History of tanks through more than a century of development

In the fall of 1915, the first prototype for the British Royal Army's Mark I tank was unveiled. Tanks later became an important weapon in World War I. In World War II, the T34 medium tank was the backbone of the Soviet Union, helping the Red Army turn the tide of the Great Patriotic War and defeat the fascists.

During the Cold War, tanks were improved in terms of firepower, armor protection, mobility, especially the use of modern technology such as electronic equipment, fire control systems, active protection systems. In recent wars and military conflicts in the world, especially the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, despite the appearance of many types of high-tech, smart weapons, tanks are still the key component, especially in solving ground battlefields.

Tanks of the 12th Corps participate in a joint military exercise with live ammunition, December 2023. Photo: HAI HUY

As an important assault force in combat, tanks are still being invested in and developed by armies of countries such as the US, Russia, China, Germany, France... with many modern technical and tactical features: Firepower, lethality; integrated defense capabilities; enhanced mobility; command and control capabilities, communication systems...

For our Army, in the Route 9-Khe Sanh Campaign, the Armored Corps participated in combat for the first time. In the key battle at Lang Vay (February 1968), the appearance of tanks on the main and secondary attack directions surprised the enemy. The victory at Lang Vay established the tradition of "Once in battle, we must win" of the heroic TTG Corps. In the following campaigns, the TTG force, together with the combined arms, fought many battles and won resounding victories.

In particular, during the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, with its lightning-fast, daring, and determined attack power, the TTG forces led the main force formations to attack the last lair of the Saigon puppet regime, liberating the South and unifying the country. In the battle to protect the Southwestern and Northern borders, the TTG forces closely coordinated and coordinated with friendly units and local armed forces to participate in the battle, making an important contribution to firmly protecting the Fatherland's borders; at the same time, participating in fulfilling international obligations, saving the Cambodian people from genocide.

Affirming the important role on the battlefield

Nowadays, although high-tech weapons are developed, TTG is indispensable in combat, especially in combined arms combat on mountainous, plain or urban battlefields. TTG is used to open breakthroughs, support infantry in capturing important targets...

Colonel Nguyen Duc Hieu, Deputy Head of the Department of Tactics and Campaigns (Academy of Politics ), analyzed: In modern warfare, although anti-tank weapons, drones, and high-precision missiles are strongly developed, TTG still proves its key role on the battlefield. With strong firepower, high mobility, and good protection, tanks are capable of breaking through enemy defense lines, creating conditions for infantry and other forces to develop attacks. In modern warfare, TTG does not operate alone but coordinates with mechanized infantry, artillery, air defense, engineers, and air force. Infantry protects TTG from anti-tank weapons, while tanks provide direct fire support, mobility, and protection for infantry.

Tanks of the 12th Corps participate in a joint military exercise with live ammunition, December 2023. Photo: HAI HUY

With the ability to maneuver and create an advantage on the battlefield, TTG can move quickly on many terrains, especially when combined with mechanized infantry, forming a spearhead of attack, helping armed forces occupy, surround, penetrate deeply, flank, and capture important targets in a short time.

In addition, TTG is considered as an "iron fist" on the battlefield, creating a psychological advantage, putting great pressure on the enemy. The appearance of a TTG formation in unison often has a strong impact on the fighting spirit of both us and the enemy. Currently, tanks are equipped with air conditioning, automatic firing systems, explosive reactive armor systems, active armor, camouflage devices, radar and infrared signal reduction; integrated with modern fire control systems, reconnaissance, digital command, improving survivability and combat effectiveness.

In modern warfare, despite many challenges, tanks still play the role of the main assault force, the core in combined arms operations, and the symbol of the army's mobility and firepower. However, to be effective, it is necessary to closely coordinate arms and at the same time innovate technology to improve the ability to survive against anti-tank weapons; focus on researching and developing the art of TTG combat in conditions where the enemy uses high-tech weapons.

Focus on research, improvement, modernization, manufacturing, and production of multi-functional, multi-purpose TTGs with high mobility, rapid deployment, precise attack, smart protective armor... Promote the emulation movement to promote initiatives and technical innovations to improve the ability to exploit and use new weapons and equipment, preserve, maintain and use existing weapons and equipment for a long time...

TRAN VAN HIEP, Academy of Politics

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/khang-dinh-vai-tro-cua-tang-thiet-giap-trong-tac-chien-hien-dai-853419