View source for Engineering:List of main battle tanks by generation

{{Short description|Chronological listing of main battle tanks}}
[[File:Centurion cfb borden 1.JPG|thumb|upright=1.35|British Centurion Main Battle Tank]]
[[File:BAHNA 2018 - 189.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|T-54 Main Battle Tank]]

[[Engineering:Main battle tank|Main battle tank]]s 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<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sewell |first=Stephen 'Cookie' |year=1998 |title=Why Three tanks? |url=http://www.knox.army.mil/center/ocoa/ArmorMag/ja98/4sewell98.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Armor |location=US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, KY |volume=108 |issue=4 |page=46 |quote=The Soviets saw tank generations in this manner: 1920–1945, first generation; 1946–1960, second generation; 1961–1980, third generation; and 1981–present, fourth generation. Since the last really new tank design, the T-80, came out in 1976, they feel that they have not produced a true Fourth Generation Tank Design. In comparison, they count the M1, Challenger, and Leopard 2 as Fourth Generation and the LeClerc as Fifth Generation. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628085626/http://www.knox.army.mil/center/ocoa/ArmorMag/ja98/4sewell98.pdf |archivedate=2007-06-28}}</ref> (with the first main battle tank being the third-generation [[Engineering:T-64|T-64]]), while American strategists organize main battle tanks into three generations.<ref group=Note>"The Canadian Directorate of Land Strategic Concept defines three generations of Main Battle Tanks. The first generation of post World War II Main Battle Tanks includes the U.S. M48/M60, the German Leopard 1 and the British Centurion and Chieftain. The second generation includes most of the 120&nbsp;mm Main Battle Tanks such as the American M1A1, the German Leopard 2 and the British Challenger. As for the third generation Main Battle Tank, they include the latest 'digital' tank such as the French Leclerc and perhaps the American M1A2 and the German Leopard 2A5."</ref><ref>Lamontagne 2003, pp. 7–8.</ref> 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.<ref name="hilmes1983">Hilmes, Rolf (1983). ''Kampfpanzer der Die Entwickelungen der Nachkriegszeit'' (in German). Verlag Soldat und Technik. {{ISBN|3-524-89001-6}}, p.&nbsp;7.</ref> The first generation of main battle tanks was based on or influenced by designs of World War&nbsp;II, most notably the [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Engineering:T-34|T-34]].<ref name="HilmesPage8">Hilmes 1983, p. 8.</ref> 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.<ref name="HilmesPage8"/> The third generation is in Western parlance determined by the usage of thermal imagers, digital fire-control systems and special (composite) armour<ref name="HilmesPage8" /> (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.

==Generations==
===First===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!scope="col"| Name
!scope="col"| Year entered service
!scope="col"| Origin
!scope="col"| Number built
!scope="col"| Mass
!scope="col"| Engine power
!scope="col"| Range
!scope="col"| Notes
|-
| rowspan="3" | Centurion<ref name="hilmes1983" /><ref name="Pancerni.net 1">{{citation |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=6&limit=1&limitstart=1 |title=Czołgi |page=2 |publisher=Pancerni.net |language=Polish |access-date=2008-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221153205/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=6&limit=1&limitstart=1 |archive-date=2009-02-21 |url-status=live }}{{unreliable source?|date=January 2011}}</ref>
| 1946
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 4,423<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=13|title=Centurion (A41) – Main Battle Tank – History, Specs and Pictures – Military Tanks, Vehicles and Artillery|accessdate=15 November 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128225131/http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=13|archivedate=28 November 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| 51 tons
| 650 hp
| 52–100 km
| First "Universal Tank" (MBT) Culmination of the WWII cruiser tanks.
|-
| 1953 (C III)<br>1955 (C V)<br>1958 (C X)
| {{flagcountry|Sweden}}
| 110
| 52 tons
| 650 hp
| 52–100 km
| Strv 81 and Strv 101 were the Swedish Army's designations for the C III/V and C X respectively, with Swedish machine guns, instrumentation and radios, etc.
|-
| 1960
| {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| 390
| 51 tons
| 650 hp
| 52–100 km
| Sho't is the Israeli designation of the [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L7|105 mm L7]] armed Centurion tank.
|-
| rowspan="4" | T-54 / T-54A<ref name="hilmes1983" /><ref name="Pancerni.net 1" />
| 1947
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 35,000
| 36 tons
| 520 hp
| 330–440 km
| USSR's First Generation of MBT.
|-
| 1956
| {{flag|Polish People's Republic|1956}}
| 3,000
| 36 tons
| 520 hp
| 330–440 km
| Produced under license in Poland.
|-
| 1957
| {{flagcountry|Czechoslovakia|1957}}
| 2,700
| 36 tons
| 520 hp
| 330–440 km
| T-54A produced under license in Czechoslovakia.
|-
| 1959
| {{flag|People's Republic of China|1959}}
| 13,000
| 36 tons
| 520 hp
| 450–600 km
| Chinese-produced version of the Soviet T-54A tank.
|-
| M48 Patton
| 1952
| {{flagcountry|United States|1912}}
| 12,000
| 45–49 tons
| 750–825 hp
| 110–480 km
| A further development of the M47 Patton tank. America's First generation of MBT
|-
| FV4202
| 1955
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 3
| 41 tons
| 520 hp
| 50–100 km
| Prototype used to develop various concepts later used in the Chieftain.
|-
| rowspan="3" | T-55<ref name="hilmes1983" /><ref name="Pancerni.net 1"/>
| 1958
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1955}}
| 27,500
| 36 tons
| 581 hp
| 400–530 km
| Improved T-54.
|-
| 1964
| {{flag|Polish People's Republic|1956}}
| 7,000
| 36 tons
| 581 hp
| 400–530 km
| Produced under license in Poland.
|-
| 1964
| {{flagcountry|Czechoslovakia|1964}}
| 8,300
| 36 tons
| 581 hp
| 400–530 km
| Produced under license in Czechoslovakia.
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 61 (tank)|Type 61]]<ref name="hilmes1983" />
| 1961
| {{flagcountry|Japan}}
| 560
| 35 tons
| 570 hp
| 200 km
| Designated as the First main battle tank developed and used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), built by [[Company:Mitsubishi Heavy Industries|Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]].
|}

===Second===
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&nbsp;mm [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L7|Royal Ordnance L7]] tank gun or derivatives of it.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!scope="col"| Name
!scope="col"| Year entered service
!scope="col"| Origin
!scope="col"| Number built
!scope="col"| Mass
!scope="col"| Engine power
!scope="col"| Range
!scope="col"| Notes
|-
| M60
| 1959
| {{flagcountry|United States}}
| > 15,000
| 46–52 tons
| 750 hp
| 450–500 km
| A further development of the M48 Patton tank. Later models (M60A2 and M60A3) are sometimes considered as the first intermediate generation. In 1972 the M60A2 is a variant of the M60 Patton Main Battle Tank (MBT) and was developed as a force multiplier for units, operating the M60A1s. The M60A2 was completed with a new turret, housing an M162 152&nbsp;mm gun/launcher. In 1978 the General Dynamics M60A3 Patton was produced and is the last tank in the Patton series produced in the United States, and is also the last main battle tank in this series to see use with the United States military.
|-
| rowspan="2" | T-62
| 1961
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1955}}
| 22,700
| 37 tons
| 581–620 hp
| 320–650 km
| A further development of the T-55, mainly a new 115mm cannon and enlarged chassis. First tank fitted with a [[Engineering:Smoothbore|smoothbore tank gun]] that could fire [[Physics:Kinetic energy penetrator|APFSDS round]].
|-
| 1980
| {{flag|North Korea}}{{flagcountry|Ethiopia}} 
| 1,200
| 40 tons
| 750 hp
| 450 km
| North Korean copy of the T-62 known as the Ch'onma-ho; later versions include upgrades.
