During the latest few years, the Iran army has upgraded version of Zulfiqar and Samsam tanks.

The hull and the turret of the Zulfiqar 3 is made in steel armour, but include also ceramic or composite armour. The Zulfiqar 3 is armed with a fully-stabilized 2A46M 125 mm smooth-bore cannon with autoloader, manufactured locally under the name HM-50.

The Samsan tank is an upgraded version of the American-made M-60A1 using a new reactive armour. The tank is equipped with new fire control system produced locally by the Iranian defense industry.

Iran’s Sabalan tank has been designed based on the experience and know-how gained from designing the indigenous Zulfiqar and Samsam battle tanks.

The Sabalan is based on the American-made M-47M Patton main battle tank equipped with a new home-made turret which has been manufactured by the Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization of the Iranian Army Ground Force.

The main armament of the Sabalan turret includes a M68 105mm smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted to the right of the gun.

The Sabalan tank is motorized with M60 engine. Each side of the suspension is protected by armour plates.

Standard equipment of the Sabalan includes new laser range finder and communication systems.