What is the Future of the Tank & Ground Warfare?
Future Of War Colloquium : October 24th, 2023 : Ritz Carlton DC
2:30 – PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the Future of the Tank & Ground Warfare?
Moderator: US Army Colonel & Paratrooper Dave Fivecoat
US Navy SEAL & MATBOCK CEO Sean Matson, Vitaliy Goncharuk, Head of the “AI + Security/Defense” Working Group at the AI Committee of Ukraine, Michael Pregent, Former US Army Intelligence Officer, Fellow, Hudson Institute
Future Of War Colloquium : October 24th, 2023 : Ritz Carlton DC
The future of the tank and ground warfare is a topic of ongoing debate and research among military strategists and defense experts. The rapid evolution of technology, particularly in the realms of information technology, robotics, and precision weaponry, is reshaping how militaries around the world envision future combat. Here are some key trends and speculations regarding the future of the tank and ground warfare:
- Networked Warfare: One of the biggest shifts is the move toward network-centric warfare. This involves linking soldiers, vehicles, and weapon systems into a single network, enabling real-time data sharing and decision-making. Tanks and armored vehicles will be part of this network, sharing data with infantry, drones, and other assets.
- Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs): Just as drones have become a mainstay in aerial warfare, we can expect to see the rise of UGVs in ground combat. These vehicles, which can range from small recon robots to full-sized unmanned tanks, can operate in high-risk areas, thus reducing the risk to human operators.
- Active Protection Systems (APS): Modern tanks now equipped with APS, which can detect and neutralize incoming threats (like rocket-propelled grenades or anti-tank missiles) before they can hit the tank. Such systems enhance the survivability of tanks against advanced anti-tank weaponry.
- Stealth and Camouflage: While tanks are large and often noisy, advancements in adaptive camouflage and other stealth technologies may make them harder to detect by both traditional means and advanced sensors.
- Lighter, More Mobile Units: Given the vulnerability of large armored formations to precision airstrikes and advanced anti-tank missiles. There’s a trend towards developing lighter. Moreover, more mobile vehicles that can become rapidly deployed, yet still offer protection against enemy fire.
- Hybrid and Electric Propulsion: As with civilian vehicles, there’s research into reducing the military’s dependency on fossil fuels. Future tanks might use hybrid or fully electric engines, providing quieter operation and reducing logistical challenges related to fuel supply.
- High-Energy Weapons: The potential integration of directed-energy weapons! Lasers, thus, could offer tanks a way to counter aerial threats or incoming projectiles with precise and instantaneous firepower.
- Urban Warfare Considerations: As global populations continue to urbanize, future conflicts may increasingly occur in cities. This will require tanks and ground units to adapt to urban environments. Where traditional heavy armor might be less effective and where enemies can easily hide and ambush.
- Infantry Integration: Future ground warfare will likely see even closer integration between infantry and armored units. Enhanced communication systems, combined arms tactics, and new technologies like exoskeletons for infantry can make this cooperation more seamless.
- Decentralized Command Structures: In conclusion, with the advent of AI and real-time data analysis, decision-making might become more decentralized. As a result, allowing for quicker responses to changing battlefield conditions without waiting for orders from a higher chain of command.