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Engineering:Leopard 1|Leopard 1]]
| 1965
| {{flagcountry|West Germany}}
| 6,565
| 40–42 tons
| 820 hp
| 450–600 km
| A main battle tank designed and produced in West Germany that first entered service in 1965.
|-
|1999
|{{flagcountry|Germany}} <br /> {{flagcountry|Canada}}
|114
|43 tons
|830 hp
|600 km
|The [[Engineering:Leopard 1#Canada|Leopard C2]] MBT is a Canadian upgrade of the German [[Engineering:Leopard 1|Leopard 1]].
|-
| Panzer 61
| 1965
| {{flagcountry|Switzerland}}
| 150
| 39 tons
| 630 hp
| 250 km
| A further development of the Panzer 58 tank.
|-
| [[Engineering:MBT-70|MBT-70]]
| 1965
| {{flagcountry|United States}} <br /> {{flagcountry|West Germany}}
| 14
| 50 tons
| 1470–1500 hp
| 644 km
| An American-West German joint project to develop a new main battle tank. Never entered service.
|-
| rowspan="2" | Vickers MBT Mark 1
| 1965
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 376
| 38 tons
| 535 hp
| 480 km
| British private venture design for export.
|-
| 1965
| {{flagcountry|India}}
| 2,200
| 39 tons
| 535 hp
| 530 km
| Vijayanta was the Indian license built version of British Vickers MBT Mark 1.
|-
| rowspan="2" | AMX 30 / [[Engineering:AMX-30E|AMX-30E]]
| 1966
| {{Flagcountry|France}}
| 3,571
| 36–39 tons
| 700–750 hp
| 450–500 km
| The AMX 30 served as the principal Main Battle Tank (MBT) for the French Army.
|-
| 1970
| {{flagcountry|France}} <br /> {{flag|Francoist Spain}}
| 299
| 36 tons
| 670 hp
| 400 km
| The [[Engineering:AMX-30E|AMX-30E]] was a Spanish development of France's AMX-30. 280 units were manufactured by Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the Spanish Army, between 1974 and 1983.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-64|T-64]]
| 1966
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union}}
| 13,000
| 38–42 tons
| 700–1000 hp
| 500–700 km
| World's first composite armored tank, later versions of the [[Engineering:T-64|T-64]] may be considered as third generation.
|-
| FV 4201 Chieftain
| 1967
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 1,896
| 52–55 tons
| 650–750 hp
| 400–500 km
| Armed with the British 120&nbsp;mm [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L11A5|Royal Ordnance L11A5]] gun.
|-
| Magach 3
| 1967
| {{Flagcountry|United States}} <br /> {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| 300
| 50 tons
| 750 hp
| 480 km
| Modernized M48A1/A2C/A3. The modifications included British [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L7|105 mm L7]] cannon, low profile commander's cupola, upgraded communication suite, a 750&nbsp;hp diesel engine [[Engineering:Continental AV1790|Continental AVDS-1790-2A]] with Allison CD-850-6 transmission. They were eventually fitted with Blazer ERA.
|-
| [[Engineering:Stridsvagn 103|Strv 103]]
| 1967 (1964)
| {{Flagcountry|Sweden}}
| 290
| 37–43 tons
| 540–780 hp
| 390 km
| World's first turbine engine equipped tank (featuring both a diesel and gas turbine engine), a turretless design developed and employed solely by Sweden.
|-
| WZ-122<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tc.wangchao.net.cn/junshi/detail_97829.html |title=The WZ-122 Main Battle Tank |access-date=2020-08-22 |archive-date=2019-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213094153/http://tc.wangchao.net.cn/junshi/detail_97829.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 1970
| {{flagcountry|People's Republic of China}}
| Only a few, project cancelled
| 38 tons
| 650–680 hp
| {{N/A}}
|  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
| {{flagcountry|Switzerland}}
| 390
| 41 tons
| 660 hp
| 200 km
| Swiss Main Battle Tank (MBT) based on the Panzer 61.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]]
| 1973
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1955}}
| 25,000
| 37–45 tons
| 780–840 hp
| 460–700 km
| Hilmes puts the [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] in the first intermediate generation. Post-1990's modernized versions are classified as third generation.
|-
| rowspan="2" | Olifant Mk 1 / Mk 2
| 1974
| {{flagcountry|South Africa|1928}}
| 153
| 52 tons
| 650 hp
| 50–100 km
| A further development of the Centurion Tank.
|-
|2003
|{{flagcountry|South Africa}}
|26
|60 tons
|1040 hp
|500 km
|Improved Olifant Mk 1 Tank.
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 74|Type 74]]
| 1975
| {{flagcountry|Japan}}
| 873
| 38 tons
| 750 hp
| 300 km
| Hilmes puts the [[Engineering:Type 74|Type 74]] in the first intermediate generation.
|-
| Magach 5
| 1976
| {{Flagcountry|United States}} <br /> {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| 150
| 50 tons
| 750 hp
| 480 km
| M48A5 in the original configuration. Generally similar to the Magach 3, but had slightly different engine and transmission [[Engineering:Continental AV1790|Continental AVDS-1790-2D]] and Allison CD-850-6A accordingly. They were eventually fitted with Blazer ERA.
|-
| Vickers MBT Mark 3
| 1977
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 212
| 39 tons
| 720 hp
| 400 km
| The Vickers Mk III main battle tank is a further development of the Vickers Mk I MBT. It was developed as a private venture, armed with British [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L7|L7A1]] fully-stabilized 105&nbsp;mm rifled gun. This gun fires a full range of NATO ammunition. The same gun was used on the Vickers Mk I, however the Mk III has a new fire control system. Vehicle is powered by [[Company:Detroit Diesel|Detroit Diesel]] 12V-71T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 720 horsepower.
|-
| TR-77-580<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110826042133/http://rft.forter.ro/2010_1_t/06-arm/06.htm ROMANIAN TANK – A HISTORY]</ref>
| 1979
| {{flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}}
| 405
| 42 tons
| 580 hp
| 400–450 km
| Romanian development based on the modification of the T-54/55, with an extended chassis and 6 road wheels, originally intended to allow the usage of the same engine as the [[Engineering:Leopard 1|Leopard 1]]. The refusal of Krauss-Maffei to deliver technology to a Warsaw Pact member and political desire to reach certain production figures meant that the V-55 engine of the T-54/55 was used instead. 226 TR-580s were in service in 2010.
|-
| rowspan="2" | Merkava Mark I / II
| 1979
| {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| 250
| 63 tons
| 908 hp
| 500 km
| First Main Battle Tank developed and used by Israel Defense Forces.
|-
|1983
|{{Flagcountry|Israel}}
|580
|60 tons
|908 hp
|500 km
|Improved Merkava Mark I.
|-
| rowspan="2" | Type 80/88 / [[Engineering:Type 96 tank|Type 96]]
| 1980
| {{flag|People's Republic of China}}
| 3500
| 38 tons
| 730 hp
| 400–500 km
| Variants include the Type 80, Type 85, Type 88.
|-
|1997
|{{flagcountry|People's Republic of China}}
|>2,500
|41–43 tons
|730–1000 hp
|400 km
|Domestic version of Type 85-IIM later known as [[Engineering:Type 96 tank|Type 96]].
|-
| OF-40
| 1981
| {{Flagcountry|Italy}}
| 39
| 46 tons
| 820 hp
| 600 km
| Main Battle Tank used by [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]].
|-
| T-55AI Igman
| 1981
| {{flag|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}
| 600
| 37–45 tons
| 780 HP (educated guess)
| 700 km (educated guess)
| Yugoslav upgrade of the T-55A, intended for modernization of YPA's aging fleet of T-55s. It was using sophisticated components from M-84, local produced advanced versions of [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]], with whom it was in parallel development. Major improvements included external mounting of 2 rails for AT-3 Sagger missiles, an engine from T-72, a simplified SUV with meteosensor and laser rangefinders from M-84, addition of spaced armor on turret and front body, and installation of smoke dispensers.
|-
| rowspan="3" | T-72M/M1
| 1981
| {{Flagcountry|Czechoslovakia}}
| 1700
| 43.5 tons
| 850 hp
| 480 km
| This model was built under licence by ZTS Martin. In Western sources it is often referred to as T-72G which might be the designator for the version exported to the Middle East. In the late 1980s the tanks produced for the Czechoslovak army and for export as well were fitted with some improvements from the Soviet T-72A programme, including rubber side skirts (instead of "gill armour") and 902B "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers.
|-
| 1982
| {{flag|Polish People's Republic|1952}}
| 1610
| 43.5 tons
| 850 hp
| 480 km
| This export version of the [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] was built under license by Bumar-Łabędy in Gliwice starting in 1982. Like Soviet tanks, the Polish T-72M was initially fitted with "gill" armor; later the tanks were upgraded with rubber side skirts and 902W "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers. Late production models have an additional 16 mm steel plate welded on the upper glacis plate, like in the T-72M1.
|-
| 1989
| {{flag|Soviet Union}} {{Flag|Ba'athist Iraq}}
| 500–750
| 41.5 tonnes (45.7 short tons)
| 780 hp
| 425 km (600 km with fuel barrels)
| Iraqi-assembled version of the T-72M1 designated as the Lion of Babylon.
|-
| T-55 Enigma
| 1982
| {{flag|Ba'athist Iraq}}
| 8
| 41 tons
| 520 hp
| 300 km
| Modernized T-55, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks used by Iraqi Armed Forces.
