The Cost of Military Tanks: A Comparative Analysis of Argentina and Britain

For decades, military strategists have understood the importance of having a robust armored force capable of deploying over long distances and sustaining heavy combat operations. Two nations that have exemplified this understanding are Argentina and Britain, with their respective experiences in the Falklands War and subsequent deployments. This article will examine the cost of military tanks in both countries, highlighting the significant differences between their approaches to armored warfare.

Argentina's efforts to modernize its armored brigades began in the 1980s, when it introduced the Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM) tank. Today, Argentina has approximately 200 TAMs, which equip two brigades. While this is a notable achievement, Argentina still lacks the transport and logistical capacity to deploy and sustain heavy forces over long distances and spans of time.

In contrast, Britain's armored brigade is significantly more formidable. With around 100 or more tanks, including the Challenger 2, British forces have demonstrated their capability to deploy and operate over vast distances. In recent years, British troops have deployed to Oman for combined-arms war games, with 5,500 soldiers and 180 armored vehicles, including eight Challenger 2s, participating in the exercise.

The British army's ability to sustain a deployed armored brigade indefinitely is further underscored by its practice of deploying tanks over long distances aboard amphibious and transport ships. This capability allows British forces to respond quickly and effectively to crises around the world.

While Argentina's TAM tank has shown promise, it falls short of the Challenger 2 in terms of overall performance. The RAND think-tank concluded in 2016 that the British army is 'capable of sustaining a deployed armored brigade indefinitely,' even if some details regarding how this is achieved remain unknown.

The cost of military tanks is a significant consideration for any nation seeking to invest in its armed forces. In Argentina's case, the TAM tank has been criticized for its limited capabilities and high maintenance costs. The British Challenger 2, on the other hand, is considered an effective tank with a proven track record of performance.

In conclusion, the cost of military tanks is a critical factor in determining a nation's ability to deploy and sustain heavy forces over long distances. While Argentina has made efforts to modernize its armored brigades, it still lags behind Britain in terms of its overall capabilities. The British army's ability to deploy and operate its tanks over vast distances, combined with its practice of deploying them aboard amphibious and transport ships, makes it a formidable force on the global stage.

The cost of military tanks is not just about the initial purchase price; it also includes ongoing maintenance and operational costs. For Argentina, these costs may be prohibitively high, given its limited budget and logistical capabilities. In contrast, Britain's investment in its armored forces has paid dividends, with its troops demonstrating their capability to operate effectively over long distances.

Ultimately, the cost of military tanks is a critical consideration for any nation seeking to invest in its armed forces. By examining the experiences of Argentina and Britain, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of having a robust armored force capable of deploying over long distances and sustaining heavy combat operations.

Cost of military tanks