[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence video] USA VS Russia 'Latest Tank Standoff'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The United States and Russia are accelerating the replacement of their latest main battle tanks. The U.S. plans to introduce 1,500 units of the M1A2 SEP v3 (hereafter SEP v3) main battle tank by September next year, while Russia aims to secure 100 units of the next-generation main battle tank (MBT) T-14 "Armata" by the end of this year.

The rivalry between the U.S. and Russia is intense. The U.S. Army has decided to develop a new tank, the M1A2 SEP v4 (SEP v4), equipped with next-generation aiming devices, sensor target acquisition systems, and digital communication systems to counter Russia's next-generation main battle tank T-14 "Armata" and China's Type 99.

The SEP v4 tank will be equipped with a laser rangefinder system, color cameras, integrated network systems, ADL, and notably, the Israeli-made "Trophy" active protection system (APS) to defend against anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

The Trophy APS, installed on the Israeli Army's main battle tank Merkava, has proven resilient during the armed conflict suppression in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, effectively countering upgraded anti-tank guided missiles fired by adversaries. Most of the M1A2 Abrams tanks deployed by the U.S. Army lack APS, leading to criticisms regarding their relatively weaker armor protection.

Russia claims that the Armata incorporates stealth features making it difficult to detect and can easily withstand attacks from any existing anti-tank weapons.

In particular, it is explained that the Armata is equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA) systems, which place explosive materials between two steel plates to detonate incoming projectiles on impact, and an active protection system (APS) that facilitates timely detection and destruction of approaching anti-tank weapons. The APS consists of radars that detect and track incoming anti-tank missiles and RPGs, and projectiles that destroy or neutralize them.

Additionally, it features a 125mm new main gun, high-powered ammunition designed with cutting-edge technology, and an all-weather digital fire control system, enabling it to neutralize even well-protected targets at any time. The Armata, showcased at the May 2016 Victory Day military parade against Germany, is an unmanned turret tank capable of easily destroying enemy tanks at a distance of 12 km.

The new Armata is known to fire the 3UBK21 "Sprinter" anti-tank missile, capable of striking targets 7.1 miles (11.4 km) away. This range is more than twice that of the competing U.S. Army's M1A2 SEP V3 "Abrams" new tank. The turret can rotate 360 degrees and is equipped with a 30mm autocannon capable of shooting down helicopters and drones at long distances. A 12.7mm machine gun is also mounted to engage enemy infantry.