|-
| Ayeja Mk1 / Mk2
| 1982
| {{flagcountry|India}}
| 1900
| 41.5 tons
| 780 hp
| 425 km
| Indian version of the T-72M1. In parallel with buying various T-72M off-the-shelf from the [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet Union]], India also launched its domestic production at Heavy Vehicles Factory. The Ajeya MK2 is a further development of the T-72M1 with ERA and banks of 6 smoke grenade-launchers on each side.
|-
| Type 69/79
| 1982
| {{flag|People's Republic of China}}
| 3200
| 37 tons
| 580 hp
| 440 km
| A further development of the Type 59. Most advanced Type 79 variant was equipped with a 105&nbsp;mm rifled gun which was also found on the Type 80 tank.
|-
| AMX-32
| 1982
| {{flagcountry|France}}
| 6
| 38–40 tons
| 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
| {{flagcountry|Argentina}}
| 280
| 31 tons
| 720 hp
| 590–800 km
| Medium tank (main battle tank) in service with the Argentine Army.
|-
| Bernardini MB-3 Tamoyo<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mainbattletanks.czweb.org/Tanks/etamoyo.htm |title=MB-3 Tamoyo Specifications |access-date=2020-08-22 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174110/http://www.mainbattletanks.czweb.org/Tanks/etamoyo.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| 1983
| {{flagcountry|Brazil}}
| Only a few
| 30 tons
| 500 hp
| 550 km
| Main battle tank designed by Bernardini; however, it never reached production status and it never passed beyond the prototype stage. The final model, the Tamoyo III was armed with a NATO [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L7|105 mm L7 rifled main gun]].
|-
| rowspan="2" | TR-85
| 1986
| {{flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}}
| 617
| 42.2 tons
| 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.
|-
| 1997
| {{flagcountry|Romania}}
| 54
| 50 tons
| 860 hp
| 400 km
| TR-85M1 Bizonul was a modernization of the TR-85, the TR-85M1 "Bizonul" (the Bison) project began in 1996, as an effort to bring it up to date with other NATO countries. The project was a cooperative effort between Aerospatiale-Matra, Sagem, Kolmorgen-Artus, [[Company:Racal|Racal]] and Romanian factories, such as [[Company:ROMARM|ROMARM]], METRA, [[Company:I.O.R.|I.O.R.]] and Aerostar.
|-
| rowspan="2" | CM-11 Brave Tiger / CM-12
| 1990
| {{flagcountry|Taiwan}}
| 450
| 50 tons
| 750 hp
| 480 km
| Variant based on the M60 Patton and M48 Patton.
|-
| 1990
| {{flagcountry|Taiwan}}
| 100
| 49 tons
| 750 hp
| 203 km
| Variant from M48 Patton.
|-
| M-55S
| 1992
| {{flag|Soviet Union}}{{flag|Slovenia}} <br /> {{flag|Israel}}
| 30
| 38 tons
| 600 hp
| 580 km
| T-54/T-55 modernization developed by the STO RAVNE company and engineers of the Israeli company [[Company:Elbit Systems|Elbit Systems]]. Slovenia modernized 30 T-55 tanks in the inventory of its armed forces. The last T-55 was modernized to the M-55S standard in May 1999.
|-
| [[Engineering:Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar I]]
| 1994
| {{flagcountry|Iran}}
| 400
| 52 tons
| 780–1000 hp
| 450 km
| Over 150 built, not including 6 prototypes.
|-
| Type 72Z
| 1997
| {{flagcountry|Iran}}
| 400
| 36 tons
| 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
| {{flagcountry|People's Republic of China}} <br />{{flagcountry|Pakistan}}
| 750
| 44 tons
| 730 hp
| 450 km
| An upgrade of Pakistan's aging Chinese Type 59 tanks, developed with Ukrainian assistance and manufactured by the Heavy Industries Taxila, featuring a 125&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun as primary weapon.
|-
| Ramses II
| 2005
| {{flagcountry|Egypt}}
| 425
| 48 tons
| 908 hp
| 530 km
| A heavily modernized T-55 [[Engineering:Main battle tank|main battle tank]] designed for and used by the Egyptian Armed Forces.
|-
| Tifon 2a
| 2010
| {{flagcountry|Ukraine}} <br /> {{flagcountry|Peru}}
| 4
| 46 tons
| 1050 hp
| {{N/A}}
| Main battle tank based on the Soviet T-54/55 tank, developed and manufactured jointly by the Peruvian company DICSAC (Diseños Casanave Corporation S.A.C. of Peru) and the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, Ukraine. Trials/Development only to date.
|-
| Sabalan
| 2014
| {{flagcountry|Iran}}
| 170
| 50 tons
| 750 hp
| 500 km
| Iranian upgraded version of the US M47 Patton, It has side skirts and a newly built turret fitted with a 105-mm gun, laser range finder, new fire control system and communication equipment. Never used in active service.
|-
| Type 59G(BD) Durjoy
| 2015
| {{flagcountry|People's Republic of China}} <br /> {{flagcountry|Bangladesh}}
| 174
| 42 tons
| 730 hp
| 450 km
| An upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank for the Bangladesh Army.
|-
| T-55AGM
| 2016
| {{flagcountry|Ukraine}}
| 4
| 46 tons
| 850 hp
| {{N/A}}
| Ukrainian T-54/T-55 modernization. It brings up the T-54/T-55 tanks to [[Engineering:T-80|T-80]] standard. It can also be applied to Chinese made Type 59 and Soviet T-62. It is fitted with 5TDFM, two-stroke liquid-cooled multi-fuel supercharged diesel engine with opposed pistons which develops 850&nbsp;hp (634&nbsp;kW), improved running gear, automated movement control system with a steering handlebar control, additional passive protection, built-in explosive reactive armour, countermeasures system, new fire suppression system with over-ride facilities at the commander's station, automatic loader which holds 18 rounds and anti-aircraft machine gun that can be aimed and fired from within the turret under a complete armour protection.
|}

===Third===
The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by [[Chemistry:Composite armour|composite armour]] and computer stabilized fire control systems, which allow firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability on targets up to 2,000 meters away.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col"| Name
! scope="col"| Year entered service
! scope="col"| Origin
! scope="col"| Number built
! scope="col"| Notes
|-
| rowspan="4" | [[Engineering:T-80|T-80]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php |title=Start - Pancerni.net |access-date=2008-07-03 |archive-date=2008-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703141235/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> / [[Engineering:T-84|T-84]]
| 1976
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1955}}
| >5400
| World's first tank solely equipped with a turbine engine (the Swedish Strv 103 that entered service in 1960s used a turbine engine alongside a diesel). The earliest models are considered as intermediate second generation, while models from T-80U (1985) onwards are third generation.
|-
| 1987
| {{flagcountry|Soviet Union|1955}}
| 500–800
| T-80UD Bereza is a Ukrainian diesel version with 1,000 hp 6TD engine and remote-controlled antiaircraft machine gun.
|-
|1999
|{{Flagcountry|Ukraine}}
|55
|The [[Engineering:T-84|T-84]] is a Ukrainian main battle tank. It is a further development of the [[Engineering:T-80|T-80]]UD. Development of the T-80UD began in the late 1980s. Models of the T-84 include the T-84U with new armored side skirts, built-in Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, muzzle reference system and some other improvements.
|-
|2000
|{{Flagcountry|Ukraine}}
|10
|The [[Engineering:T-84#Variants|T-84 Oplot]] is a T-84U with a new welded turret with separate crew and ammunition compartments with blowout panels on the ammunition compartment, a new bustle-mounted autoloader.
|-
| rowspan="6" | Leopard 2<ref name="Pancerni.net 2">{{citation |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=6&limit=1&limitstart=2 |title=Czołgi |page=3 |publisher=Pancerni.net |language=Polish |access-date=2008-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703141235/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php |archive-date=2008-07-03 |url-status=live }}{{unreliable source?|date=January 2011}}</ref>
| 1979
| {{FRG}}
| 3600
| Development of the Leopard 2 began in 1970. It is armed with a fully-stabilized [[Engineering:Rheinmetall Rh-120|Rheinmetall RH-M-120]] 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun.
|-
|1987
|{{flag|Switzerland}}
|380
|License manufactured in {{wipe|Switzerland}} of the Leopard 2A4. This version included Swiss-built 7.5&nbsp;mm MG 87 machine guns, communications equipment, and featured improved NBC protection system. Switzerland operated 380 Panzer 87.
|-
|1997
|{{flag|Sweden}}
|120
|The Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish main battle tank based on the German Leopard 2 Improved variant utilizing newer technology such as command-, control-, and fire-control systems, as well as reinforced armour and long-term combat capacity.
