspension, and cooling system. It was cancelled in 1979 before any production vehicles were delivered. |
| FV 4201 Chieftain | | 1981 | United Kingdom Jordan | 274 | | 1200 hp | | Project 4030 Phase 2 Jordan, designated as "Khalid", is a further development from the cancelled Shir originally intended for Iran but renegotiated for export to Jordan, equipped with integrated FCS, tank laser sight, and day/night sights. |
| Magach 3 | | 1967 | United States Israel | 300 | 49 t | 750 hp | 480 km | Modernized M48A1/A2C/A3 including British 105 mm L7 cannon, low profile commander's cupola, and an upgraded communication suite, engine, and transmission. |
| Strv 103 | 1963 | 1967 | Sweden | 290 | 42.5 t | 540–780 hp | 390 km | World's first turbine engine equipped tank, the Strv 103 is an indigenous turretless design that uses hydropneumatic hull suspension to aim. |
| WZ-122 | 1970 | — | China | Only a few, project cancelled | <38 t | 650–680 hp | — | Main battle tank developed by the People's Republic of China. Its development started in March 1970. After several prototypes were built, the plan was set aside in 1974. |
| Panzer 68 | 1971 | 1971 | Switzerland | 390 | 40.8 t | 660 hp | 200 km | Swiss vehicle based on the Panzer 61. Improvements consisted of wider tracks, stabilized gun, and replaces the coaxial 20mm gun with a machine gun. |
| T-72 | | 1973 | Soviet Union | 25,000 | 41–45 t | 780–840 hp | 460–700 km | Hilmes puts the T-72 in the first intermediate generation. Post-1990's modernized versions are classified as third generation. |
| Olifant Mk 1 / Mk 2 | 1974 | 1976 1985 (1A) 1991 (1B) | South Africa | 153 | 56 t | 650 hp | 50–100 km | A South African development of the Centurion Tank. The Mk 1 is largely similar to the Centurion, while the Mk 2 has many locally produced components. |
| Olifant Mk 1 / Mk 2 | | 2003 | South Africa | 26 | 58 t | 1040 hp | 500 km | A South African development of the Centurion Tank. The Mk 1 is largely similar to the Centurion, while the Mk 2 has many locally produced components. |
| Type 74 | | 1975 | Japan | 873 | 38 t | 750 hp | 300 km | Hilmes puts the Type 74 in the first intermediate generation. Entered widespread use in 1980. |
| Magach 5 | | 1976 | United States Israel | 150 | 50 t | 750 hp | 480 km | M48A5 in the original configuration. Similar to the Magach 3, but had slightly different engine and transmission Continental AVDS-1790-2D and Allison CD-850-6A accordingly. Eventually fitted with Blazer ERA. |
| Vickers MBT Mark 3 | | 1977 | United Kingdom | 212 | 40 t | 720 hp | 400 km | A further development of the Vickers Mk I MBT. Developed as a private venture, it has a new fire control system and is powered by a Detroit Diesel 12V-71T turbocharged engine. |
| Shir 2 | 1978 | — | United Kingdom Iran | 250 | | 1200 hp | | Also known as "4030 Phase 3", the rear of the hull was similar to the previous Shir design, as was the gun and fire control, and automative systems, but it had new suspension and sights, as well as Chobham armour on the hull and turret. It was cancelled before delivery, and the tanks already built were reworked at ROF Leeds into the Challenger 1. |
| TR-77-580 | | 1979 | Socialist Republic of Romania | 405 | 42 t | 580 hp | 400–450 km | Romanian development of the T-54/55, with a longer chassis and 6 road wheels. It was intended to use the same engine as the Leopard 1, but the refusal of Krauss-Maffei to deliver to a Warsaw Pact member meant that the V-55 engine was retained. |
| Merkava Mark I / II | | 1979 | Israel | 250 | 63 t | 908 hp | 500 km | First Main Battle Tank developed and used by Israel Defense Forces. |
| Merkava Mark I / II | | 1983 | Israel | 580 | 60 t | 908 hp | 500 km | Improved Merkava Mark I. |
| Type 80/88 / Type 96 | | 1980 | People's Republic of China | 3500 | 38–40 t | 730 hp | 400–500 km | Variants include the Type 80, Type 85, Type 88. |
| Type 80/88 / Type 96 | | 1997 | China | >2,500 | 41–43 t | 730–1000 hp | 400 km | Domestic version of Type 85-IIM later known as Type 96. |
| OF-40 | | 1981 | Italy | 39 | 45.5 t | 820 hp | 600 km | Used by United Arab Emirates. |
| T-55AI Igman | | 1981 | Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia | ~20 | 37–45 t | ~780 hp | ~700 km | Yugoslav upgrade of the T-55A, sharing components with the M-84, a local variant of T-72, whom it was in parallel development with. It include two AT-3 Sagger missile rails, a meteosensor, smoke dischargers, spaced armour, and laser rangefinders from M-84. |
| T-72M/M1 | | 1981 | Czechoslovakia | 1700 | 43.5 t | 850 hp | 480 km | Built under licence by ZTS Martin. In Western sources it is often referred to as T-72G. In the late 1980s they received some improvements from the Soviet T-72A programme, including rubber side skirts (instead of "gill armour") and 902B "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers. |
