If you don't know modern tanks, the US M-1A-1/2 have the most experience in the West, but 22 were lost in Iraq during ODS and OIF. The best manufactured tank in the world is the German Leopard II series running from current A4 thru A7+ standard. The differences? The Leo IIs are superior in armor protection, visual aids, better tracks, have lower heat signatures, and consume less air and fuel. The Leo II and M-1As both use the German Rheinmetall L44 main gun so that is equal, but the Germans use different ammo and can now fire non-lethals too for urban crowd control. The German tank also has a great non-turbine turbo-diesel MTU powerpack that can both be changed out in 15 mins or worked on in urban environments using standard car parts-something the M-1s cannot do. The Leos can also change out their main guns for the new 140mm version. Again, the M-1As cannot. The Leo saw very brief aggressive action in the Balkans, firing over distance at Serbian MUP units burning and looting, but the German MoD and Bundeswehr keep a tight leash on the use of force due to Germany's Third Reich blemish. But now as that generation dies out the Bundeswehr is moving forward for offensive operations and even concentrating on tough urban warfare after reviewing the US problems in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Israel's history with Lebanon and occupied territories. The A7/A7+ are formidable and even Russia has no answer- their T-12-UM1 Black Eagle still delayed. That tank features a 152mm main gun, upgraded armor, and active armor for defense. Very advanced for them but would be killed by a Leo II Mach 7 tungsten rod penetrator round from great distance as in WW2. A modern Tiger the new A7 is up to 70 tons now buit can still manage 45 mph and jump a hill!!! The Leo III promised by 2019 will feature German EM armor protection with Hexacore construction, a new 140mm gun, top chain gun, aural camouflage, and up-engined 3000 hp powerpack driving a secondary power generator! See pics below for the A7...

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