Centurion II MBT

Centurion II Main Battle Tank (Shown with additional armor)

Crew: 4
Country: United Kingdom
Designer/Builder: Vickers-BAE Systems

Armament: 1x 120mm L360 ET
1x 12.7mm Coax MG
2x 7.62mm (Coax MG, Cupola TC Station)

The Centurion II is the child of the Challenger series tank. Although using a similar layout and design to the Chally the Centurion is a new vehicle. A British version of the American M360 electro-thermal cannon provides the Centurion with a longer range and punch than the Challenger. Additional machine guns and armor provide for adequate protection from insurgent and urban warfare. During operations in Iraq, Centurion tanks survived numerous RPG hits as well as modern Russian and Chinese ATGMs.

Electronically the Centurion is just as digital as the M7 Buford. Battlecams, next generation FLIR sights, and access to MILNET (the new British battle management system) ensure that Centurion crews are not outmatched in electronic warfare. Secure communications systems allow the Centurion to send voice, image, and text messages to other tank units, and commanders. Infantry using a wi-fi link with a Centurion to request fire support and exchange information.

Since entering service in 2021 the Centurion has seen combat in the Iran-Iraq War, Second Korean War, and clashes with pro-Russian forces in Georgia. Many Centurion are part of the British Army of Vistula. BAV is part of the NATO ground commitment to Poland following increase Russian military presence in Belarus. In NATO exercises the Centurion often plays the role of an OPFOR tank, namely the Russian T-99.

An American tanker with the 2nd ACR commented, “If the Ruskies have as good a tank as the Centurion II, were (Expletive Deleted).

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This is a 21st Century replacement for the Challenger II I created.