| T-72M/M1 | | 1982 | Polish People's Republic | 1610 | 43.5 t | 850 hp | 480 km | A license-built export version of the T-72. Later models fitted with "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers and rubber side skirts, and have an additional 16 mm steel plate welded on the upper glacis plate, like in the T-72M1. |
| T-72M/M1 | | 1989 | Soviet Union Ba'athist Iraq | 500–750 | 41.5 t | 780 hp | 425 km (600 km with fuel barrels) | Iraqi-assembled version of the T-72M1 designated as the Lion of Babylon. |
| T-72M/M1 | | 1982 | India | 1900 | 41.5 t | 780 hp | 425 km | The Ajeya MK1 was an Indian version of the T-72M1. In parallel with buying T-72Ms off-the-shelf from the USSR, India also domestically produced it at Heavy Vehicles Factory. The Ajeya MK2 is a development with ERA and 6 smoke dischargers on each side. |
| T-55 Enigma | | 1982 | Ba'athist Iraq | 8 | 41 t | 520 hp | 300 km | Modernized T-55, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks used by Iraqi Armed Forces. |
| Type 69/79 | | 1982 | People's Republic of China | 3200 | 37 t | 580 hp | 440 km | A further development of the Type 59. Most advanced Type 79 variant was equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun which was also found on the Type 80 tank. |
| AMX-32 | 1982 | — | France | 6 | 38–40 t | 800 hp | 530 km | The AMX-32 was a French prototype main battle tank developed by AMX and APX during the late 1970s as an export tank to fit in a specific market niche of nations with smaller defence budgets. |
| Tanque Argentino Mediano | | 1983 | Argentina | 280 | 31 t | 720 hp | 590–800 km | Medium tank (main battle tank) in service with the Argentine Army. |
| Bernardini MB-3 Tamoyo | 1983 | — | Brazil | Only a few | 30 t | 500 hp | 550 km | Designed by Bernardini; it never passed beyond the prototype stage. The final model, the Tamoyo III was armed with a NATO 105 mm L7 rifled main gun. |
| TR-85 | | 1986 | Socialist Republic of Romania | 617 | 42.2 t | 830 hp | 400 km | Main battle tank based on the TR-77-580, designed for the Romanian Land Forces. 227 TR-85s were in service in 2017. |
| TR-85 | | 1997 | Romania | 54 | 50 t | 860 hp | 400 km | TR-85M1 Bizonul ("the Bison") was a modernization of the TR-85 which began in 1996 to bring it up to date with other NATO countries. |
| CM-11 Brave Tiger / CM-12 | | 1990 | Taiwan | 450 | 50 t | 750 hp | 480 km | Variant based on the M60 Patton and M48 Patton. |
| CM-11 Brave Tiger / CM-12 | | 1990 | Taiwan | 100 | 49 t | 750 hp | 203 km | Variant from M48 Patton. |
| M-55S | | 1992 | Soviet Union Slovenia Israel | 30 | 38 t | 600 hp | 580 km | T-54/T-55 modernization developed by STO RAVNE and Elbit Systems. Slovenia modernized the 30 T-55 tanks in its inventory. The last was modernized to the M-55S standard in May 1999. |
| Zulfiqar I | | 1994 | Iran | 400 | 52 t | 780–1000 hp | 450 km | Over 150 built, not including 6 prototypes. |
| Type 72Z | | 1997 | Iran | 400 | 36 t | 780 hp | 440 km | A highly modernized version of the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks with upgrades carried out by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization. |
| Al-Zarrar | | 2004 | China Pakistan | 750 | 44 t | 730 hp | 450 km | An upgrade of Pakistan's aging Chinese Type 59 tanks, developed with Ukrainian assistance and manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila, fitted with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. |
| Ramses II | | 2005 | Egypt | 425 | 48 t | 908 hp | 530 km | A heavily modernized T-55 main battle tank designed for and used by the Egyptian Armed Forces. |
| Tifon 2a | 2010 | — | Ukraine Peru | 4 | 46 t | 1050 hp | — | Main battle tank based on the Soviet T-54/55 tank, developed and manufactured jointly by the Peruvian company DICSAC and the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau. Trials/Development only. |
| Sabalan | | 2014 | Iran | 170 | 50 t | 750 hp | 500 km | Iranian upgrade of the M47 Patton, It has side skirts and a new turret fitted with a 105-mm gun, laser range finder, new fire control system and communication equipment. Never used in active service. |
| Type 59G Durjoy | | 2015 | China Bangladesh | 174 | 42 t | 730 hp | 450 km | An upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank for the Bangladesh Army. |
| T-55AGM | 2016 | — | Ukraine | 4 | 46 t | 850 hp | — | Ukrainian T-54/T-55 modernization (also applicable to the T‑62) bringing them to T-80 standard. Fitted with a new engine and movement control system, ERA, countermeasures system, autoloader, and an anti-aircraft machine gun that can be operated from within the turret. |
* ↑ T-62A.
