The Info Company of the Islamic Republic of Iran, IRNA, introduced {that a} modernized model of the American tank M60, often called Soleiman-402, is now getting into service with the Iranian Military.
The revealing ceremony for the upgraded M60 tank and the brand new indigenous multi-layered anti-missile protection system happened on Sunday morning. The occasion featured Military Commander-in-Chief Main Normal Seyed Abdul Rahim Mousavi and was held on the Shahid Zarharan Heart of the Military’s Floor Forces, in accordance with IRNA.
Whereas particular particulars in regards to the modernization weren’t initially supplied, IRNA shared a plethora of photographs from the occasion, providing a better take a look at the tank’s new look. Brigadier Normal Heydari indicated that each one M60 tanks within the Military’s stock could be upgraded to this new normal. Reportedly, the enhancements embody a brand new armor package deal, superior command sights, radiation sensors and curtain searchlights, a contemporary communications system, and a brand new remote-controlled weapons station.
The photographs counsel that the Soleiman-402 tank is provided with programs just like the Shtora’s electro-optical “jammers,” that are used on many Soviet-Russian T-72S tanks. These jammers are famend for his or her capacity to disrupt the steering programs of incoming enemy missiles.
Iran is presently house to about 150 American M60 tanks, acquired through the Shah’s reign earlier than the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Initially, Iran’s fleet comprised roughly 460 M60s, although many have since been misplaced or retired through the years. These M60 tanks have been a part of the Shah’s broader technique to modernize Iran’s army with superior Western gear, which additionally included tons of of British Chieftain tanks.
Nonetheless, the 1979 revolution introduced these modernization efforts to a halt. Iran’s subsequent isolation, pushed particularly by sanctions, made it difficult to accumulate newer Western tanks.
In consequence, Iran has centered on upgrading its older tanks, such because the M60, and creating its personal indigenous fashions, such because the Zulfiqar and Karrar. These indigenous tanks usually incorporate parts from each Western and Soviet designs, reflecting Iran’s want to take care of and improve its armored capabilities regardless of being minimize off from extra fashionable tanks out there internationally.
The mix of worldwide sanctions and the necessity for self-reliance has pushed Iran into a novel place. Right here, older tanks just like the M60 nonetheless serve alongside newer, domestically modified fashions.
Iran’s upgraded M60 tanks, often called “Soleiman-402,” have acquired notable enhancements. Nonetheless, consultants query if these are sufficient for contemporary warfare. Stephen Bryen, a protection coverage knowledgeable, states that regardless of these upgrades, the M60 stays essentially outdated. Like many older tanks, the M60 has vulnerabilities to up to date anti-tank weapons—a big concern given its classic design.
Bryen additional notes that even closely upgraded tanks just like the M1 Abrams present limitations in fashionable conflicts, highlighting the necessity for a brand new technology of armored autos to actually meet at the moment’s battlefield challenges.
Iran is actively in search of to modernize its armored capabilities, probably together with the acquisition of latest tanks. Whereas Iran has been busy upgrading its present fleet, such because the older M60 fashions, the nation is rumored to be eyeing extra superior choices sooner or later.
This pursuit aligns with a broader technique to bolster army {hardware} amidst regional tensions and enduring sanctions. Earlier purchases of Russian army gear, together with Su-35 fighter jets, counsel that Iran might once more flip to Russia or different allies keen to sidestep Western sanctions for its tank acquisitions.
Particulars on the particular sorts or numbers of tanks Iran goals to acquire stay unconfirmed. Moreover, Iran’s technique may embody joint manufacturing or know-how switch agreements with nations like Russia or China to additional improve its armored forces.
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