As global urbanization continues to rise, the battlefield is shifting from open terrains to cramped cityscapes. This evolution in warfare poses a significant challenge for traditional tanks, which are designed for wide, open spaces. In response, military strategists are contemplating whether the U.S. Army should innovate a new kind of tank tailored specifically for urban warfare.
Michael McCabe, writing for Armor Magazine, noted, “A tank designed for urban terrain would have radically different design requirements than a main battle tank designed for open warfare.” Traditional main battle tanks prioritize long-range firepower and speed, often sacrificing armor to maintain mobility. In contrast, urban combat demands vehicles that prioritize armor protection and maneuverability through narrow streets.
The urban landscape also requires tanks to engage targets at close range and navigate tight corners, with additional capabilities such as firing at high elevations. Historically, attempts to modify existing tanks for urban combat have been made. For instance, during World War II, Germany developed the Brumbar and the Sturmtiger, though their static turrets limited effectiveness.
Douglas Nash, an Army historian and former officer, highlighted the value of tanks in urban operations, stating to Defense News that specialized armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) were seen as inefficient during WWII. Nonetheless, current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have seen the introduction of vehicles like Russia’s BMPT Terminator.
McCabe envisions an entirely new urban tank, emphasizing robust protection and versatile weaponry. This hypothetical vehicle would feature a heavily-armored, uniquely-shaped hull to deflect attacks and be equipped with rapid-fire guns positioned in multiple turrets to engage threats from all directions. Additionally, it would incorporate a flamethrower for defense against hidden threats.
While this concept recalls the multiturret designs of the past, modern technology such as unmanned turrets and remote-controlled weapons could overcome previous limitations of crewed turrets. McCabe suggests these advancements would enable a more compact and agile design, allowing the tank to fire around obstacles effectively.
Despite the potential benefits, the complexity and cost of developing a specialized urban tank pose significant challenges. Nash proposes that existing tanks could be modified for urban operations by integrating components like a 165mm demolition gun on an Abrams chassis, akin to the M728 combat engineer vehicle.
Ultimately, McCabe argues that as urban combat grows more prevalent, the development of tanks designed specifically for these environments is critical. He concludes, “Urban combat without the presence of armored vehicles is extremely hazardous to the infantryman. And the side which develops a purpose-built tank for urban combat will enjoy a marked advantage over one that continues to use main battle tanks.”