* ↑ Object-430.
* ↑ Prototypes FV4201 P1–P7.
* ↑ Mk 1 training version.

## Third Generation

The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by composite armour and computer stabilized fire control systems, which allow firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability on targets multiple kilometres away. Many tanks had smoothbore guns with a calibre around 120mm.
| Name | Year first built | Year entered service | Origin | No. built | Mass | Engine Power | Notes |
| T-80 / T-84 | | 1976 | Soviet Union | >5400 | 42.5–46 tons | 700–1000 hp | First tank solely equipped with a turbine engine (the Strv 103 used a diesel engine alongside a turbine). Early models are considered as intermediate second generation, while T-80U (1985) onwards are third generation. |
| T-80 / T-84 | 1985 | 1987 | Ukraine | 500–800 | 46 tons | 1000 hp | T-80UD Bereza is a Ukrainian version with diesel 6TD engine and remote-controlled antiaircraft machine gun. |
| T-80 / T-84 | | 1999 | Ukraine | 55 | 46 tons | 1200 hp | The T-84 is a further development of the T-80UD. The T-84U is an upgrade with new side skirts, Kontakt-5 ERA, muzzle reference system and some other improvements. |
| T-80 / T-84 | | 2000 | Ukraine | 10 | 51 tons | 1200–1500 hp | The T-84 Oplot is a T-84U with a new welded turret and separate crew and ammunition compartments with blowout panels on the ammunition compartment, and a new bustle-mounted autoloader. |
| Leopard 2 | | 1979 | West Germany | 3600 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | Development of the Leopard 2 began in 1970. It is armed with a fully-stabilized Rheinmetall RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun. |
| Leopard 2 | | 1987 | Switzerland | 380 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | License manufactured in Switzerland of the Leopard 2A4. It includes Swiss-built 7.5 mm MG 87 machine guns, communications equipment, and improved NBC protection system. Designated Panzer 87. |
| Leopard 2 | | 1997 | Sweden | 120 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | The Stridsvagn 122 is based on the German Leopard 2 Imp utilizing newer technology such as command-, control-, and fire-control systems, as well as reinforced armour. |
| Leopard 2 | | 2003 | Germany Spain | 219 | 69 tons | 1500 hp | The Leopard 2E is derived from the Leopard 2A6, with greater armour protection, developed as a co-production between the defence industries of Spain and Germany. |
| Leopard 2 | | 2006 | Greece | 170 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | The Leopard 2 HEL is a derivative of the Leopard 2A6 that was ordered by the Greek Army in 2003. Around 170 tanks were delivered between 2006 and 2009. A total of 140 were built in Greece by ELBO, which delivered the first units in late 2006. |
| Leopard 2 | | 2007 | Germany Canada | 20 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | The Leopard 2A6M CAN turret is modified to include stand-off slat armour. The first 20 were loaned from the German Bundeswehr to increase firepower and protection given to Canadian troops operating in the south of Afghanistan. The loaned tanks retain their German MG3 machine gun. Ex-Dutch ones are also expected to retain their FN MAG machine guns due to commonality with the Canadian C6 GPMG, a variant of the FN MAG |
| MBT-80 | 1980 | — | United Kingdom | 17 | 62 tons | 1500 hp | The FV4601 MBT-80 was a British experimental third-generation main battle tank, designed in the late 1970s to replace the Chieftain tank. It was eventually cancelled in favour of the Challenger 1, itself an evolution of the Chieftain design. |
| M1 Abrams | 1979 | 1980 | United States | 10,400 | 60–74 tons | 1500 hp | M1A1 production began in 1985, and featured NBC protection, the M256 gun replaced the M68. The M1A2 began production in 1986 and entered service in 1992, and offers an independent hunter-killer thermal sight and depleted uranium armour. The System Enhancement Package in 1992 integrated graphite-coated third generation depleted uranium armour. |
| Challenger 1 | | 1983 | United Kingdom | 420 | 62–70 tons | 1200 hp | Replaced the Chieftain. It is armed with a fully-stabilized L11A5 120mm rifled gun, an improved version of the Chieftain's gun. The Challenger 1 is powered by a Rolls-Royce Condor V12 turbocharged diesel engine. With the introduction of the Challenger 2 into British service, the retired now surplus Challenger 1s were exported to Jordan at no cost. |
| AMX-40 | 1983 | — | France | 4 | 44 tons | 1100 hp | A replacement for the AMX-32, it was designed to be inexpensive for militaries with smaller defence budgets, and featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility, however it failed to attract interest and sales, and was discontinued in 1990. |
