There are, however, a number of contenders for the title of the world’s first, in-service Gen 4 MBT. And yet, as there are few innovations in these designs that substantively differentiate them from their 3rd-generation predecessors, we should, perhaps, call them Gen 3+. There are newer designs – Japan’s Type 10, for example, entered service in 2012 and South Korea’s K2 was first delivered in 2014.

And, arguably, the world has yet to see any 4th-generation MBT enter service. The threat of nuclear war, for instance, prompted the introduction of NBC protection and the belief that only the tank could survive a nuclear exchange - making it critical to whatever came after. By and large, these advances have occurred in line with technological advances, adversary developments, and changes to the character of warfare. The third generation is defined by thermal imagers, digital fire control systems and advanced armour designs. (Photo: Boyevaya mashina via WikimediaCommons) vision systems and some form of fire control system. 23 The T-14 Armata – ground-breaking, perhaps – but not procured in sufficient quantity to truly make a difference yet.

First generation main battle tank