Modern Anti-Tank Guns: Are They Still Used by Modern Armies?

In modern military contexts, the role of anti-tank guns has significantly evolved from their historical counterparts used during World War II. While the early anti-tank guns were powerful and effective against thinner armor, today's advanced tanks feature much thicker and sophisticated armor, making it impractical to use these high-caliber rifles for anti-tank purposes. Instead, these weapons have been reclassified as anti-materiel rifles (AMRs), designed to target light armored vehicles, optical equipment, and structures from long-range distances.

Modern Anti-Materiel Rifles (AMRs)

Today, high-caliber anti-materiel rifles are primarily used by modern militaries. For instance, the Barrett M95 AMR is capable of targeting light armored vehicles, optics, and military hardware from long ranges. In Ukraine, for example, several models of these rifles, including the European equivalent of the .50 BMG and 14.5mm ammunition, are in use due to their versatility and effectiveness.

Historical Context: Manhandling Early Anti-Tank Guns

During World War II, anti-tank guns were still relatively manageable. For instance, the German 3.7 cm Pak 36 had a combat weight of just 327 kg with a crew of five and could be manhandled. However, by 1941, it was being replaced by the 5cm Pak 38, which was three times as heavy at 1000 kg. The 7.5cm Pak 40, introduced later, weighed 1425 kg, requiring a crew that could barely move it into position without being spotted by enemy tanks.

These massive weapons proved impractical for manhandling into effective positions. As a result, the German military developed an infantry assault gun with a short 75mm gun, optimized for anti-infantry roles but still suitable for anti-tank duty. Over time, this gun was further developed to be more powerful and optimized for anti-tank combat.

Current Use of Anti-Tank Guns

While some anti-tank guns are still in inventory, they are rarely used in an anti-tank role. The Russian 100mm anti-tank gun T-12, for example, has a mass of 2750 kg and provides HE (high explosive) capabilities with a range of 3000 meters. Despite its impressive range and firepower, it is too heavy to be manhandled into position and repositioned under threat, making it impractical for anti-tank duties.

Therefore, in modern military contexts, anti-tank guns have largely been replaced by shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons and recoilless rifles. These are more portable and effective against modern, well-armored tanks. Anti-materiel rifles, designed for long-range precision, are now more commonly used for their adapted roles in eliminating enemy equipment and structures from safe distances.

While the advancements in technology and armored vehicles have rendered many traditional anti-tank guns obsolete, these weapons continue to serve a vital role in modern (AMRs) and as long-range precision tools in various military operations.

Conclusion: Modern anti-tank guns, although still in inventory, are rarely used in the traditional anti-tank role due to the advancements in tank armor. These guns are now more commonly used as anti-materiel rifles (AMRs), designed to target specific high-value targets such as light armored vehicles, optics, and structures from long-range.