| M-84 | 1983 | 1984 | Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia | 650 | 41.5 tons | 1000 hp | The M-84 is essentially a license-built Soviet T-72 with a number of Yugoslavian sub-systems. By 1992 over 600 had been built. Currently operational with some countries of the former Yugoslavia and Kuwait. |
| M-84 | 1991 | — | Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia | 2 | | 1200 hp | The M-91 Vihor is a Yugoslav prototype, based on the M-84, which is in turn a domestic copy of the T-72. Due to the disintegration of Yugoslavia, it never entered production, and only a few prototypes were made for testing. Its development later led to the M-95 Degman. |
| M-84 | 1995 | — | Croatia | 2 | 48.5 tons | 1200 hp | The M-95 Degman is a Croatian main battle tank prototype, developed by the Đuro Đaković and developed from the M-91 Vihor tank derived from the T-72. It did not enter full production. |
| M-84 | | 2004 | Serbia | ~5 | 45 tons | 1200 hp | The M-84AS is an upgraded Yugoslav version of the M-84 tank. M-84AS is sometimes referred to as M-84AB1 and M-2001. |
| M-84 | | 2018 | Croatia | 2 prototypes | | 1200 hp | The M-84D is an upgraded version of the M-84 with improvements to its armor, armament, mobility and electronics. 75 to be upgraded, possibly replacing the 125mm 2A46 gun with a NATO 120mm gun. |
| M-84 | | 2017 | Serbia | 10 | 45 tons | 1000–1200 hp | The M-84AS1 and M-84AS2 are substantially modernized versions of the M-84 designed by the Military Technical Institute and produced by Technical Overhauling Institute "Čačak". Improved revisions were presented in 2020 and 2021. |
| EE-T1 Osório | 1985 | — | Brazil | 2 prototypes | 40.9–43.7 tons | 1100 hp | The EE-T1 Osório was a Brazilian prototype developed by Engesa. Intended first to be exported to other countries, enabling the Brazilian Army to later place orders without having to fund development costs. Initially privately funded by Engesa, but cashflow issues led to the Brazilian government extending a loan to assist the program. It was never adopted for service. |
| K1 / K1A1 | 1985 | 1987 | South Korea | 1,027 | 51.1 tons | 1200 hp | Referred to as the "Type 88" by American engineers. First Main Battle Tank in use with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, designed by General Dynamics. |
| K1 / K1A1 | 1996 | 2001 | South Korea | 484 | 53.2 tons | 1200 hp | The K1A1 is an improved version of the K1, developed by Hyundai Rotem. It is similar to the US M1A1 Abrams in terms of firepower and protection. Production began in 1996, however it only entered service with the ROK Army in 2001. Production ceased in 2010. A total of 484 of these tanks were built. |
| TR-125 | | 1987 | Socialist Republic of Romania | 5–10 | 50 tons | 900 hp | Prototype main battle tank is a redesigned T-72 made with Romanian components only. It is now designated P-125 (P stands for Prototype). |
| Merkava Mark III / IV | | 1989 | Israel | 780 | | | The Mark III was retired from active service in 2022 but is still the most numerous tank in the IDF's arsenal. Compared to the Mark II, it has upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and electronic systems. It incorporates the locally developed IMI 120 mm gun. |
| Merkava Mark III / IV | | 2004 | Israel | 360 | | | It is a further development of the Merkava Mark 3. In 2014 it was reported, that Israel will begin exporting a number of these tanks to an undisclosed customer. |
| Type 90 | 1976 | 1990 | Japan | 341 | | | Intended to replace the Type 61 medium tanks in service with JGSDF. It is armed with RH-M-120 120 mm smoothbore gun and fires HEAT-MP and APFSDS-T rounds, but is compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition. |
| Pokpung-ho II | | 1992 | North Korea | 200–500 | | | A further development of Ch'onma-Ho. The tank may incorporate technology found in the T-62, T-72, and Ch'onma-ho MBTs. The P'okp'ung-ho is only known to be used in North Korea. |
| Leclerc | 1990 | 1992 | France | 862 | | | Replaced AMX 30. Development began in 1978 with prototypes ready in 1989. Named in honor of Philippe Leclerc. It is in service with France and United Arab Emirates. |
| Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD) | 1992 | — | South Africa | 1 | | | A prototype main battle tank completed in the early 1990s. It shared some technology with the Leopard 2 and was intended to replace ageing South African MBTs., but went into service because of funding. Some of the subsystems were applied to the Olifant Mk 2. |
| T-90 | | 1992 | Russia | 750–1,000 | | | Deep modernization of the T-72B; originally introduced into service in October 1992 as T-72BU, but simultaneously renamed as the T-90. |
| T-72M2 Moderna | 1993 | — | Slovakia | 1 | | | A further development of the T-72M1A. Development was completed but without any order for tank fleet modernization. |
| PT-91 Twardy | | 1995 | Poland | 281 | | | A development of the T-72M1. The PT-91 Twardy is an improved variant of the Soviet T-72. Production for Poland was completed in 2002. A total of 233 tanks were delivered. Malaysia ordered 48 PT-91M Pendekar which were delivered in 2007–2009. |
