The main battle tank (MBT) market is poised for significant growth, driven by evolving global security dynamics. Factors such as the war in Ukraine and China's rising influence have shifted military force structures from counterinsurgency operations to preparing for high-intensity conflicts, making MBTs indispensable on modern battlefields. These tanks provide critical capabilities, including direct fire support, infantry protection, and mobility. However, they are not standalone assets and must operate alongside mechanized infantry forces for optimal effectiveness.
Despite their advantages, MBTs face substantial challenges, primarily the high costs of acquisition and maintenance. Many armies grapple with low tank availability due to expensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes, while the cost of new MBTs continues to rise. Some nations have turned to acquiring used tanks for upgrades, but this option is increasingly limited as available inventory diminishes. This gap presents opportunities for manufacturers offering competitive prices or “hot transfers” of equipment from national military inventories when available.
The war in Ukraine has further highlighted the defence industry’s struggle to meet increased demand for tanks, upgrades, and spare parts. Post-Cold War defence spending cuts left many production lines insufficient for the current surge in demand. Addressing this requires partnerships and investments in expanded production capabilities. However, uncertainties about post-conflict military spending make such investments risky. Historical examples, such as Germany’s scaled-down procurement programs, underscore the financial and political uncertainties facing defence companies.
The MBT market remains highly competitive, fragmented, and politically influenced. Nations aim to maximize returns on these expensive investments, often through collaborations and joint ventures. However, this trend poses challenges to traditional manufacturers, potentially disrupting established industry dynamics. In this evolving environment, the MBT market must navigate financial, political, and operational uncertainties to meet growing global defence needs.
Covered in this study
- Overview: Quick look at main battle tanks technology and future developments.
- Market Dynamics: Details of the forces shaping the market, the business environment, and how the market is structured in each region and who the key competitors are.
- Segment Analysis: Outlines the segmentation used to better understand the market from different angles.
- Impact Analysis: Evaluates factors that affect the market, clarifying their significance. Further provides a forecast trend of how these factors can impact the market size.
Segmentation
The market is segmented by Region, Platform, Fitment, and Subsystem.
Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
Platform
- Main Battle Tank
- Armoured Recovery Vehicle
- Armoured Engineering Vehicle
Contract type
- New
- Upgrade
- Used
Reasons to buy
- Insights into the characteristics of main battle tanks, what their limitations are and where their designs and technology head to.
- A thorough understanding of each part of the MBT design and how that is employed on a tactical level.
- Establish an understanding of the market’s drivers, trends, challenges and opportunities that impact its growth.
- Presents the companies operating in every region and the qualitative differences between them.
- Illustrates opportunities and risks within the market so that the reader can make informed decisions to safely navigate the market.
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
- BAE Systems
- BMC
- Elbit Systems
- EODH
- General Dynamics Land Systems
- Hanwha Defense
- Hyundai Rotem
- IMI
- KNDS Deutschland
- KDNS France
- Komatsu
- Leonardo
- Leonardo DRS
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- PGZ Group
- Rafael Defense
- RBSL
- Rheinmetall
- RITEK
- Thales Australia