|-
|2003
|{{flag|Germany}}<br />{{flag|Spain}}
|219
|The Leopard 2E is a derivative of the Leopard 2A6, with greater armour protection, developed under a programme of co-production between the defence industries of {{wipe|Spain}} and {{wipe|Germany}}.
|-
|2006
|{{flag|Greece}}
|140
|The Leopard 2 HEL is a derivative of the Leopard 2A6 that was ordered by the Greek Army in 2003 – the "HEL" stands for "Hellenic". Around 170 tanks were delivered between 2006 and 2009. A total of 140 were built in Greece by [[Company:Hellenic Vehicle Industry|ELBO]], which delivered the first units in late 2006.
|-
|2007
|{{flagcountry|Germany}}<br />{{flag|Canada}}
|20
|The Leopard 2A6M CAN is a Canadian variant of the Leopard 2A6M. Significant modifications include distinctive black boxes mounted on the rear of the turret bustle, and stand-off slat armour. The first tanks configured in this variant were 20 loaned from the German Bundeswehr in an effort to increase firepower and protection given to Canadian troops operating in the south of Afghanistan. The loaned tanks retain their German [[Engineering:MG3 machine gun|MG3 machine gun]], the ex-Dutch tanks are also expected to retain their [[Engineering:FN MAG|FN MAG]] machine guns due to commonality with Canadian stocks of C6 GPMG, itself a variant of the FN MAG.
|-
| [[Engineering:MBT-80|MBT-80]]
| 1980
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 17 prototypes
| The FV4601 MBT-80<ref name="GlobalSecurity">{{cite web | url =  http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mbt-80.htm| title = MBT-80 |publisher=Global Security|language=en}}</ref> was a British experimental [[Engineering:List of main battle tanks by generation#Third generation|third-generation]] [[Engineering:Main battle tank|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.
|-
| [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1 Abrams]] 
| 1980
| {{Flagcountry|United States}}
| 10,400
| Production began (at Chrysler) in 1979 and continued to 1985 (at General Dynamics) (3,273 built for the US). [[Engineering:M1 Abrams#M1A1|M1A1]] began production in 1985 till 1992, and featured a pressurized NBC system, rear bustle rack for improved stowage of supplies and crew belongings, redesigned blow-off panels and [[Engineering:Rheinmetall Rh-120|M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon]] (4,976 built for the U.S. Army, 221 for USMC, 59 M1A1 AIM SA sold to Australia). The [[Engineering:M1 Abrams#M1A2|M1A2]] began production in 1986 and entered service in 1992 (77 built for the U.S. and more than 600 M1s upgraded to M1A2, 315 for Saudi Arabia, 1,005 for Egypt, 218 for Kuwait). The M1A2 offers the tank commander an independent thermal sight and ability to, in rapid sequence, shoot at two targets without the need to acquire each one sequentially, also 2nd generation depleted uranium armor components. In 1992 the System Enhancement Package (SEP) has upgraded third-generation depleted uranium armor components with graphite coating (240 new built, 300 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2 SEP for the US, also unknown numbers of upgraded basic M1s and M1IPs, also 400 oldest M1A1s upgraded to M1A2 SEP).
|-
| FV4030/4 Challenger 1
| 1983
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 420
| Replaced FV 4201 Chieftain. The Challenger 1 is armed with a fully-stabilized British L11A5 120 mm rifled gun. It is a significantly improved version of the Chieftain's gun. It is extremely accurate, however it was fitted with slow fire control system. The Challenger 1 is powered by a Rolls-Royce Condor CV12-1200TCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1200&nbsp;hp.
|-
| AMX-40
| 1983
| {{flag|France}}
| Few prototypes
| The AMX-40 was a French main battle tank developed by GIAT during the latter stages of the Cold War as an export tank to replace the earlier AMX-32. Designed to be an inexpensive tank orientated towards militaries with smaller defence budgets, the AMX-40 featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility reminiscent of previous French MBTs with a powerful 120 mm cannon. It however failed to attract interest and sales, rendering the project a failure, being discontinued in 1990.
|-
| rowspan="6" | M-84
| 1984
| {{Flag|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}
| 650
| The M-84 main battle tank is essentially the Soviet [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]], produced under license. However it has a number of Yugoslavian sub-systems. Production of the M-84 began in 1983 and first vehicles entered service in 1984. By 1992 over 600 had been built. Currently it is operational with some countries of the former [[Place:Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] and Kuwait.
|-
| 1991
| {{Flag|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}
| 2 prototypes
| The M-91 Vihor is a Yugoslav main battle tank prototype, based on the M-84, which is in turn, a Yugoslav-made licensed copy of the Russian [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]]. Due to the Disintegration of Yugoslavia, it never entered production, and only a few prototypes were made, mainly for testing. Its development later led to the [[Engineering:M-95 Degman|M-95 Degman]].
|-
| 1995
| {{Flagcountry|Croatia|1997}}
| 2 (prototypes)
| The [[Engineering:M-95 Degman|M-95 Degman]] is a Croatian main battle tank prototype, developed by the Đuro Đaković company and is largely based on the M-91 Vihor tank that which is turn based in the M-84 tank. The Degman M-95 has not entered serial production.
|-
|2004
|{{Flagcountry|Serbia}}
|10
|The [[Engineering:M-84AS|M-84AS]] is an upgraded Yugoslav version of the M-84 tank. M-84AS is sometimes referred to as ''M-84AB1'' and ''M-2001''.
|-
|2018
|{{Flagcountry|Croatia}}
|16
|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.
|-
|2017
|{{Flagcountry|Serbia}}
|10
|The [[Engineering:M-84AS1|M-84AS1]] and M-84AS2 are substantially modernized versions of the M-84 main battle tank designed by the Military Technical Institute and produced by Technical Overhauling Institute "Čačak" in Serbia. The first version designated as M-84AS1 was presented in 2017. Later revisions feature numerous improvements and were presented in 2020 and 2021.
|-
| EE-T1/EE-T2 Osório
| 1985
| {{Flagdeco|Brazil|1968}} Brazil
| 2 prototypes
| The Engesa EE-T1 Osório was a Brazilian main battle tank prototype developed by Engesa. The tank was intended to be sold first to Arab and other Third World countries, jump-starting production and enabling the Brazilian Army to later place its own orders without having to fund development costs. Development of the tank was initially privately funded by Engesa, but cashflow issues eventually led to the Brazilian government extending a loan to assist the program. Two prototypes of the tank were built, but the EE-T1 was never adopted for service.
|-
| rowspan="2" | K1 88-Tank/K1A1
| 1987
| {{flag|South Korea}}
| 1027
| First Main Battle Tank in use with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, designed by General Dynamics.<ref name="at">{{cite news |url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/k1/ |title=K1A1 Main Battle Tank, South Korea |newspaper=Army Technology |publisher=Army-Technology |access-date=2009-08-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727132539/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/k1/ |archive-date=2009-07-27 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2001
|{{flag|South Korea}}
|484
|The K1A1 main battle tank is an improved version of the K1 88-Tank. It was developed in South Korea by [[Company:Hyundai Rotem|Hyundai Rotem]]. It is broadly similar to the US [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1A1 Abrams]] in terms of firepower and protection. First production vehicle was completed in 1996, however it entered service with the ROK Army only in 2001. Production ceased in 2010. A total of 484 of these tanks were reportedly built.
|-
| TR-125
| 1987
| {{flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}}
| 5–10
| Prototype main battle tank is a redesigned [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] made in [[Place:Socialist Republic of Romania|Romania]] with Romanian components only. It is now designated P-125 (P stands for Prototype).
|-
| rowspan="2" | Merkava Mark III / IV
| 1989
| {{flagcountry|Israel}}
| 780
| As of 2022, the Merkava III was retired from active service but is still the most numerous tank in the IDF's arsenal. Compared to the Merkava Mark II, it has upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and electronic systems. The most prominent addition was the incorporation of the locally developed [[Engineering:IMI 120 mm gun|IMI 120 mm gun]].
|-
|2004
|{{flagcountry|Israel}}
|360
|The Merkava Mark IV entered service with Israel Defense Forces in 2004. It is a further development of the Merkava Mark 3. Now they equip the 460th training brigade and the 4th reserve brigade. For a long time these tanks were not available for export, though some of the tank's systems and components were offered for the export customers. However, in 2014 it was reported, that Israel will export a number of these tanks to an undisclosed customer, possibly Colombia.