| PT-91 Twardy | | 2016 | Poland | — | | | The PT-16 is a further development of PT-91 Twardy. Claimed proposed upgrades include improved armor, armament, and mobility. Only non functional mock-up ever built. Prototype never built. |
| Ariete | 1989 | 1995 | Italy | 200 | | | Developed by Iveco and OTO Melara. Named in honour of the WW2 "Ariete" Armored Division. It was intended to replace M60A1 in service with Italian Army. First prototype was revealed in 1986 and six pre-production vehicles were built in 1989. It entered service in 1995. |
| Zulfiqar II | 1997 | — | Iran | Few prototypes | | | Interim development between the Zulfiqar I and III, derived from the former. It had an extended hull and a new engine. It also had a new sloping turret with a bustle at the rear. It never entered service. |
| Challenger 2 | 1993 | 1998 | United Kingdom | 447 | | | A further development and redesign of the Challenger 1. Currently the Challenger 2 is in service with United Kingdom (386) and Oman (38). Armed with the British 120 mm L30 rifled gun. |
| T-72M1S | | 1998 | Syria Italy | 124 | | | Syrian-Italian upgrade with the addition of the Galileo Avionica TURMS-T computerised FCS, infrared cameras, improved gun and sight stabilisation, and 9M119 Svir/Refleks launch capability. Between 1998 and 2000, T-72M1s and T-72AVs were upgraded to this standard, with very few of the upgraded T-72AVs retaining their ERA after being upgraded. |
| Black Eagle | 1999 | — | Russia | 1 | | | The Black Eagle tank (Object 640), was a presumed prototype Russian tank, thought to have been developed in the late 1990s. A production version of this tank has never been publicly demonstrated. It is a T-80 variant which has helped development of the T-14 Armata. |
| T-95 | 2000 | — | Russia | 2 | | | T-95 (Object 195), was developed at Uralvagonzavod from 1988 until its cancelation in 2010. Little about it is publicly known. Work from it was used in the T-14 Armata, which began production in 2016. |
| Zulfiqar III | | 2000 | Iran | 100–250 | | | The most advanced variant of the Zulfiqar family, bearing a resemblance to the M1 Abrams. It features upgrades to the fire-control system, chassis, engine and main gun. The new variant is equipped with an autoloaded 2A46 125 mm smoothbore cannon, laser rangefinder and a new fire-control system. |
| M60-2000 | 2001 | — | United States Turkey | 1 | | | The M60-2000 or 120S was initially aimed at the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) M60 upgrade requirement but this competition was subsequently won by Israel Military Industries with their Sabra II upgrade. The Egyptian Army was considering this offer until it was finally rejected in favor of a licensed contract to build M1s in Egypt. Only one prototype was made. |
| Type 99 | | 2001 | People's Republic of China | 1200 | | | It is a development of the Type 98. The Type 99 was revealed in 2000 and entered service with the Chinese Army in 2001. It shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology. An improved version was presented in 2017. Currently it is the most advanced Chinese MBT. |
| MBT-2000/Al-Khalid | | 2002 | People's Republic of China Pakistan | 994 | | | Jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It is a further development of the Chinese Type 90-II tank, which was not accepted to service with the Chinese Army. In the late 1990s it was marketed for export as the MBT-2000. Pakistan acquired a production license. Named after Khalid ibn al-Walid. First deliveries of this tank were made in 2002. It is currently in service with Pakistan. |
| MBT-2000/Al-Khalid | | 2009 | People's Republic of China Pakistan | 150 | | | Al-Khalid I is an upgraded variant with additional ammunition capacity. It has an improved fire-control system with a more advanced multi process fire control computer with up to 7 km effective identification range. |
| Tank EX | 2002 | — | India | 9 | | | Experimental hybrid prototype with turret of Arjun and hull of T-72. It underwent six months of trials, but was subsequently rejected by the Indian Army. |
| Pokpung-ho III | | Between 1992 and 2002 | North Korea | 200–500 | | | Outside parties codename the tank M-2002 because the tank went through performance trials on February 16, 2002 (therefore being officially confirmed by outside sources), although the tank may have been in existence since 1992. |
| T-72M4CZ | | 2003 | Czech Republic | 30 | | | Upgraded Czech version of the T-72 tank. The T-72 main battle tank was licensed-produced in the former Czechoslovakia but after its dissolution in the early 1990s, upgrade programs were developed both in Czechia and Slovakia to keep their fleets of T-72 MBTs operational and combat capable. |
