Tanks on the 110th Anniversary: A Reflection of War’s Ever-Changing Nature

The 110-year milestone since tanks first rolled onto the battlefield has marked significant advancements in design, tactics, and technology. The evolution of tanks is closely tied to the changing nature of modern warfare.

In World War I, tank development was driven by the need for mobility and protection on the western front. The first Mark I vehicles, deployed in 1916, revolutionized the battlefield by providing a means to cross trenches while supporting infantry advances. However, as the war progressed, tanks quickly moved beyond their original role, becoming an integral part of combined-arms formations.

The interwar period saw significant improvements in tank design, with the emergence of main battle tanks (MBTs) that balanced firepower and mobility. The Cold War era was marked by a golden age of tank development, as nations invested heavily in armored forces to counter the threat of large-scale Soviet formations. Innovations such as improved armor protection, advanced fire-control systems, and sophisticated communication networks were developed during this period.

However, the modern battlefield has become increasingly hostile to tanks. The proliferation of drones, precision fires, and anti-tank missiles has made large-scale armored formations vulnerable to detection and targeting. A US Army study noted that the widespread use of drones has made it difficult to concentrate forces without exposing them to accurate fires.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine illustrates this trend starkly. Despite its significance as a symbol of military might, the tank’s effectiveness on modern battlefields is increasingly tied to the support of infantry operations and firepower. A Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) assessment found that large-scale use of armor has declined, while tanks continue to be used at smaller unit levels for their ability to provide protection and support infantry advances.

The changing nature of warfare raises fundamental questions about the future of tanks on the battlefield. Will they remain a staple of modern armies, or will emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and directed-energy systems render them obsolete? As we mark this milestone anniversary, it’s clear that the evolution of tanks is far from over.