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 90 Kyū-maru|Type 90]]
| 1990
| {{flagcountry|Japan}}
| 341
| Development commenced in 1976. It was intended to replace the [[Engineering:Type 61 (tank)|Type 61]] medium tanks in service with Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF). The new tank was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in cooperation with German Krauss-Maffei and MaK tank manufacturers. It is armed with German [[Engineering:Rheinmetall Rh-120|Rheinmetall RH-M-120]] 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun, which was produced in Japan under license by Japan Steel Works. It fires HEAT-MP and APFSDS-T rounds, but is also compatible with all standard NATO 120&nbsp;mm tank ammunition.
|-
| Pokpung-ho II
| 1992
| {{flag|North Korea}}
| 200–500
| A further development of Ch'onma-Ho. The tank may incorporate technology found in the T-62, [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]], and Ch'onma-ho MBTs. The P'okp'ung-ho is only known to be used in North Korea.
|-
| [[Engineering:Leclerc tank|Leclerc]]
| 1992
| {{flagcountry|France}}
| 862
| Replaced AMX 30. The Leclerc main battle tank was developed by GIAT Industries. Its development began in 1978 and first prototypes were built in 1989. Production of the Leclerc started in 1991. It is named in honor to general Philippe Leclerc, commander of French armored division during [[Social:World War II|World War II]]. It is in service with {{wipe|France}} (406) and [[Place:United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates]] (388).
|-
| Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD)
| 1992
| {{Flagcountry|South Africa|1928}}
| 1 prototype
| The TTD or Tank Technology Demonstrator prototype main battle tank was completed in the early 1990s. It used some German Leopard 2 technology and was intended to replace ageing South African MBTs. Only a prototype has been built and the TTD never went into service because of limited funding. Some of the TTD subsystems were applied to the Olifant Mk 2. These upgraded MBTs are expected to serve well into the 21st century.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-90|T-90]]
| 1992
| {{Flagcountry|Russia|1991}}
| 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
| {{flag|Slovakia}}
| 1 prototype
| A further development of the T-72M1A. Development was completed but without any order for tank fleet modernization.
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Engineering:PT-91 Twardy|PT-91 Twardy]]
| 1995
| {{Flagcountry|Poland}}
| 281
| A development of the [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]]M1. The PT-91 Twardy (tough) is an improved variant of the Soviet [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] main battle tank. The PT-91 was developed in Poland in the early 1990s. Production of the PT-91 Twardy tanks for the Polish Army was completed in 2002. A total of 233 tanks were delivered. Malaysia ordered 48 PT-91M Pendekar which were delivered in 2007-2009. Currently Polish Army also operates 120 older T-72M1 tanks (with additional 470 tanks mothballed, actual number of machines in working condition is unknown).
|-
|2016
|{{Flagcountry|Poland}}
|{{N/A}}
|The [[Engineering:PT-91 Twardy#PT-16|PT-16]] is a further development of [[Engineering:PT-91 Twardy|PT-91 Twardy]]. Claimed proposed upgrades include improved armor, armament, and mobility. Only non functional mock-up ever built. Prototype never built.{{Explain|reason=Did it, or did it not, be produced beyond a mockup?|date=September 2023}}
|-
| Ariete
| 1995
| {{Flagcountry|Italy}}
| 200
| The Ariete (ram) main battle tank (also referred as the C-1) was developed by [[Company:Iveco|Iveco]] and OTO Melara. It is named in honor to Italian Ariete armored division, which fought during [[Social:World War II|World War II]]. This main battle tank was intended to replace ageing fleet of M60A1 in service with Italian Army. First prototype of the C1 Ariete was revealed in 1986 and six pre-production vehicles were built in 1989. It entered service with Italian army in 1995. Italy operates 200 of this type.
|-
| [[Engineering:Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar II]]
| 1997
| {{flag|Iran}}
| Few prototypes
| Further development of the [[Engineering:Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar I]]. It is an interim MBT, which served as a test bed for the [[Engineering:Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar III]]. It had an extended hull and was fitted with new engine. It also has a new turret with sloping front and bustle at the rear. This may indicate removal of the autoloader, or possibly, a new autoloader. Prototype, never entered service.
|-
| FV4034 Challenger 2
| 1998
| {{Flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
| 447
| Further development of the Challenger 1. The new main battle tank is significantly more capable than its predecessor. It entered service with the British Army in 1994. Currently the Challenger 2 is in service with {{wipe|United Kingdom}} (386) and Oman (38). Armed with the British 120&nbsp;mm [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L30|L30 rifled gun]].
|-
| T-72M1S
| 1998
| {{flag|Syria}}<br />{{flag|Italy}}
| 124
| Syrian-Italian upgrade with the addition of the Galileo Avionica, TURMS-T computerised FCS, including infrared cameras, improved gun stabilisation, stabilised sights for the gunner and the commander, and capability to launch 9M119 Svir/Refleks ATGMs. 124 T-72M1s and T-72AVs were upgraded to this standard between 1998 and 2000. Very few of the upgraded T-72AVs retained their explosive reactive armour after being upgraded.
|-
| [[Engineering:Black Eagle (tank)|Black Eagle (tank)]]
| 1999
| {{Flagcountry|Russia}}
| 1
| The Black Eagle tank ({{lang-ru |Чёрный Орёл}}, ''Chyornyy Oryol'' or ''Object 640''), was a presumed prototype main battle tank produced in the Russian Federation. It was thought to have been developed by the KBTM design bureau in Omsk in the late 1990s. A production version of this tank has never been publicly demonstrated. The Black Eagle has been cancelled, with all production and development halted. It is a [[Engineering:T-80|T-80]] variant which has helped development of the [[Engineering:T-14 Armata|T-14 Armata]].
|-
| T-95
| 2000
| {{flag|Russia}}
| {{N/A}}
| T-95, or Object 195, is the common informal designation of a Russian main battle tank that was under development at [[Company:Uralvagonzavod|Uralvagonzavod]] from 1988 until its cancelation in 2010. Little about the tank is publicly known. The work from the Object 195 was used in the Object 148, later type classified as the [[Engineering:T-14 Armata|T-14 Armata]], which began production in 2016.
|-
| [[Engineering:Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar III]]
| 2000
| {{flag|Iran}}
| 750
| The most advanced variant of the Zulfiqar family which was selected for production, bears an uncanny resemblance to the American [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1 Abrams]]. It features considerable upgrades to the fire-control system, chassis, engine and main gun. The new variant is equipped with the 2A46 125&nbsp;mm smoothbore cannon with an [[Engineering:Autoloader|autoloader]], a laser rangefinder and a new fire-control system. It is also fitted with a reinforced turret and the wheels are covered by an armoured skirt.
|-
| M60-2000
| 2001
| {{flag|United States}}<br />{{flag|Turkey}}
| 1 ( 120S prototype only)
| 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 [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1s]] in [[Place:Egypt|Egypt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/egypt-co-production-m1a1-abrams-tank|title = Egypt – Co-production of M1A1 Abrams Tank &#124; Defense Security Cooperation Agency}}</ref> Only one prototype was made.
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 99 tank|Type 99]]
| 2001
| {{flag|People's Republic of China}}
| 1200
| The Type 99 main battle tank is a further development of the [[Engineering:Type 99 tank#Project 9910 prototype|Type 98]]. It is generally similar to the Type 98, but has a number of improvements. The Type 99 was revealed in 2000 and entered service with the Chinese Army in 2001. This main battle tank shows a mixture of Russian and Western influence in its design and technology. As of 2017 improved version of this tank is produced in {{wipe|China}}. Currently it is the most advanced Chinese main battle tank.
