29 Mar 2024
Tuesday 14 March 2017 - 11:01
Story Code : 254708

Despite striking resemblance Iran's newest tank is no match to Russia's T-90

Sputnik- Recently, Iran unveiled its advanced domestically-manufactured tank named Karrar. The tank has already hit mass production. Military expert Vladimir Bogatyrev underscored the semblance of the newest Iranian tank to Russian tanks.


On Sunday, the Iranian Defense Minister announced that mass production ofthe Karrar tank has kicked off, according toIranian media. An official statement was made afterthe tank was presented atthe Organization ofDefense Industry.


"The tank can compete withthe most advanced tanks inthe world inthree main areas: power, precision and mobility, aswell asmaintenance and durability onthe battleground The Karrar has the capability tofire missiles and precisely guide them [towards the target]," Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan said atthe presentation.

It is no coincidence that specialists regard the Karrar assome kind ofa copy ofthe Russian-made T-90SM, the most advanced modification ofthe T-90 platform, according toretired Maj. Gen. Vladimir Bogatyrev, chair ofthe Board ofthe Russian National Association ofRetired Military Officers.

"Initially, Iran planned tobuy Russian T-90SM tanks, and there were several meetings betweenRussian and Iranian delegations. But finally the Iranian defense minister said that Tehran would develop own tanks. Its technical specifications are kept secret," Bogatyrev told Radio Sputnik.

According tohim, there are certain details indicating that the newest Karrar tank is similar toRussian-made tanks.
"For a long time, the Russian T-72 was the main battle tanks withthe Iranian military. Currently, they still have some 500 units inservice. The Zulfiqar 3 tank was very similar tothe latest versions ofthe T-72 and the T-90, including its gun, transmission and engine. It has similar targeting systems, including laser. The Iranian tank is also capable offiring anti-tank guided shells," the expert said.


Moreover, inaddition toRussian tanks, the Karrar also compiles notable details ofcertain Western-made armored machines.

"It is based onthe T-72 platform, butit also has something fromthe American Abrams and M-60 tanks. Some elements are borrowed fromthe M-48 and the British Chieftain tank. They took all these elements and tried todesign their own tank," Bogatyrev pointed out.

The expert suggested that interms ofcertain military capabilities the Karrar is unlikely tomatch the Russian T-90.
"There is no decades-long tradition oftanks-manufacturing inIran. So, there can be no breakthrough technologies. Im not sure that the Karrar is close tothe T-90 incertain points, fromits armor tosome specific features," he said.


However, Bogatyrev highly appreciated the capabilities ofthe Iranian defense industry.
"The production oftanks and anti-aircraft systems is well-developed inIran. They are also trying todevelop other types ofweapons. In the terms ofthe defense industry, Iran should not be underestimated," the expert concluded.




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