| M60 Phoenix | | 2004 | Jordan | 182 | | | The M60 Phoenix is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. The gun was replaced by a Swiss RUAG CTG fully-stabilized 120 mm/L50 smoothbore gun, compatible with all standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition. |
| Arjun Mk 1 | 1996 | 2004 | India | 141 | | | The first prototype was built in 1989, and 15 pre-production prototypes by 1996. Production variant entered service in 2004. MK1A variant of Arjun was developed and entered service with the Indian Army in 2021. |
| C2 Ariete | | 2005 | Italy | 200 | | | The C2 Ariete was revealed in 2005. It has a modular armor, 120 mm smoothbore gun fitted with an autoloader, hydropneumatic suspension, 1500 hp engine and more advanced fire control system. |
| Mobarez | | 2006 | Iran | 50 | | | A domestically upgraded version of the British Chieftain tank by Iran. |
| T-90S Bhishma | | 2006 | India | 330 | | | An improved T-90S developed with assistance from Russia and France. Equipped with the French Thales-built Catherine-FC thermal sights, Russian Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour, in addition to primary armor which consists of laminated plates and ceramic layers with high-tensile properties. |
| Type 96A/B | | 2006 | People's Republic of China | 2500 | 42.8 tons | | It is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armor and thermal imaging system, intended to approach the Type 99 in overall performance. It is also proposed for export customers as the VT2B. In 2016 a new version emerged, fitted with a new engine and various improved systems. |
| Sabra Mk I / II | | 2007 | United States Israel | 630 | | | An extensively upgraded M60 Patton tank developed by Israel Military Industries. |
| Sabra Mk I / II | | 2009 | Israel Turkey | 450 | | | The Sabra Mk II is known as the M60T in Turkish service. |
| M60A3 SLEP | | 2019 | Taiwan | — | | | Taiwanese 2019 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modular update of the M60A3 in conjunction with Elbit Systems. Includes MG251/L44 120 mm gun with a semi-automatic load assist, Elbit Knight FCS, laser range finder, an independent commander's thermal sight, an RWR/IR warning system, improved suspension and NBC protection, and modular active and reactive armour packages. |
| Cheonma-2 | | 2020 | North Korea | 9 | | | First seen during the 75th anniversary of the Worker's Party military parade. Initially given the unofficial name "M2020" by South Korean media. Its design resembles the American M1 Abrams, Russian T-14 Armata and the Iranian Zulfiqar. It is equipped with composite armour and possibly an autoloader. The armament is believed to be the Soviet 2A46 125 mm gun, a Russian AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher, two Bulsae 3 ATGM and an unidentified co-axial machine gun. |

### Modernized

An intermediate generation of third-generation tanks modernized with fourth-generation technology.
| Name | Year first built | Year entered service | Origin | No. built | Mass | Engine Power | Notes |
| Leopard 2NG | 2011 | — | Germany Turkey | 1 | 65 tons | | The Leopard 2NG (Next Generation) is a privately funded Turkish upgrade by ASELSAN that includes AMAP, upgraded optics, overhauled turret mechanics, and a new fire control system which is also intended to be used on the new Altay MBT. It was developed without an order from the Turkish Army, but might meet the requirements for the modernization of the Turkish Leopard 2A4s. |
| Mark 4M Meil Ruach | | 2011 | Israel | 300 | | | Merkava Mark IV equipped with the Trophy active protection system (APS), designated "Meil Ruach" (Hebrew: מעיל רוח; "Windbreaker"). The Merkava IVm now equips all active service combat brigades. |
| T-84 Oplot-M | | 2013 | Soviet Union Ukraine | 54 | 51 tons | | The newest and most sophisticated version of the T-84 is an upgraded version of the "T-84 Oplot" mounting more advanced armor, new electronic countermeasure systems, and the new PNK-6 panoramic tank sight. The T-84 Oplot-T is an export version for Thailand. |
| T-90MS/M | | 2013 | Soviet Union Russia | 100 | | | The main features include the modernisation of the old turret design, which is equipped with the advanced "Kalina" fire control system, improved armour on the ammo carousel, and an upgraded 2A46M-5 gun, as well as a remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun "UDP T05BV-1". T-90MS is the export version, also known as T-90SM. |
| K1A2 | | 2013 | South Korea | 480 | | | Upgraded variant of the K1A1 with the technology of the K2 Black Panther. It features additional systems such as a digital battlefield control system, IFF system, front and rear surveillance camera and navigation system, and with improved real-time information sharing, inter-combat vehicle operation, friendly fire prevention and driver operability. |
| Type 99A | | 2014 | China | 600 | | 1500 hp | The Type 99G is a Chinese main battle tank. It is an improved version of the Type 99, which was adopted by the Chinese Army back in 2001. This tank is also referred as the Type 99A, Type 99A1 and Type 99A2. It has a number of improvements over the baseline Type 99, related with fire control, targeting and countermeasures systems and modified suspension. |
