Despite international sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated significant adaptability and innovation in enhancing its military capabilities. Alongside the development and production of a wide range of cruise and ballistic missiles, Iran has also significantly increased its production of loitering munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Another notable aspect is Iran’s ability to implement significant modifications and updates to its existing equipment, which was originally acquired from the United States during the Shah’s era or from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The latest example is the official presentation of the Iranian Army’s first modernized M-60 tank, unveiled through a series of photos circulated by the IRNA news agency.
Currently, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army possesses a substantial fleet of combat vehicles of various origins, acquired both before and after the Shah’s fall. These include two main lines based on Soviet-origin T-72 tanks and M60 tanks. Reports even indicate the continued presence of Chieftain tanks acquired from the United Kingdom during the 1970s.
Each of these armored vehicles has been extensively modified and updated locally, leading to the creation of new versions, such as the Karrar based on the T-72, and the Zulfiqar 1 and 3 based on the M48/60 Patton.
The most recent example, officially presented and widely shared through IRNA’s official photographs, is a new modernization of the U.S.-origin M-60 tanks, representing one of the most radical updates observed to date. While the M-60 is a combat vehicle whose design has been surpassed by newer models and threats, other countries, including Turkey, still use them in combat operations, introducing their own enhancement packages.
Although no further details were provided, the recently unveiled M-60 is designated the “Soleiman-402.” According to Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari, who has been the head of the Iranian Army Ground Forces since 2022, all M-60 tanks still in service will be upgraded to this new standard.
Regarding observable features, the tank is equipped with an active protection system (APS) similar in arrangement to the Shtora-1 system that equipped the early versions of the Russian T-90 tanks. Additionally, a remote weapon station (RWCS) with a 12.7mm machine gun is installed on the turret. It is also presumed that the tank’s armor has been reinforced, and it is equipped with new modern fire control and communication systems.
Photographs: IRNA News Agency / Credits: Ahmad Moeini Jam.
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