Karrar
Summary
| Origin country | 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Sub-type | Main battle tank |
| Manufacturer | Bani Hashim Defense Industrial Complex |
| Number built | 800 units |
Technical specifications
| Crew | 3 (driver, commander and gunner) personnels |
| Range | 550 km |
| Mass | 51.0 tons |
| Height | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Width | 3.7 m (12.1 ft) |
| Length | 9.78 m (32.1 ft) |
| Max. speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) |
| Engine | 1000 hp diesel |
| Weapon 1 | 125 mm 2A46M/M-2/M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Weapon 2 | coaxial 7.62mm machine gun |
| Weapon 3 | remotely controlled 12.7mm machine gun |
| Weapon 4 | 14.5mm machine gun |
Further Reading
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Historical operators
Description
The Karrar is an Iranian main battle tank developed by the Bani Hashim Defense Industrial Complex. Development followed the cessation of negotiations between Iran and Russia for the licensed production of T-90MS tanks. The project was announced in 2016, with Iranian officials stating a preference for domestic production over foreign acquisition. While based on the T-72 platform, the vehicle incorporates design elements similar to the T-90, M1 Abrams, and Challenger 2. The tank was unveiled in March 2017, and production models were declared ready for service in November 2020.
The primary armament consists of a 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun equipped with a fume extractor, thermal sleeve, and stabilizer. The gun is serviced by a carousel autoloader and is capable of firing anti-tank laser-guided missiles. The fire control system includes an electro-optical system, a laser rangefinder, and a ballistic computer for engaging stationary and mobile targets. Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted remotely operated weapon station typically armed with a 12.7mm or 14.5mm machine gun.
Protection is provided by composite armor on the turret and explosive reactive armor (ERA) panels on the hull and turret. The ERA configuration includes panels on the sideskirts and turret front that resemble the Russian Relikt system, alongside thicker ERA sections on the hull front and turret sides. Slat armor is fitted to the rear of the hull and turret. The vehicle employs a soft-kill active protection system featuring laser warning receivers and electro-optical jammers. Upon detection of a laser lock, the system can deploy smoke or aerosol screens from twelve 81mm launchers.
The vehicle is powered by a 1000 hp diesel engine and utilizes a torsion bar suspension. External fuel tanks can be attached to the rear of the hull to extend the operational range.
The Karrar is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Force. It has been ordered in large numbers for domestic requirements and has participated in military maneuvers, including the Great Prophet 17 exercise.