Iran’s Defense Industry: A Self-Sufficient Force

In the context of the simmering conflict between Israel and Iran, Iran’s defense potential has once again attracted the attention of international military experts. This Middle Eastern country does not depend on imported weapons but has a fairly complete defense industry, capable of producing many types of modern heavy weapons, including tanks.

Most recently, Iran released images of a new upgraded version of the M60 tank, incorporating a modular turret with many similarities to the turret of the T-90 tank (Russia). This also proves that, after decades of harsh sanctions from the US and the West, Iran is producing its own weapons and upgrading the weapons in its equipment based on its available potential.

Iran’s Tank Fleet: A Mix of Domestic and Imported Designs

The Iranian army currently possesses 2,000-3,000 relatively modern tanks. According to US intelligence assessments, the backbone of Iran’s armored force is the Soviet T-72 tank units with many different versions. Along with that, Iran also develops and produces many lines of domestic battle tanks based on domestic technology.

Zulfiqar-1 – A Blend of American and Soviet Designs

Creating a complete vehicle that meets modern combat requirements is not an easy task. Therefore, Iran has chosen the path of developing domestic tanks based on imported tank prototypes, combined with collected technologies to launch a domestic tank line with more effective combat capabilities. The Zulfiqar-1 tank is a specific example.

The Zulfiqar-1 tank has many features that blend American and Soviet tanks such as the M48, M60 and T-72. The components that the Iranians synthesized to launch the Zulfiqar-1 have many similarities with the American M1 Abrams tank. The difference compared to the American tank is that the Zulfiqar-1’s hull is formed by welded structures instead of being cast in one piece.

Sabalan Tank – An Upgraded M47 Patton

In essence, the Sabalan tank is an upgraded variant of the American M47M Patton tank with the M68 105mm main gun system. This Iranian tank line also has some improvements in firepower and combat equipment. The strong point of the Sabalan is its price. Each Sabalan tank costs only 1/3 of the price of the Zulfiqar Mk-3.

The combat performance of the Sabalan is comparable to the upgraded Soviet T-55, T-62 or Chinese Type-59 tanks.

Tiam Tank – A Modernized M47

The Tiam tank made its debut at the 2016 parade and is considered the “Iranization” of the American M47 tank. On the Tiam tank, the original M47 turret was replaced by a round turret similar to the Soviet T-54/55 tank with an enhanced explosive reactive armor system. The firepower of this medium tank line was also upgraded with a 105mm gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun on the roof of the turret.

T-72Z and Safir-74 Tanks – Upgraded T-54/55 and Type-59 Tanks

Despite having the same name as modern Soviet and Russian tanks, Iran’s T-72Z and Safir-74 tanks are just upgraded variants of the T-54/55 and Type-59 tanks. The firepower of these upgraded tanks is upgraded to the standard 105mm M68 gun with the ability to fire missiles through the main gun barrel.

The fire control system is synchronized with the Slovenian-developed Fotona (EFCS-3-55) equipment; turret stabilizer, laser rangefinder, night vision goggles and ballistic computer. These equipment help the T-72Z and Safir-74 tanks meet the combat standards of 3rd generation tanks.

Karrar – Iran’s Modern Tank Line

The most modern tank line developed by Iran is the Karrar. They have been assigned to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since 2018. The Karrar is considered to have combat capabilities that are not inferior to the modern Russian T-90 tank line, and even have some advantages.

The Karrar tank has many similarities with the T-90MS version with its turret structure, extended ammunition compartment layout, etc. The Karrar chassis system also has many similarities with the T-72 and T-90 tanks. It is likely that this is a deeply upgraded variant of the T-72S tank that the Iranian Army owns and is the backbone of the country’s armored force.