Even Germany currently wields only around 240 MBTs-though this number is expected to rise to approximately 328 later this year, once about 100 older Leopard 2A4s are taken back out of storage and modernized (, April 17).

With the exception of Russia and Ukraine (and many of the latter country’s machines sit in storage), Poland’s Armed Forces brandish the largest MBT force in the region-around 830 tanks.

MBT manufacturers have until the end of June to present their models to the Polish defense ministry ( Iu.wp.mil.pl, May 30 Polska Zbrojna, May 31). The document represents the opening phase of the MBT acquisition process, its aim being to first provide the Polish MoND with a clearer understanding of the current state of the international tank market. On May 30, the MoND’s Armament Inspectorate issued a call to domestic and international arms manufacturers to submit offers for consideration. The Polish Ministry of National Defense (MoND) has expressed interest in acquiring next-generation main battle tanks (MBT) for the country’s ground forces.

Pl-01 modern light tank