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Engineering:Al-Khalid tank|MBT-2000/Al-Khalid]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1217909 |title=Pakistan's tool of war: Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank – the armoured fist |date=10 November 2015 |access-date=2017-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407003207/https://www.dawn.com/news/1217909 |archive-date=2017-04-07 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 2002
| {{flag|People's Republic of China}}<br />{{flag|Pakistan}}
| 994
| The Al Khalid main battle tank was jointly developed by {{wipe|China}} and {{wipe|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. The Al Khalid is named after the legendary general Khalid ibn al-Walid. First deliveries of this tank were made in 2002. The Al Khalid is currently in service with Pakistan.
|-
|2009
|{{flag|People's Republic of China}}<br />{{flag|Pakistan}}
|150
|Al-Khalid I is an upgraded variant with Ammunition capacity increased to 49 125&nbsp;mm rounds, 1,500 12.7&nbsp;mm rounds and 7,100 7.62&nbsp;mm rounds. Incorporates modifications made to the fire-control system which is now a more advanced multi process fire control computer with up to 7&nbsp;km effective identification range.
|-
| [[Engineering:Tank EX|Tank EX]]
| 2002
| {{flag|India}}
| 8 prototypes
| Experimental hybrid prototype with turret of Arjun and hull of [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]]. It underwent six months of trials, but was subsequently rejected by the Indian Army.
|-
| Pokpung-ho III
| Between 1992-2002
| {{flag|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.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-72M4CZ|T-72M4CZ]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/tanky/tank-t-72m4-cz-89948/ |title=Tank T-72M4 CZ |language=Czech |publisher=Army of the Czech Republic official website |accessdate=December 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005022030/http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/tanky/tank-t-72m4-cz-89948/ |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| 2003
| {{Flagcountry|Czech Republic}}
| 30
| Upgraded Czech version of the [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] tank. The T-72 main battle tank was licensed-produced in the former [[Place:Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovakia]]. It entered service with the Czechoslovakian Army in 1981. After the dissolution of the Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s upgrade programs were developed both in [[Place:Czech Republic|Czech Republic]] and Slovakia to keep their fleets of [[Engineering:T-72|T-72]] MBTs operational and combat capable.
|-
| M60 Phoenix
| 2004
| {{flag|Jordan}}
| 182
| The M60 Phoenix is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. It was developed by the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (now Jordan Design and Development Bureau). A total of 182 Jordanian M60A3 tanks were reportedly upgraded to the Phoenix standard. A 105&nbsp;mm rifled gun was replaced by a Swiss RUAG CTG fully-stabilized 120&nbsp;mm/L50 smoothbore gun. It is compatible with all standard NATO 120&nbsp;mm tank ammunition. The Jordanian M60 Phoenix is notable for packing heavier punch than other upgunned M60s, that have 120&nbsp;mm/L44 guns.
|-
| Arjun Mk 1
| 2004
| {{flag|India}}
| 141
| The first prototype of the Arjun main battle tank was built in 1989, 15 pre-production prototypes were built by 1996. Production variant designated as Arjun MK1 entered service with the Indian Army in 2004. MK1A variant of Arjun was developed and entered service with the Indian Army in 2021.
|-
| C2 Ariete
| 2005
| {{Flagcountry|Italy}}
| 200
| The C2 Ariete was revealed in 2005. It has a modular armor, 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun fitted with an autoloader, hydropneumatic suspension, 1500&nbsp;hp engine and more advanced fire control system.
|-
| Mobarez
| 2006
| {{flag|Iran}}
| 50
| A domestically upgraded version of the British Chieftain tank by [[Religion:Iran|Iran]].
|-
| [[Engineering:T-90#India|T-90S Bhishmas]]
| 2006
| {{flag|India}}
| 330
| The T-90S Bhishma is a vehicle tailored for Indian service, improving upon the T-90S, and developed with assistance from {{wipe|Russia}} and {{wipe|France}}. The tanks are equipped with the French Thales-built Catherine-FC thermal sights. They use Russian Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour, in addition to the primary armor, which consists of laminated plates and ceramic layers with high-tensile properties. The new welded turrets first developed for the Indian T-90S Bhishma have more advanced armour protection than the early cast turrets.
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 96 tank#Type 96A|Type 96A/B]]
| 2006
| {{flag|People's Republic of China}}
| 2500
| Type 96G (also referred as Type 96A). It is an upgraded version of the [[Engineering:Type 96 tank|Type 96]], fitted with explosive reactive armor and thermal imaging system for all-weather, day/night operation. It was revealed in 2006. It is believed that upgraded vehicles approach the [[Engineering:Type 99 tank|Type 99]] in terms of protection, firepower and mobility. Weight of upgraded MBT increased to 42.8 t. All Type 96 tanks might be upgraded to this standard. This tank is also proposed for export customers as the VT2B. In 2016 a new version of the Type 96G emerged, which is most likely to be fitted with a new engine.
|-
| rowspan="2" | Sabra Mk I / II
| 2007
| {{flag|United States}}<br />{{flag|Israel}}
| 630
| An extensively upgraded M60 Patton tank developed by Israel Military Industries.
|-
| 2009
| {{flag|Israel}}<br />{{flag|Turkey}}
| 450
| The Sabra Mk II is known as the M60T in Turkish service.
|-
| M60A3 SLEP
| 2019
| {{Flagcountry|Taiwan}}
| {{N/A}}
| Taiwanese 2019 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modular update of the M60A3 in conjunction with [[Company:Elbit Systems|Elbit Systems]]. Upgrades includes [[Engineering:IMI 120 mm gun|MG251/L44 120 mm gun]] with a semi-automatic load assist, Elbit Knight Independent Fire Control System (IFCS) with an independent thermal commander's sight, laser range finder, an [[Engineering:Radar warning receiver|RWR]]/[[Physics:Infrared|IR]] warning system and Curtis-Wright electric turret drive. Improved hull suspension, improved NBC protection system and modular active and reactive armor packages.
|-
|"M2020" tank
|2020
|{{flag|North Korea}}
|9
|An unidentified model of a North Korean main battle tank was unveiled during the military parade that commemorated the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Worker's Party. It was given the unofficial name "M2020" by South Korean media. Its design is a mix of the American M1 Abrams, Russian T-14 Armata and the Iranian Zulfiqar Tank. It is equipped with [[Chemistry:Composite armour|composite armour]], [[Engineering:Reactive armour|reactive armour]] and possibly an [[Engineering:Autoloader|autoloader.]] The main armament is the Soviet [[Engineering:2A46 125 mm gun|2A46 125 mm gun]]. Its secondary armament includes a Russian [[Engineering:AGS-30|AGS-30]] automatic grenade launcher, two Bulsae-3 anti-tank missiles and an unidentified [[Engineering:Co-axial machine gun|co-axial machine gun]].
|}

===Modernized===
These are third-generation tanks modernized with fourth-generation technology.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col"| Name
! scope="col"| Year entered service
! scope="col"| Origin
! scope="col"| Number built
! scope="col"| Notes
|-
| Leopard 2NG
| 2011
| {{flagcountry|Germany}} <br /> {{flagcountry|Turkey}}
| 1 prototype
| The Leopard 2NG (Next Generation) is a privately funded Turkish upgrade by ASELSAN that includes the application of AMAP, upgraded optics, completely overhauled turret mechanics, and a new fire control system on the work since 1995 and to be delivered by late 2011, which is 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. The old powerpack and the L/44 gun barrel are kept, but the combat weight is increased to 65 tonnes.
|-
| Merkava Mk 4M Windbreaker
| 2011
| {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| 300
| Merkava Mark IV equipped with the Trophy active protection system (APS), designated "Meil Ruach" (Hebrew: מעיל רוח; "Windbreaker" or "Wind Coat"). the Merkava IVm now equips all active service combat brigades.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-84#Variants|T-84 Oplot-M]]
| 2013
| {{Flagcountry|Ukraine}}
| 54
| The newest and most sophisticated version of the [[Engineering:T-84|T-84]] is an upgraded version of the "T-84 Oplot" mounting more advanced armor, new electronic countermeasure systems, and others. One visible feature is the new PNK-6 panoramic tank sight. The T-84 Oplot-T is an export version for Thailand.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-90#Variants|T-90MS/M]]
| 2013
| {{Flagcountry|Russia}}
| 100<ref>The Military Balance 2023, p. 194 </ref>
| The main features include the modernisation of the old turret design, which is equipped with the new advanced fire control system "Kalina" (with integrated combat information and control systems), improved armor on the ammo carousel, and a new upgraded [[Engineering:2A46 125 mm gun|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
| {{Flagcountry|South Korea}}
| 480
| Upgraded variant of the K1A1 with the technology of the [[Engineering:K2 Black Panther|K2 Black Panther]]. It features additional systems such as a digital [[Engineering:Battlefield management system|battlefield control system]], [[Identification friend or foe|IFF system]], front and [[Engineering:Backup camera|rear surveillance camera]] and [[Earth:Navigation|navigation]] system, and with improved real-time information sharing, inter-combat vehicle operation, friendly fire prevention and driver operability.<ref name="K1A2, K1E1">{{cite web|url=https://blog.hyundai-rotem.co.kr/444|title=K1A2·K1E1, 성능개량으로 강해지는 전차!|publisher=[[Company:Hyundai Rotem|Hyundai Rotem]]|date=22 May 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616104131/https://blog.hyundai-rotem.co.kr/444|archivedate=16 June 2022|accessdate=16 June 2022|author=}}</ref>
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 99 tank#Type 99A|Type 99A]]
| 2014
| {{flagcountry|China}}
| 600
| The Type 99G is a Chinese main battle tank. It is an improved version of the [[Engineering:Type 99 tank|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
| {{flagcountry|Germany}}
| 106
| The Leopard 2A7+ is an advanced third generation tank and has been tested by the Bundeswehr under the name UrbOp (Urban Operations). Is designed to operate both in low-intensity and high-intensity conflicts. The tank's protection has been increased by modular armour. The frontal protection has been improved with a dual kit on the turret and hull front, while 360° protection against [[Engineering:Rocket-propelled grenade|RPGs]] and mine protection increases the survivability of the tank in urban operations. The modular armour's system components were first used by Canada in Afghanistan. It can fire programmable high explosive munitions. The turret-mounted [[Engineering:MG 3 machine gun|MG3]] has been replaced with a stabilised FLW remote weapon station. Mobility, sustainability, and situational awareness have also been improved. In December 2018, Hungary ordered 44 2A7+s, making them the second operator of the improved version, after Qatar.
