Titans of Defense

The world’s most advanced tanks and APCs are powerful, manoeuvrable, and adaptable to all battlefield environments. The M1 Abrams is one of the largest tanks on Earth, weighing in at a hulking 62 tons. Though its size makes it a target, armour, high-tech countermeasure device, and independent thermal viewer make it a force to be reckoned with. The PzH 2000 is arguably the most powerful self-propelled artillery on the planet, able to deliver ten 155mm rounds per minute with incredible precision. When the Stryker uses its unique specifications to adapt to diverse battlefields, it becomes what’s needed most in diverse conditions. Removable and modular armour, an advanced mounted display system, and proactive countermeasure systems make the Merkava 4 highly adaptable and manoeuvrable. To get ship-borne troops to shore safely, the AAV Ship to Shore Assault Vehicle easily transitions between land and water using a range of amphibious enhancements.

As the A-1 standard of American fighter jets, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II hits supersonic speeds and makes hairpin turns -- all while boasting a radar signature the size of a golf ball. The Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II is perfectly designed to provide close air support. Its unique proportions, advanced armour, and use of augmented reality allow it to survive enemy fire, deploy weapons, and target enemy positions. The Eurofighter Typhoon’s fly-by-wire system gives this swing aircraft an edge over other combat aircraft. Thirteen weapon stations and a unique design allow it to switch quickly between modes. As the most expensive aircraft on Earth, the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit Bomber lives up to its price tag with long-range capabilities, a fuel-efficient design, and unmatched stealth measures. The Lockheed Martin C-5 Super Galaxy is built to haul gargantuan payloads -- up to 281,000 lbs! It features advanced jet engines, high-mounted wings, and front-loading capabilities that make it possible.

From hulking warships to whisper-quiet submarines, sea-faring Titans of Defence boast incredible abilities. The United States Navy's most advanced warship is the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, souped-up with electromagnetic launch systems, advanced arresting gear, and improvements in energy efficiency. The Virginia Class Submarine’s advanced jet-propulsion makes this craft quieter than its competitors, giving it stealth capabilities optimised for surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The USS Zumwalt destroyer’s distinctive angular shape allows it to slip into enemy waters without detection to fire long-range projectiles for precision strikes. Built for diverse conditions, the Type 45 Daring Class Destroyer’s propulsion, air-defence capabilities, and sensor suite allow it to respond to rapidly-changing conditions. The America Class Amphibious Assault Ship is an advanced armoured launch point for ships, aircraft, weapons, and personnel moored along enemy coastlines.

Advanced technology and incredible engineering is behind some of the world’s most incredible military helicopters. The Boeing AH-65 Apache is the “flying tank,” providing incredible firepower and precision with advanced targeting systems and unparalleled armouring. Speed and manoeuvrability are all in the design with the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator, an attack helicopter that employs emergency systems instead of heavy armour. NATO’s NHIndustries NH90 is a world-class multi-use helicopter with features that allow it to be deployed over water, ice, and in the battlefield. Ingenious design allows the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion to transport 59,000 lbs of ammo, war machines, and other supplies to where they’re needed most. Futuristic rotor blades and lightweight composite anti-ballistic armour keep crews and cargo safe in precarious situations. With a quick tilt of its rotors, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey morphs from helicopter into high-flying turboprop plane able to travel 315 mph.

High tech military machines are built to support operations in the field. When military commanders need a lifeline for fuel and supplies, the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) delivers up to 10 tons of critical supplies no matter the terrain. The M11450 Assault Breacher Vehicle’s mine ploughs, dozer blades, and rocket-launch capabilities make de-mining safer, faster, and more effective. In an urban minefield, the Husky MK3 uses an advanced hydraulic arm alongside radars and metal detectors to hone in on and dispose of threats. Weighing in at over 60 tonnes, the M88A2 Hercules is deployed by militaries around the world to recover military vehicles from battlefield, move earth and enemy defenses, and respond to nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. Today’s militaries waste no time when faced with bodies of water. The M3 Amphibious Rig quickly transforms into a floating bridge or ferry, able to support the heaviest of tanks.

Aboard the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B), an advanced suite of sensors allows this drone to seek out targets and strike from more than 600 miles away. As an unmanned aircraft and the world’s largest drone, the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk uses radar, sensors, and optical systems -- as well as a team of operators -- to conduct far-reaching surveillance and storm-tracking. The DOK-ING MV4 drone is a jack-of-all-trades machine, using advanced video systems and situational awareness to dispose of bombs and landmines and clear battle areas. Protecting citizens from incoming attacks, Israel’s Iron Dome uses radar and a battle management weapon control centre to track and intercept enemy missiles. Guided by an onboard computer and able to carry nuclear or conventional warheads, the Tomahawk Cruise Missile zeroes in on targets up to 1,000 miles away and provides crucial data to military analysts post-hit.