Centurion

The genesis of the Centurion dates back to 1943, with a requirement for a new heavy cruiser tank possessing significantly increased durability, reliability, and the capability to withstand direct hits from contemporary anti-tank weaponry, along with enhanced mine protection. Initial manufacture commenced in early 1945, with prototypes deployed to continental Europe shortly after the cessation of hostilities there. Full-scale production started later that year, and the tank officially entered service in December 1946.

One of the most influential post-war tank designs, the Centurion combined effective armour protection, good mobility, and substantial firepower. Its design incorporated welded, sloped armour for enhanced ballistic defence and an externally mounted Horstmann suspension system, chosen for its maintainability and space efficiency. The Centurion featured a progressively more powerful main armament through its service life, evolving from its initial main gun to a larger calibre weapon, and ultimately to a highly effective rifled cannon that became a standard for many Western nations. A key capability introduced in later models was a fully automatic gun stabilisation system, permitting accurate fire while on the move and significantly improving combat effectiveness. The robust chassis also proved highly adaptable, forming the basis for numerous specialist variants, including armoured recovery vehicles and combat engineering platforms equipped with demolition guns.

The Centurion served as a cornerstone of the British Army's armoured forces in the post-World War II era and achieved remarkable longevity, with derivatives remaining operational for many decades. Its combat debut occurred during the Korean War, after which it saw extensive service in numerous global conflicts. These included the Suez Crisis, multiple Indo-Pakistani Wars where it engaged contemporary tank designs, the Vietnam War with Australian forces, and various Middle Eastern conflicts where Israeli and Jordanian forces utilized it extensively, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. South African forces also deployed the tank during the Border War. Its widespread adoption by dozens of armies worldwide underscores its success. Beyond its primary battle tank role, the Centurion chassis was adapted for specialized functions such as armoured personnel carriers and combat engineering vehicles, notably by Israeli forces, and underwent significant modernization programs in countries like South Africa, extending its service life considerably.