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and incapacitate a more advanced remote-controlled weapon sta- out-swarm the enemy or counter
naval vessel, reiterating the vulner- tions mounted on tanks and even swarm tactics effectively. The forces
ability of modern ships to swarming directed energy weapons (DEWs) that can deploy vast numbers of
tactics. that can engage drones, are being autonomous platforms – whether
introduced to make MBTs more drones, fast attack boats, or robotic
On land, the Russo-Ukrainian con- survivable. ground units – will likely hold a
flict has shown a similar shift. Both significant advantage in future
modern naval vessels and MBTs, This has led to divided military opin- conflicts.
once considered the backbone of ion. While some view tanks as relics
modern navies and armies, are destined to follow battleships into However, as swarm tactics become
now vulnerable to cheap drones obsolescence, others believe that more widespread, the demand for
carrying explosives. If even a single with the right adaptations, MBTs will countermeasures will drive new
drone or USV – costing a fraction continue to play a vital role in future defensive technologies. Artificial
of what a warship or tank does – warfare. Advanced armour, active intelligence (AI)-driven targeting
can immobilise or destroy these protection systems, and integrated systems, directed energy weapons
larger war machines with precision electronic warfare tools may ensure like lasers, and electronic warfare
strikes, a swarm of them becomes a tanks remain relevant for years to tools will be crucial for neutralis-
nightmare for even the most well- come. ing large numbers of small, agile
equipped enemy. threats. Area denial systems, such
Future Technologies as automated gun turrets or anti-air-
The effectiveness of these tac- craft lasers, will also be essential in
tics lies in their ability to saturate Looking ahead, some military and repelling swarm attacks.
defences. Even the most advanced defence observers think that the
defence systems can only handle next wave of combat technology
so many threats simultaneously. could involve exoskeletons or even Ultimately, future conflicts may
By launching multiple attacks from mecha-like platforms: fast-moving, be won by the side that can out-
different angles and directions, agile, heavily armed suits that could manoeuvre and outnumber its
swarm tactics overwhelm defensive provide a nimbler alternative to opponent using fast, affordable, and
systems, pushing them to breaking tanks. While mechas remain largely intelligent platforms – whether on
point. in the realm of science fiction, land, at sea, or in the air.
exoskeletons are already being
Are MBTs Obsolete? developed by military forces world- Changing Battlefields
wide. These exoskeletons enhance
The vulnerability of MBTs to swarm- a soldier’s strength, endurance, Asymmetric warfare has been a
ing tactics has sparked debate and mobility, enabling them to carry defining feature of military history,
over their relevance in modern heavier weapons and supplies or and in the age of swarming tactics,
warfare. Critics argue that tanks perform advanced manoeuvres in it is more relevant than ever. From
are increasingly unsuited for con- battle. the decline of the battleship to the
temporary conflicts, as they are vulnerability of MBTs, the trend
large, slow-moving, and expensive Hypothetical mechas, if ever real- is clear: large, heavily armoured
to build and maintain. In contrast, ised, would combine the best of platforms are increasingly vulnera-
drones, light anti-tank infantry, and both worlds by offering the mobility ble to small, fast, and inexpensive
mobile artillery can engage tanks of infantry and the firepower of a threats. Whether through drones,
from a distance, making them easy tank. Armed with railguns or anti- autonomous vehicles, or future
targets for low-cost, high-efficiency tank missiles, such platforms could developments such as exoskele-
weapons. potentially outflank or overwhelm tons and mechas, the battlefield is
traditional armoured vehicles, changing.
However, many tank-producing rendering them obsolete. Although
nations are still actively developing such technology remains distant, In this new era of warfare, quantity
next-generation MBTs that incor- the development of autonomous often trumps quality. The side that
porate advanced sensors, active robotic systems suggests that can swarm the battlefield with over-
defence systems, and anti-drone something along these lines could whelming numbers – or successfully
countermeasures. Taking lessons one day become reality. counter these swarms – will likely
from past and ongoing conflicts, emerge victorious. In non-nuclear
these modern tanks are designed Swarm vs Counter-Swarm warfare, the battlefield will belong to
to survive in an environment those who can out-swarm or out-
where unmanned systems and As swarming tactics continue to think their enemies, using the latest
asymmetric tactics are common- evolve, victory in future warfare technology and asymmetric strate-
place. New innovations, such as may depend on the ability to either gies to gain dominance..
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