It depends... Ajax
Some things do not change - us Brits producing bad tanks
- Thread starter JoeArthur
- Start date
witchbottles
Forum Guru
I have no idea as to the current status of planning for operational capability for the armed forces of the U.K. I do have some knowledge of the projected operational capability planning for the U.S. M.C.
In their specific case, the MBT does not fit into the planned projection role in any significant way, so as of Dec 31, 2020, all MBTs assigned to the USMC active-duty divisions were phased out, the MOS specialties were closed to active duty service, and the personnel in those specialties re-assigned. (All of which is publicly released unclassified information).
The MBT will remain in the USMC reserve component division, and the requisite specialties will remain open as reserve component only MOSs.
The LAVs have been reserve component only for the USMC since Jan 1, 1998. (again, publicly released information).
The AAVP-7, the Avenger, The M109 SPG, the M142 HIMARS, and the LRAC HMMWV are the only remaining AFVs in USMC active duty with a purpose foreseen in future operational capability.
Removing the rest of the AFV inventory has occurred due to the established capability of the Predator UAV with Hellfire missile capability, which can be targeted via satellite uplink from remote locations, exposing no USMC personnel to return fire, while allowing for very acceptable kill capability on enemy AFVs as proven in Iraq and in Afghanistan, since its inception in 1996 as a UAV tank-killing system, (again, all publicly released information).
So for a small, rapid-deployment force in readiness, the USMC has stood up an entirely new operational arm with the active-duty components to use UAVs for long-range precision targeting and engagement, of threat-identified AFVs. This can be accomplished just as well while the targeting operator is moving as if they are stationary.
Given that, the ability to engage successfully while moving is not inhibited at all. It is enhanced, thanks to a single integrated fire control capability across multiple platforms with targeting capacity, from UAVs to Helicopters to F-35Bs to AV-8Bs, to F/A 18 E/Fs, to the grunt on the ground working as part of an ANGLICO detachment for on-call fire support.
I foresee that many nations without a power projection role for MBTs on a future battleground will be converting more of their active service components to light armored vehicles capable of integrated targeting for high tech, high probability of kill, aerial or field artillery launched, weaponry. (That would be termed a S.W.A.G. - A Scientifically projected Wild Ass Guesstimate).
The era of the MBT is coming to a close on the modern battlefield. There are many who may love the MBT as a concept who are intimidated by this, but technology has passed the MBT into a rapid decline to eventual obsolescence. (like all weapon systems eventually become.)
JMO
Jon H