Which Tank Is the Best on Earth? Challenger 3 vs. M1 Abrams

The M1 Abrams is considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest tanks due to its thick armor, devastating firepower, and enhanced mobility. However, the Challenger 3 is a beast in its own right, featuring several upgrades over its predecessor, the Challenger 2.

Both tanks are among the finest in the world, but which one is better? 

M1A2 Abrams Tanks from A Company, 2-116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (CBCT), Idaho Army National Guard run through field exercises on Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC).

Tank Showdown 

The Challenger 3 is a significant upgrade from the Challenger 2, developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between the UK’s BAE Systems and Germany’s Rheinmetall AG. This modernization program aims to address obsolescence issues and enhance the tank’s capabilities to meet contemporary battlefield requirements. The Challenger 3 features an all-new turret and improved hull, with the most notable change being the replacement of the 120mm L30A1 rifled gun with the 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun. This change aligns the Challenger 3 with NATO standards, allowing it to use common ammunition types.

The M1 Abrams, developed by Chrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems), has been in service since 1980. Over the years, it has undergone numerous upgrades, with the latest variant being the M1A2 SEPv3. The Abrams was designed to replace the aging M60 Patton series and has become the cornerstone of the U.S. military’s armored forces.

The Abrams incorporated several modern technologies, including a multifuel turbine engine, sophisticated composite armor, and advanced fire control systems. The Abrams has a long and distinguished combat record, earning it the reputation as one of the most battle-tested tanks in the West.

Firepower

In terms of armament, the Challenger 3 is equipped with the 120mm Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun, which is an upgraded version of the L55 fitted to the Leopard 2A6/A7 family of tanks. This gun offers superior firepower and is compatible with NATO ammunition.

The tank also features a coaxial 7.62mm L8A2 machine gun and a 7.62mm L37A2 machine gun mounted at the commander’s cupola. 

The M1 Abrams is armed with the 120mm M256 smoothbore gun, a license-produced version of the Rheinmetall L44, which is essentially the same as the Challenger’s. This gun is known for its accuracy and lethality.

The Abrams also includes a 0.50 caliber M2HB heavy machine gun and two 7.62mm M240 machine guns. The tank’s advanced fire control system allows for precise targeting and engagement of enemy forces. Since they have very similar barrels and ammunition, the Abrams and the Challenger 3 are almost perfectly matched in terms of firepower.

Protection

The Challenger 3 features advanced modular armor systems developed in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). This armor includes second-generation Chobham armor over the frontal arc, providing enhanced protection against kinetic and chemical threats. The tank can also be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System to defend against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and other threats.

The Abrams uses composite Chobham armor, which combines layers of ceramics, metal, and other materials to provide exceptional protection. The tank also includes a spall liner to protect the crew from internal shrapnel.

Additionally, the Abrams has optional TUSK explosive reactive armor and advanced systems to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other threats.

Later versions of the Abrams can also be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), similar to the Challenger. In terms of protection, the Abrams barely edges out the Challenger due to its already excellent composite armor and the numerous add-ons to improve survivability.

Mobility

The Challenger 3 is powered by a Perkins CV12-9A V12 diesel engine, producing between 1,200 and 1,500 brake horsepower. This engine, combined with the David Brown Santasalo TN54E epicyclic transmission, provides the tank with a power-to-weight ratio of 22.7 hp per ton. The Challenger 3’s suspension system, the Horstman third-generation Hydrogas, ensures smooth mobility across various terrains.

The Abrams is powered by the Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, producing 1,500 horsepower. This engine offers a power-to-weight ratio ranging from 23.8 hp/t to 26.9 hp/t, depending on the variant. The Abrams’ high-hardness-steel torsion bar suspension system provides excellent mobility and stability.

However, the gas turbine engine is known for its high fuel consumption and maintenance needs, so while the Abrams’ mobility is overall better, it comes at a cost.

An M1A1 Abrams Tank fires off a round as a demonstration during 1st Tank Battalion’s Jane Wayne Spouse Appreciation Day aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 3, 2018. The purpose of the event is to build resiliency in spiritual well being, the will to fight and a strong home life for the 1st Tanks Marines and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel K. Porter)

Fire Control Systems

Both the Challenger 3 and the M1 Abrams are equipped with state-of-the-art fire control systems and sensors that significantly enhance their battlefield performance. We don’t know many technical details about the Challenger 3’s Fire Control System (FCS). Still, the designers have boasted about its advanced targeting and stabilization technologies, which ensure accurate firing even while the vehicle is in motion.

Its sensors reportedly provide excellent situational awareness and targeting capabilities in various environmental conditions.

The M1 Abrams’ FCS is renowned for its rapid and accurate engagement capabilities, supported by advanced digital systems and modern sensors. The thermal imaging systems, laser rangefinders, and advanced optics on the Abrams provide high-resolution images and precise distance measurements, making it highly effective in detecting and engaging targets.

The main advantage the Abrams has over the Challenger is that the Abrams’ systems have all been combat-tested and have demonstrated their reliability.

The Abrams at its best (M1A2 SEPv3) is slightly better than the Challenger 3. However, this is because the Abrams has been repeatedly tested in multiple environments and has garnered an excellent reputation among its users.

We know its systems work well in combat conditions because the Abrams has seen combat time and time again.

The Challenger 3, while certainly a good tank, has not yet had the chance to prove itself. 

About the Author:

Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.