| Leopard 2A7+ | | 2014 | Germany | 106 | | | The 2A7+ has improved mobility, sustainability, and due to a modular protection kit, improved survivability. Its modular design makes it suitable for urban warfare and high-intensity conflicts. It has advanced IED, mine, and RPG protection. It can fire programmable HE munitions enable it to engage targets behind cover and is equipped with the FLW200 remote weapon station. The tank also has an adaptable dozer blade to clear obstructions, and third generation thermal sights for both commander and gunner. Hungary ordered 44 of these, making them the second operator of the improved version, after Qatar. |
| VT-4 | | 2016 | China | <100 | 57 tons | 1200 hp | The VT4 is a Chinese main battle tank, developed specially for export. It is also known as the MBT-3000. It is being marketed by NORINCO. This tank can be seen as a simplified export version of the Type 99G, which is used by the China's Army. The VT4 is a further development of the VT1A, which is in turn a downgraded export version of the Type 99. |
| T-80BVM | | 2017 | Soviet Union Russia | >220 | | | Up to 300 units, new "Relikt" ERA, PNM Sosna-U gunner sight (as in T-90 and T-72B3), improved 2A46M-4 125mm gun, upgraded gas turbine engine, and upgrade of various other systems. Currently being delivered. |
| M1A2 SEPv3 / SEPv4 | 2015 | 2017 | United States | 154 | | | The SEPv3 (formerly M1A2C) has improved power and communications systems, an auxiliary power unit, improved FLIR cameras and counter-IED armour, CROWS, and replaceable modules for improved maintenance. Passive protection added to the turret faces, with new ERA and Trophy APS added to the turret sides. It can also fire airburst rounds. |
| M1A2 SEPv3 / SEPv4 | | 2023 | United States | — | | | The commander and gunner's sights would have been be upgraded third-gen FLIR, an improved laser rangefinder and color cameras. It would also have featured an advanced meteorological sensors, the AN/VVR-4 LWS, a new smoke grenade system, and the M1147 advanced multi-purpose tank (AMP) round. SEPv4 was cancelled in 2023 in favor of a new M1E3 which will include many of the SEPv4's features while reducing the tank's weight. |
| Karrar | | 2017 | Iran | >150 | 51 tons | | Iranian MBT claimed to be on a par with the Russian T-90M and American M1A2. Both Iran and Russia, however, deny any Russian involvement in the project outside of the hull's original production. |
| Leopard 2PL | | 2020 | Poland Germany | 142 | | | Modernized version of the Leopard 2A4 used by the Polish Armed Forces. The upgrade included a new commander's control and monitoring system, an auxiliary power unit, new turret stowage compartment for crew equipment, upgrade of its main gun to use new programmable ammunition, and integrated day/night rear camera for the driver. |
| Arjun MK 1A | | 2021 | India | 17 | | | An improvement of the Arjun. It has a redesigned turret protected with Kanchan composite armour, ERA and NERA, ALWCS active protection system and DRDO-developed health monitoring system. Arjun MK1A has capability to fire indigenous SAMHO gun-launched dual purpose missile. |
| Ariete AMV | | 2022 | Italy | 125 | | 1500 hp | The Ariete AMV is a mid life update and includes upgraded transmission and engine, new tracks, new electronics and optronics (LOTHAR SD for the gunner, Multispectral ATTILA D for the commander), add-on armor and mine protection and integration of SICCONA battlefield management system. |
| Merkava IV Barak | | 2023 | Israel | — | | | The "Barak" (Lightning) is entered service in 2023. It has upgraded Trophy APS, day/night cameras, a heads-up display for the tank commander, and new sensors enabling it to independently acquire and strike targets, in addition to electronic warfare capabilities, and a directed energy system capable of intercepting drones and cruise missiles. |
| Haider MBT | | 2024 | People's Republic of China Pakistan | — | | 1200 hp | Main battle tank designed and manufactured by the Heavy Industries Taxila for the Pakistan Army. It has various improvements, and features 125mm smoothbore gun, advanced fire control system, sensors, and targeting devices, and new composite armor and ERA. |

## Fourth Generation

The next generation of main battle tanks in development has autoloaders becoming increasingly more common, even in western designs, with some moving all of the crew into a more heavily protected hull space with unmanned turrets. The tendency to increase calibre sizes continues, with multiple designs having capability for 140mm guns to be fitted. A greater focus on active protection systems, especially against drones and loitering munition is also present, as is the introduction of AI-assisted systems.
