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 is not clearly defined. Soviet and Russian military planners organize tanks into a generation of tanks up to 1945, and four generations of main battle tanks, while Canadian 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 1983 Rolf Hilmes saw three tank generations and three "intermediate generations", which consisted mainly of upgraded vehicles. The first generation of main battle tanks were based on or influenced by designs of World War II, most notably the T-34 and the Panther tank. The second generation was equipped with NBC protection (only sometimes), IR night vision devices, a stabilized main gun and at least a mechanical fire control system. The third generation is determined by the usage of thermal imagers, digital fire control systems and special (composite) armour.

First generation
The first generation consists of the medium tanks designed and produced directly after World War II that were later redefined as main battle tanks.

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.

Third generation
The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by composite amour, smooth bore main cannons and computerized stabilized fire control systems, which allow firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability on targets up to 2000m.



Under development
Tanks that are currently under development and not yet in service.
 * 🇩🇪 Leopard 2A7+ - planned modular upgrade for existing Leopard 2
 * 🇺🇸 M1A3 Abrams: Upgrade of the M1A2 model
 * 🇵🇰 / Al-Khalid-II: Introduction planned for 2012
 * 🇨🇳 CSU-152: - Prototypes in testing
 * 🇨🇳 Type 99KM
 * 🇨🇳 Main Battle Tank 3000: Introduction slated for 2014
 * K2 Black Panther: Introduction slated for 2014
 * 🇷🇺 T-99 Armata: Introduction planned for 2015
 * 🇹🇷 Altay: Four testbeds produced, serial production planned for 2015
 * M-95 Degman: Under development
 * 🇮🇳 MBT Arjun Mk-II: - Prototype in testing
 * 🇷🇸 M-84AS: Serbian-upgraded M-84 tank