|-
| VT-4
| 2016
| {{flagcountry|China}}
| <100
| 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 [[Engineering:Type 96 tank|VT1A]], which is in turn a downgraded export version of the [[Engineering:Type 99 tank|Type 99]].
|-
| T-80BVM
| 2017
| {{Flagcountry|Russia}}
| >220
| Up to 300 units, new "Relikt" [[Engineering:Reactive armour#Explosive reactive armour|ERA]], PNM Sosna-U gunner sight (as in [[Engineering:T-90|T-90]] and T-72B3), improved [[Engineering:2A46 125 mm gun|2A46M-4 125mm gun]], upgraded gas turbine engine, and upgrade of various other systems. Currently being delivered.
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Engineering:M1 Abrams#Variants and upgrades|M1A2 SEPv3]] / [[Engineering:M1 Abrams#Variants and upgrades|SEPv4]]
| 2017
| {{Flagcountry|United States}}
| 154
| The M1A2 SEPv3 (formerly designated M1A2C) has increased power generation and distribution, better communications and networking, new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS) and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) to use airburst rounds, improved counter-IED armor package, improved FLIR using long- and mid-wave infrared, a low-profile CROWS RWS, Next Generation Armor Package (NGAP), and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of the engine, visually distinguishing the version by a small exhaust at the left rear. More passive ballistic protection added to the turret faces, along with new Explosive Reactive Armor mountings (Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT)) and Trophy Active Protection systems added to the turret sides. Prototypes began testing in 2015, and the first were delivered in October 2017.
|-
| 2023
| {{Flagcountry|United States}}
| {{N/A}}
| The 2–12 Cavalry Regiment received the first M1A2 SEPv4 (formerly designated M1A2D) tank as of 21 January 2023. It was previously under development as of 29 March 2022. The Commander's Primary Sight, also known as the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer, and Gunner's Primary Sight will be upgraded with third Gen FLIR, an improved laser rangefinder and color cameras. Additional improvements will include advanced meteorological sensors, laser warning/detection receivers, directional smoke grenade launchers and integration of the new XM1147 advanced multi-purpose (AMP) 120mm tank round. The AN/VVR-4 laser warning receiver and ROSY rapid obscurant system have been trialed by the US Army for adoption on the M1 Abrams tank and Bradley fighting vehicle.
|-
| [[Engineering:Karrar (tank)|Karrar]]
| 2017
| {{flagcountry|Iran}}
| >150
| Iranian MBT claimed to be on a par with the Russian [[Engineering:T-90|T-90M]] and American [[Engineering:M1 Abrams|M1A2]]. Both Iran and Russia, however, deny any Russian involvement in the project outside of the hull's original production.
|-
| [[Engineering:Leopard 2PL|Leopard 2PL]]<ref>[http://www.bumar.gliwice.pl/en/strefa-militarna/o/modernizacja-czolgow-leopard-2a4/ Leopard 2PL]</ref>
| 2020
| {{flagcountry|Poland}}  <br /> {{flagcountry|Germany}}
| 142
| Modernized version of the Leopard 2A4 tank, used by the Polish Armed Forces. The upgrade included a new commander's control and monitoring system, the installation of an auxiliary power unit (APU), a new turret stowage compartment for crew equipment, the modernization of its main gun to use new types of programmable ammunition, and the integration of day/night rear camera for drivers. Included are customized towing vehicles due to the increased weight of the upgraded tank. 
|-
| Arjun MK 1A
| 2021
| {{flagcountry|India}}
| 17
| The Arjun Mk 1A is an improved variant of the Arjun main battle tank. It has a redesigned turret protected with Kanchan composite armour, [[Engineering:Reactive armour#Explosive reactive armour|ERA]] and [[Chemistry:Non-explosive reactive armor|NERA]]. It has ALWCS active protection system and [[Organization:Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] developed health monitoring system. Arjun MK1A has capability to fire indigenous gun-launched dual purpose missile viz, SAMHO. Arjun MK1A entered service with the Indian Army in 2021.
|-
| Ariete AMV
| 2022<ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/italian_army_starts_trials_of_upgraded_c1_ariete_amv_mbt_main_battle_tank.html Italian army starts trials of upgraded C1 Ariete AMV MBT Main Battle Tank]</ref>
| {{Flagcountry|Italy}}
| 125
| The Ariete AMV is a mid life update (Ammodernamento di Mezza Vita) of the Ariete for 125 units and includes: Upgraded IVECO V12 MTCA with common-rail injection and 1,500 hp, upgraded transmission, 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
| {{Flagcountry|Israel}}
| {{N/A}}
| The Merkava Mark 4 "Barak" (Lightning) is planned to enter service in 2023. The tank will have an upgraded Trophy APS, 360-degree day/night camera coverage for boosted situational awareness, a fighter jet–style heads-up display for the tank commander, and new sensors enabling it to independently acquire targets and strike them rapidly, as well as having [[Social:Electronic warfare|electronic warfare]] abilities and advanced processing systems, and a directed energy system capable of intercepting drones and cruise missiles.
|}

===Fourth/next===
Next generation<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/02/army-tank-buy.html |title= General Dynamics gets contract to build 12 advanced main battle tanks with digital vetronics |publisher= Military & Aerospace Electronics |first= John |last= Keller |date= 4 February 2014 |accessdate= February 28, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140301083646/http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/02/army-tank-buy.html |archive-date= 1 March 2014 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The “reference” says nothing about tank generations: is only used as an example of current technology.|date=October 2022}} or fourth generation tanks are still under development or at early stages of their generation. While the term "(fourth) next generation" has no formal basis, these main battle tanks are using the latest technology and designs to compete in the current advanced warfare environment.{{Vague|date=September 2023}}{{Cn|date=October 2022}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" | Name
! scope="col" | Year in service
! scope="col" | Origin
! scope="col" | Number built
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
| [[Engineering:Type 10|Type 10]]<ref name="Military of China, force comment">{{cite web|url=http://www.9abc.net/index.php/archives/21119 |title=Competition Tank Asian countries: China Satellite Compass may be supported 99A |date=August 31, 2011 |publisher=Military of China, force comment |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/65exLOALY?url=http://www.9abc.net/index.php/archives/21119 |archivedate=February 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=September 2023}}
| style="text-align: center;" | 2012
| {{Flagcountry|Japan}}
| 117
| Development began in the 1990s, entered service in 2012. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as on performance, firepower, protection and mobility. The tank features an  autoloader with a reload time of about 3.5 seconds and modular armor, which can be configured as needed. Thanks to size and weight reduction 84% of Japan's 17,920 bridges are passable for the Type 10, compared to only 65% for the Type 90 and 40% for mainstream western main battle tanks.
|-
| [[Engineering:K2 Black Panther|K2 Black Panther]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tankhistoria.com/modern-day/k2-black-panther/ | title=K2 Black Panther: South Korea's MBT Revolution | date=25 April 2022 }}</ref>
| style="text-align: center;" | 2014
| {{flag|South Korea}}
| 
| The development project was completed in 2008, but mass production was delayed when the company later decided to develop a domestic power pack, and it began to be serviced after being deployed to the South Korean Army from 2014.  A total of 150 units will be produced for the fourth batch from 2024 to 2028.
|-
| [[Engineering:T-14 Armata|T-14 Armata]] 
| style="text-align: center;" | 2015
| {{Flagcountry|Russia}}
| 30
| Not in active service. First batch of 12 prototypes was delivered in 2015. In December 2021, the state-owned Rostec Corporation announced the start of serial production of 40(which were not produced up to 2023). Its engine develops 1 350 hp (1 500 hp peak). It has a new Malakhit add-on explosive reactive armor. It uses electrical armament stabilization with an unmanned turret. It is armed with a 2A82 125 mm smoothbore gun. 
