Iran adopts "almost new" M-60 Soleiman-402 tank

The Iranian Armed Forces held an official presentation of the upgraded M60 Soleiman-402 tank.

Here's What We Know

The Iranian news agency IRNA reported that the modernised tank was presented to the army's top leadership, which was also attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Major General Seyyed Abdul Rahim Mousavi. The ceremony itself was held at the Shahid Zarharan Army Centre.

The M-60 Soleiman-402 has received a significant package of upgrades: improved protection, new optical and countermeasures systems. The tank's hull and turret were fitted with additional protection units.

However, the upgrade did not affect the core components, meaning that the structural armour remained at the same level as in the 1960s.

The existing protection is combined with dynamic protection units on the turret and passive protection units on the hull. The turret is also equipped with a remote-controlled commander's machine gun. In addition, a wind sensor is installed in the stern of the turret, which allows the fire control system to make more accurate adjustments for firing.

Interestingly, the Iranian defence industry has also managed to install an optoelectronic countermeasure system. It operates on a similar principle to the Soviet Shtora system, which is combined with laser radiation sensors to alert the crew.

Source: IRNA