A recent video shared on the social network Telegram has offered a glimpse into Iran's significant strides towards modernizing its military arsenal, specifically showcasing an upgraded version of the American-made M60A1 tank. This development was revealed on March 15, 2024, highlighting a series of enhancements aimed at bolstering the combat effectiveness and defensive capabilities of the tank.
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The new Iranian upgrade of the American M60A1 MBT Main Battle Tank. (Picture source Screen Shot Telegram Video)
Iran's armed forces currently operate a fleet of the older M60A1 tanks, with a total of 150 tanks in service. These tanks, originally acquired and put into service several decades ago, have been a critical component of Iran's armored capabilities. The decision to upgrade this fleet underscores Iran's intent to maintain and enhance its existing military hardware's relevance and effectiveness in modern warfare.
Iran acquired its fleet of American M60A1 tanks during the 1970s, a period when the country, under the Shah, was strengthening its armed forces with modern equipment from Western allies. The United States was a primary supplier of military hardware to Iran during this time, providing not only M60A1 tanks but also other advanced weaponry. The acquisition of these tanks was part of Iran's broader military modernization effort, which saw the country spending over $8 billion on American military equipment in the 1970s. The M60 tanks, alongside British Chieftain tanks and other armaments, formed the backbone of the Iranian military's armored capabilities. Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran's access to Western military supplies was cut off, leading the country to turn to other sources for military equipment and to start developing its own armaments
The M60, introduced in 1959 by the United States as a second-generation main battle tank, represented a leap forward in terms of firepower, protection, and mobility, perfectly suiting the needs of mid-to-late 20th-century armored warfare. Its primary weapon, the M68 105mm rifled cannon, derived from the British Royal Ordnance L7, offered a significant improvement in range, accuracy, and impact over its predecessors. This was supplemented by a .50 caliber M85 machine gun atop the commander's cupola and a 7.62mm M73 machine gun (later updated to the M219 and M240C), ensuring versatility in combat scenarios.
In terms of protection, the M60, and particularly the M60A1 variant, boasted advanced armor solutions. The tank featured a sloped front hull for better deflection and a uniquely designed "needle nose" turret starting with the M60A1, minimizing the frontal silhouette against incoming fire. The armor varied in thickness and was strategically angled to enhance survivability against the anti-tank threats of the era. Mobility was achieved through a Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 air-cooled twin-turbo diesel engine, propelling the tank to speeds of up to 48 km/h (30 mph) on roads, with an operational range of up to 482 km (300 miles), thus balancing its combat capabilities with the necessary agility and endurance on the battlefield.
The Iranian modernization of the M60A1 tank includes notable improvements such as additional armor plates on the hull and turret, providing superior protection against anti-tank weapons. The upgrade also features a protective shield for the gun barrel to ensure optimal performance and crew safety during operations. A significant enhancement is the introduction of a remote weapon station on the turret, expanding the tank's firepower and operational flexibility.
Turret upgrades, including sleeker additional armor and an advanced gunner sight, have been implemented to improve accuracy and targeting. The commander's sight, now part of the remote weapon station, enables better command and control, significantly enhancing the tank's tactical capabilities.
Despite the detailed description of the Iranian M60A1 tank's armor and weaponry enhancements, the video does not divulge specifics about any potential engine upgrades. This has left a gap in the full understanding of the modernized tank's performance capabilities, sparking interest and speculation among military enthusiasts and defense analysts.
The ongoing use of the M60A1 tanks, coupled with the effort to upgrade this fleet, reflects Iran's strategic approach to leveraging its existing military assets while incorporating modern technology to meet contemporary defense challenges. As Iran takes steps to modernize its military forces, the implications for regional stability and security continue to be a subject of close observation by the international community.
Defense News March 2024