|-
| Altay<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/meet-altay-how-turkey-building-fourth-generation-tank-189695 | title=Meet the Altay: How Turkey is Building a Fourth Generation Tank | date=16 July 2021 }}</ref>
| style="text-align: center;" | 2016 - <small>Phase I</small><hr>2023 - <small>Phase II</small>
| {{Flag|Turkey}}  
|5 <small>Phase I</small><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bloomberght.com/haberler/haber/1942787-otokarali-koc-altay-tankinin-prototipi-icin-1-milyar-dolar-harcandi | title=Otokar/Ali Koç: Altay tankının prototipi için 1 milyar dolar harcandı | date=9 November 2016 }}</ref><hr>2 <small>Phase II</small><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensehere.com/tr/iki-adet-yeni-altay-tanki-testleri-icin-kara-kuvvetleri-komutanligina-teslim-edildi | title=İki adet yeni Altay Tankı, testleri için Kara Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı'na teslim edildi | date=23 April 2023 }}</ref>
|Turkish modern main battle tank based on South Korean [[Engineering:K2 Black Panther|K2 Black Panther]] developed by [[Company:Otokar|Otokar]] and produced by BMC under design assistance and technology transfer by [[Company:Hyundai Rotem|Hyundai Rotem]]. Currently not in active service, only prototypes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-26 |title=ALTAY {{!}} TRACKED ARMOURED {{!}} MILITARY VEHICLES {{!}} Products {{!}} Otokar |url=https://www.otokar.com/en-us/products/Pages/altay.aspx |access-date=2022-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226060345/https://www.otokar.com/en-us/products/Pages/altay.aspx |archive-date=2016-12-26 }}</ref>
|-
| [[Engineering:Leclerc XLR|Leclerc XLR]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2023
| {{flag|France}}
| {{N/A}}
| Newest upgrade package part of the SCORPION program. Inclusion of new tactical interfaces, new armor 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.
|-
|[[Engineering:Panther KF51|Panther KF51]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rheinmetall |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_32640.php |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=www.rheinmetall.com |language=en}}</ref>
| {{N/A}}
|{{Flag|Germany}}{{Flag|Hungary}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=Germany's New Superweapon to be Manufactured in Hungary |url=https://hungarytoday.hu/germanys-new-superweapon-to-be-manufactured-in-hungary/ |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=Hungary Today |language=en}}</ref>
|3
|Technology demonstrator created by Rheinmetall, armed with a 130mm gun.
In August 2023, Hungary announced that it will join the development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Orbán Viktor bejelentette – mi bemutatjuk az új szupertankot: a Párducot |url=https://infostart.hu/belfold/2023/08/23/orban-viktor-bejelentette-mi-bemutatjuk-az-uj-szupertankot-a-parducot |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=Infostart.hu |language=hu}}</ref>
|-
|[[Engineering:M1 Abrams#Variants and upgrades|AbramsX]]
| {{N/A}}
|{{Flag|United States}}
|
|A technology demonstrator of the M1 Abrams series, the AbramsX features include the XM360 electrothermal-chemical gun, an [[Engineering:Autoloader|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.
|-
| FMBT<ref name=askula>{{Cite news |last=Shukla |first=Ajai |date=2010-08-10 |title=DRDO to develop army's next-generation tank |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/drdo-to-develop-army-s-next-generation-tank-110081000023_1.html |access-date=2022-05-05}}</ref>
| {{planned|2025}}
| {{Flag|India}}
|
|Variably referred to as the Arjun MK2, Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) or Future MBT (FMBT), the FMBT is an upcoming main battle tank developed by [[Organization:Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] for the Indian Army.
|-
| Challenger 3
| {{planned|2027}}
| {{flag|United Kingdom}}
|
| Further development of the Challenger 2, the Challenger 3 has an all new turret with an improved hull. The [[Engineering:Royal Ordnance L30|L30A1 120 mm rifled gun]] has been replaced with the new NATO-Standard [[Engineering:Rheinmetall Rh-120#Variants|Rheinmetall L55A1 120 mm smoothbore gun]]; itself a derivative of [[Engineering:Rheinmetall Rh-120|Rheinmetall Rh-120]] 120 mm gun currently used in the Leopard 2A6 and 2A7. The Challenger 3 is due to enter service in 2027 with the total fleet being 148 tanks.
|-
| [[Engineering:Main Ground Combat System|Main Ground Combat System]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leopard 3 |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/leopard3.htm |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref>
| {{planned|2035}}
| {{Flag|France}}<br />{{Flag|Germany}}<br />{{Flag|Italy}}
|
| In September 2023 Germany and France, along with Italy, Spain and Sweden announced to be working on a successor to the Leopard 2 tank, rendering the future of the MGCS project uncertain. 
|-
| Decisive Lethality Platform<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decisive Lethality Platform |url=https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-03/57085-ground-combat-vehicles.pdf}}</ref>
| {{planned|2035}}
| {{Flag|United States}}
|
|Prospective unmanned MBT, not presently in active development<ref>https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-03/57085-ground-combat-vehicles.pdf {{bare URL PDF|date=April 2023}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
{{Div col}}
* [[Engineering:Armored bulldozer|Armored bulldozer]]
* [[Engineering:Armored car (military)|Armoured car]]
* [[Engineering:Armoured personnel carrier|Armoured personnel carrier]] (APC)
* [[Engineering:Armoured fighting vehicle|Armoured fighting vehicle]] (AFV)
* [[Engineering:Armoured fighting vehicle|Armoured fighting vehicle classification]]
* [[Engineering:Armoured recovery vehicle|Armoured recovery vehicle]]
* Armoured vehicle-launched bridge
* ASM Program (cancelled due to the end of the Cold War)
* [[Engineering:Cruiser tank|Cruiser tank]]
* Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles
* Future Combat Systems
* Future Force Unit of Action
* [[Engineering:Heavy tank|Heavy tank]]
* [[Engineering:Improvised fighting vehicle|Improvised fighting vehicle]]
* [[Engineering:Infantry fighting vehicle|Infantry fighting vehicle]] (IFV)
* [[Engineering:Infantry mobility vehicle|Infantry mobility vehicle]]
* [[Engineering:Infantry tank|Infantry tank]]
* [[Engineering:Light tank|Light tank]]
* List of armoured fighting vehicles
* [[Engineering:List of armoured trains|List of armoured trains]]
* List of main battle tanks by country
* List of modern armoured fighting vehicles
* List of U.S. military vehicles by model number
* [[Engineering:Medium Mine Protected Vehicle|Medium Mine Protected Vehicle]]
* Medium Tank
* [[Engineering:Military engineering vehicle|Military engineering vehicle]]
* [[Engineering:Reconnaissance vehicle|Reconnaissance vehicle]]
* [[Engineering:Super-heavy tank|Super-heavy tank]]
* [[Engineering:Tank destroyer|Tank destroyer]]
* [[Engineering:Tankette|Tankette]]
{{Div col end}}

== Explanatory notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}
* Note to the Pancerni website source: Translation of most important parts of 1st, 2nd, 2.5 and 3rd generation MBTs characteristics: "The first generation MBTs are tanks made immediately after WWII. The second generation MBTs have better sights in comparison to the first generation MBTs. Also second generation MBTs were the first ones to use laser sights and APFSDS rounds. The third generation consists of tanks armed with high caliber and velocity guns like M1A1 Abrams. Third generation tanks also use composite armour as well as armour made out of highly resistant sintered ceramic materials. Third generation tanks also have full stabilization system for the main gun. There are tanks between second and third generations, like Soviet T-72 which has powerful gun which would classify it as a third generation MBT but at the same time the stabilization system is much too primitive for it to a third generation MBT. It also lacks engine power to be a third generation MBT and has ammunition with less quality."

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General and cited references  ==
* {{Cite book |last=Hilmes  |first=Rolf |year=1983 |title=Kampfpanzer: der Die Entwickelungen der Nachkriegszeit |language=German |location=Frankfurt am Main |publisher=Verlag Soldat und Technik |isbn=3-524-89001-6 |oclc=13410347}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hunnicutt |first=R. P. |year=1984 |title=Patton: A History of the American Main Battle Tank |location=Novato, Calif. |publisher=Presidio Press |isbn=0-89141-230-1 |oclc=471892846}}
* {{Cite thesis | last=Lamontagne | first=J. G. Pierre | year=2003 | title=Are the Days of the Main Battle Tank Over? |url=http://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/259/290/289/286/lamontagne.pdf#page=2 |format=PDF |type=Master of Defence Studies | location=Toronto |publisher=Canadian Forces College}} <!--[http://wps.cfc.forces.gc.ca/papers/csc/csc29/mds/lamontagne.pdf }}-->

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Main Battle Tanks By Generation}}
[[Category:Main battle tanks]]

{{Sourceattribution|List of main battle tanks by generation}}