| Name | Year first built | Year entered service | Origin | No. built | Mass | Engine Power | Notes |
| Type 10 | 2010 | 2012 | Japan | 117 | 40–48 tons | 1200 hp | Additional emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities. An autoloader reduces reload time to about 3.5 seconds. It also features configurable modular armour. The reduced size and weight means that 84% of Japan's bridges are passable for the Type 10, compared to only 65% for the Type 90 and 40% for typical western MBTs. |
| K2 Black Panther | 2008 | 2014 | South Korea | 260 | 55–56 tons | 1500 hp | Development was completed in 2008, but production was delayed to develop a domestic power pack, and it began to be service with the South Korean Army from 2014. For the fourth batch, 150 units will be produced from 2024 to 2028. |
| T-14 Armata | 2015 | 2024 | Russia | "Low Tens" | 55 tons | 1200–2000 hp | Not in active service. In 2015, 12 prototypes were delivered, while at the end of 2021, Rostec announced the start of serial production of 40 (which as of 2023 yet to be produced). It has "Malakhit" add-on ERA, and an unmanned turret with an electrically stabilised 2A82 125mm smoothbore gun. |
| Leclerc XLR | 2018 | 2023 | France | >15 | ~60 tons | 1500 hp | Newest upgrade package part of the SCORPION program. Inclusion of new tactical interfaces, new armour packages, RWS turret, as well as several additional sensors and grenade launchers. First units delivered in 2023, with a total fleet of 200 Leclerc XLR by 2030. |

### In development

| Name | Development Began | Year first built | Planned entry to service | Origin | No. built | Notes |
| Altay | 2008 | 2016 - Phase I2023 - Phase II | 2025 | Turkey South Korea | 5 Phase I2 Phase II | Turkish modern main battle tank based on South Korean K2 Black Panther developed by Otokar and produced by BMC under design assistance and technology transfer by Hyundai Rotem. Currently not in active service, only prototypes. |
| Challenger 3 | 2014 | 2019 | 2025 | United Kingdom | | A development of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP), the Challenger 3 has a new turret and an improved hull. The L30A1 120 mm rifled gun has been replaced with the new NATO-Standard Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm smoothbore gun; a derivative of Rh-120 gun in use with the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7. The Challenger 3 is due to enter service in 2025 with the total fleet of 148 tanks. |
| Future Main Battle Tank | 2010 | — | 2025 | India | | (Also known as Arjun Mk2) It is an upcoming main battle tank developed by DRDO for the Indian Army. |
| Leclerc Evolution | | 2024 | 2030 | France | 1 | A modified version of Leclerc XLR, intended mainly for export. Tank is equipped with a turret armed with the ASCALON (Autoloaded and SCALable Outperforming guN) gun, capable of firing 120 or 140 mm shells, an ARX30 turret, a PASEO sight coupled with a 7.62 mm machine gun, a "Trophy" active protection system and the ability to use remotely operated ammunition. |
| EMBT | | 2018–2024 | 2035 | France Germany | 3 | EMBT is a series of French-German prototypes developed and manufactured by KNDS. The first was presented during the Eurosatory 2018, the second in 2022, and the third prototype (EMBT ADT140) in 2024, and features a 140mm autoloaded ASCALON gun, coaxial automatic 20mm gun and a 30mm ARX 30 RWS. The tank features six anti-drone radars, four laser/missile warning sensors, and an acoustic gunfire locator. It includes the Prometheus active protection system, and the AI-enabled “SAFE” fire control system to assist in the autonomous selection and queuing of weapon systems. It is also serving as a technology demonstrator for the MGCS specification. Intended to replace the European Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks. |
| Decisive Lethality Platform | 2017 | — | 2035 | United States | | Prospective unmanned MBT presented as part of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle program, not presently in active development. |
| Panther KF51 | 2016 | 2022 | — | Germany Hungary | 3 | Technology demonstrator created by Rheinmetall, armed with a 130mm gun. In August 2023, Hungary announced that it will join the development, and signed a $288 million contract in December to begin full-scale production. At Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall showcased the CUT (Concept Unmanned Turret) mounted on the KF51 platform. In November 2024, Italy announced its intent to buy 132 Panther KF51s. |
| Future Ready Combat Vehicle | 2024 | — | — | India | | (Also known as Project Ranjeet) It is a design and development programme to develop a next generation MBT to replace the T-72 fleet of the Indian Army. |
| AbramsX | | 2022 | — | United States | | A technology demonstrator of the M1 Abrams series, the AbramsX features include the XM360 electrothermal-chemical gun, an autoloader, unmanned turret, a hybrid diesel-electric power pack that gives 50% more fuel efficiency, a 30mm chain gun in a remote controlled weapon station, active protection systems, and a silent mode when running on electric power. |
| Unnamed Semi-Autonomous Next Gen Tank | | 2024 | — | China | | In 2024, state broadcaster CCTV showcased images of China's next generation tank. It is suggest to feature a 2-man crew and a simulated cockpit enabling it to be controlled unmanned. It is expected to rely on great levels of automation with reliance on AI to relieve the demands on the crew. It is expected to inherit features from the T-95 program, including a fully unmanned turret, armoured capsule, ability to control drones, and field-replaceable armour modules. Reported to feature electric armour and a lightweight design of around 40 tons, with alternate 30-ton and 50-ton configurations. Two possible variants were sighted with calibre guns, likely 105mm and 125mm. |
| Leopard 2A RC 3.0 | | 2024 | — | Germany | | Unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 as a "next-gen tank" to enter service before the MGCS, it features an unmanned turret with an autoloaded 120mm smoothbore gun, which moves along two pivot points to keep it above the chassis at all times, and a 30mm remote controlled weapon station. It also has potential to have the main gun upgraded to more powerful 130mm or 140mm calibre guns for longer range. |
| Leopard 2AX | | — | 2030s-40s | Germany | | Developed at the express request of the Bundeswehr as an interim or alternative vehicle to the MGCS, envisioned as a "substantial improvement over the Leopard 2A8" with advanced passive and active protection systems, improved armament and ammunition, and enhanced connectivity and digital command interoperability in multinational operations. |
| Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) | | — | 2040s | France Germany | | In September 2023 Germany and France announced to be working on next generation main battle tank, a successor to the Leopard 2 and Leclerc XLR tank. In 2024, two models: Leclerc Evolution and EMBT ADT140 were presented that will be technology demonstrators for the future system. In addition to France and Germany, six other European states are also interested in the program: Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. |