Why Tanks Aren’t Always the Kings of the Battlefield
The idea that tanks are invincible, unstoppable forces is largely a myth, fueled by Hollywood and outdated perceptions of warfare. While tanks possess significant firepower and armor, they are far from perfect and can be surprisingly vulnerable in modern combat scenarios. Their effectiveness is heavily dependent on the environment, supporting units, and the enemy’s capabilities. To simply say tanks are “not good for battle” is an oversimplification, but it’s essential to acknowledge their limitations and understand why their dominance isn’t guaranteed. In short, tanks are not always effective due to a combination of factors including vulnerability to modern anti-tank weaponry, limitations in urban and complex terrain, logistical challenges, high costs, and the evolving nature of warfare.
The Evolving Battlefield and Tank Vulnerabilities
The modern battlefield is a far cry from the open fields of World War II where tanks reigned supreme. Technological advancements have given rise to a plethora of anti-tank weapons that can easily neutralize even the most advanced armored vehicles.
The Rise of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
ATGMs, like the Javelin and NLAW, have revolutionized infantry warfare. These missiles can be carried by individual soldiers and are capable of piercing tank armor from long distances, often striking the more vulnerable top armor. This “top-attack” capability renders traditional tank armor schemes less effective.
The Threat of Drones
Combat drones, both armed and reconnaissance, pose a significant threat to tanks. Drones can provide real-time intelligence on tank movements, allowing enemy forces to prepare ambushes. Armed drones can also deliver precision strikes, exploiting weak points in the tank’s armor. Ukraine FPV drone blow up dozens Russian tank and soldiers fleeing Avdiivka frontline.
Urban Warfare: A Tank’s Nightmare
Urban environments present a unique set of challenges for tanks. The confined spaces and close proximity to buildings make tanks vulnerable to attacks from all directions. Infantry armed with RPGs or other anti-tank weapons can easily target a tank’s flanks or rear, where armor is typically thinner. The inability for a tank to shoot up, means that any rooftop is a potential threat.
Terrain Limitations
Tanks are not suited for all types of terrain. They struggle in mountainous regions, swamps, and deep sand. Difficult terrain slows them down, reduces their maneuverability, and makes them more vulnerable to attack. The decision of the British commander-in-chief, Sir Douglas Haig, to reveal the secret weapon before large numbers of tanks had become available generated criticism, but the tanks’ real problems were slow speed, mechanical failures, and inability to cross soft or heavily cratered ground.
The Cost and Logistical Burden of Tanks
Tanks are incredibly expensive to build, operate, and maintain. A single modern main battle tank can cost millions of dollars, and the logistical requirements for fuel, ammunition, and spare parts are substantial. This makes tanks a significant drain on military resources. It is not cheap to build and run a tank, that is why wheeled vehicles are quite popular at the moment.
The Need for Combined Arms
Tanks are most effective when used as part of a combined arms force, working in coordination with infantry, artillery, and air support. Without adequate protection from infantry, tanks are vulnerable to enemy infantry attacks. Without artillery support, they can be easily targeted by enemy artillery. And without air support, they are susceptible to air strikes.
Changing Military Doctrine and Future of Tanks
The evolving nature of warfare has forced military strategists to rethink the role of tanks. Some experts believe that tanks are becoming obsolete, while others argue that they still have a vital role to play, but only when used correctly and in conjunction with other forces.
The Rise of Network-Centric Warfare
Network-centric warfare, which emphasizes the use of technology to connect all elements of the battlefield, is changing the way wars are fought. This approach allows for better situational awareness, faster decision-making, and more precise targeting, all of which can be used to exploit the weaknesses of tanks.
Adaptation and Innovation
To remain relevant in the modern battlefield, tanks must adapt and innovate. This includes developing new armor technologies, improving their mobility and firepower, and integrating them more seamlessly into network-centric warfare systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tanks
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the limitations and effectiveness of tanks in modern warfare:
1. What is the biggest disadvantage of a tank?
The biggest disadvantage of a tank is its vulnerability to modern anti-tank weaponry, particularly top-attack missiles and drones. Its size and weight restricts some movement, like small bridge or narrow road.
2. Can infantry really defeat a tank?
Yes, infantry can defeat a tank, especially when armed with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or other specialized weapons. Ambushes in urban environments are particularly effective. Destroyed Russian tank near the village of Dmytrivka, Kyiv region, Ukraine on March 15, 2023.
3. Are tanks hard to destroy?
Breaking a tank is not an easy task, but modern anti-tank weapons are designed to penetrate tank armor. A well-placed shot can disable or destroy a tank.
4. What are tanks most vulnerable to?
Tanks are most vulnerable to enemy artillery, airpower, anti-tank weapons, and attacks from the sides and rear in close-quarters combat.
5. Why are tanks bad for urban warfare?
Tanks are not good for urban warfare because they lack maneuverability in tight spaces and are vulnerable to attacks from all directions.
6. What happens to destroyed tanks after a war?
If a tank is completely destroyed in a battle, where do they go after the battle ends? In an extended war they will get retrieved or cannibalized in situ with the usable parts returned to the field shop where they are keeping the tanks in repair.
7. Can a sniper penetrate a tank?
Yes, some sniper rifles can penetrate tank armor, but only 20mm+ and only from the sides at best. It depends on the tank and the type of round used.
8. Can an RPG destroy a modern tank?
However, modern, heavily-armored vehicles, such as upgraded APCs and main battle tanks, are generally too well-protected (with thick composite or reactive armor) to be penetrated by an RPG, unless less armored sections of the vehicle are exploited.
9. What is the best tank in the world?
The German Leopard 2 is widely considered one of the most effective main battle tanks, serving the German armed forces for more than 40 years.
10. Do tanks still serve a purpose in modern warfare?
Yes, tanks still serve a purpose, particularly in offensive operations and in supporting maneuver warfare. They provide a powerful combination of firepower, mobility, and protection.
11. Are tanks becoming obsolete?
The answer isn’t straightforward. While tanks face new threats, they are not obsolete. They are adapting with new technologies and tactics. Modern antitank missiles certainly cannot replace the tank’s role in supporting maneuver.
12. Were tanks offensive or defensive weapons in WWI?
Moreover, tanks, originally conceived as offensive instruments, turned out to be at least equally useful on the defense, especially when dug into the ground in “hull-down” positions and deployed with other weapons and field fortifications such as antitank ditches, mines, and barbed wire.
13. What was the US tank killer in WWII?
The M-18 Tank Destroyer, nicknamed the “Hellcat” by the Soldiers who crewed them, earned a reputation of being one of the most effective tank killers in the Army during World War II.
14. Can bullets destroy a tank?
The answer is basically: no. Tanks are effectively 100% bulletproof. The best you could do is smash some of the external lights, and maybe some sights of the crew didn’t have the armoured covers down.
15. What is the biggest threat facing the US?
Negative views of China have become more common in the United States in recent years, and a new Pew Research Center survey shows that Americans also widely see China as the greatest threat facing their nation.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Tanks
Tanks are not the invincible war machines they are often portrayed to be. They face significant challenges in modern warfare, including vulnerability to anti-tank weaponry, limitations in certain terrains, high costs, and logistical burdens. However, tanks also possess unique capabilities that make them valuable assets on the battlefield, particularly when used as part of a combined arms force. They are powerful, deadly weapons, but they’re not invulnerable and need protection.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of tanks depends on a variety of factors, and their role in future conflicts will likely continue to evolve. Understanding these limitations and adapting to the changing nature of warfare is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of tanks and ensuring victory on the battlefield. Explore innovative approaches to understanding modern warfare and the role of technology at the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.