This just couldn't wait and the admission made quite frankly under the current political situation surprises me. This might revive Rheinmetall Group 120mm L55 SB gun if that hint helps anyone identify the MBT in question to this point.
http://www.janes.com/article/54672/d...ussia-s-armata
I think what will happen here is MOD will do the weapons upgrade they have two main options I see... 1) The above German MG with the advantage of being able to use NATO rounds, or 2) Look to India's ARJUN 120mm RB (
New) MG. Don't laugh this is probably one of the best 120mm guns out there right now with India using
fin-stabilized rounds which greatly increases the effectiveness of the MG. This would allow the UK too not have to retool their MBT munitions facility(s). Remember as I noted when submitting this tank where they got got a lot of there development help from...Germany (Rheinmetall Group), Israel (ELBIT/RAFEAL), France (NEXTAR) and some think we might've provided help as well.
With that comes possibly a new FCS, however the current FCS has plenty of room to grow and support the new gun. Armor should be fine against the ARMATA as the CHALLENGER 2 is considered one of the safest tanks out there already. If they would've mounted the 152mm a lot tanks might be in trouble though, Russia is considering integrating or standing up separate "tank killer" units with the 152mm.
We'll probably see a push in the NATO countries to hurry along the APS and other similar systems within the next 2-3 years.
And finally I can see tank launched ATGW's (LAHAT) coming to NATO as well for extended range kills. As far as I can confirm right now only the U.S., Germany and Israel have a standard 120mm round with confirmed kills out to and beyond 4500m with unassisted rounds in case I have to be more concise.
My thoughts and only time will tell but, rest assured I'll be
TRACKING this all. After all isn't that what I do?
Regards,
Pat
