Iran unveils Soleiman-402 battle tank; an upgraded version of US M60
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Iranian media reports that the Soleiman-402 main battle tank includes comprehensive upgrades to the US-made M60 model to ensure that it meets the modern requirements of the country's armed forces.
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Iran unveils Soleiman-402 battle tank, an upgraded version of US M60 (IRNA)
Iranian media reported that the Iranian military officially announced on Sunday the deployment of its newly upgraded Soleiman-402 tanks, originally American-made M60 models.
These tanks, inherited from the previous regime during the pro-Western Dictator Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi era, have undergone significant modernization and are now re-entering service under the new designation, Soleiman-402.
Iran acquired approximately 150 to 200 of these tanks from the United States during the Shah’s rule.
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The comprehensive upgrades include enhancements to the tanks' combat capabilities, ensuring that they meet the modern requirements of the country's armed forces.
The Iranian army unveiled its newly upgraded tanks at the Shahid Zarharan Army Center on Sunday.
NEZAJA's cursed M60 upgrade "Soleiman-402" has been officially unveiled
— Iran Defense|نیروهای Ù…Ø³Ù„Ø Ø¬Ù…Ù‡ÙˆØ±ÛŒ اسلامی ایران (@IranDefense) September 1, 2024
It seems that the tank is aimed more for fire support & urban conflict against non state/weaker actors rather than facing other AFVs https://t.co/e7SjdKhltq pic.twitter.com/ASBL5mFxDq
Major General Sayyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, attended the ceremony.
Iranian media have since released images of the Soleiman-402 tanks, which display a strikingly modernized design compared to the original M60 models.
These images reveal that the Soleiman-402 tanks are equipped with a host of advanced systems and components, marking a substantial upgrade from their predecessors.
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The upgrades include more resilient armor, advanced targeting sights, and a new jammer system akin to the SHTORA, enhancing the tanks' defensive and offensive capabilities.
Additionally, the Soleiman-402 tanks feature updated communication systems and a state-of-the-art Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS), further modernizing their combat potential.
Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari announced that all remaining M60 tanks in the Iranian Army’s inventory will undergo upgrades to meet the Soleiman-402 standard.
Iran has also developed new tank models, such as the Zulfiqar and Karrar.
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The Iranian Armed Forces officially began integrating its latest main battle tank Karrar into its armored units last December, marking a significant advancement in Iran's military capabilities. This integration follows a decade of development by Iran's defense industry.
The locally produced Karrar tank is based on the Russian T-72 model but features a distinct turret design, demonstrating Iran's ability to innovate beyond the original blueprint.
According to senior Russian military officials, the tank closely resembles the advanced T-90MS tank and incorporates features from the US Abrams and British Challenger tanks.
