For long, a towered tank has been the defining image of battlefields. Its status as a symbol of warfare was inherited from the WWII era. However, warfare itself has changed over the decades, and guerrilla scenarios are gradually replacing open fields lined by trenches on both sides. Warzones have changed from deserts and scorched fields to densely populated urban areas, in most of which, tanks literally don’t fit.
Such a situation calls for smaller and more agile vehicles, though with similar armor systems. Here’s how asymmetric warfare is reshaping military tactics (and the entire weapons industry).
Symmetrical conflicts (that is, those involving two similarly equipped national armies) are rare these days. Arguably, the main change came with the Iraqi invasion, which followed 9/11. Instead of an organized army, the American military faced insurgents who spread booby traps all over the place, most famously, the IEDs (improvised explosive devices).
Despite their improvised nature, IEDs caused heavy material losses and numerous casualties. Indeed, the imponent (though lightly armored) Humvee was no match for such bombs. Enter the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Vehicle, or MRAP. Additionally, it was necessary to create detection technology to counter IEDs effectively.
So, the weapons industry began developing robotic and AI-backed solutions for detecting and destroying traps, such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and drones. Likewise, intelligence and surveillance systems have been adapted to identify and counter insurgent activity, using precision ammunition to minimize collateral damage.
Tanks remain one of the most impressive weapons ever built and are still crucial in specific scenarios. However, light vehicles had to develop their armoring technology without sacrificing maneuverability or burning too much fuel. After all, it wouldn’t be enough to build an “SUV-sized tank,” as such vehicles must also be able to evade quickly under attack.
In this context, MRAPs emerge as a life-changing (and life-saving) development for the troops. These vehicles were designed for crew survival under the emerging threats of asymmetric warfare, such as buried mines and IEDs. So, every single part of the chassis is reinforced to absorb explosions, whether underground or otherwise.
It has high ground clearance, a reinforced floor, and blast-attenuating seats, designed not only to absorb explosions but also to prevent shrapnel from being released from the vehicle's interior. Typically, the armor comprises multiple layers of ceramic plates, ballistic steel, and composite materials. Yet, MRAP's defining armoring system is its V-shaped hull, which deflects explosive fragmentation. Such features mark a considerable evolution from the traditional Humvees.
The rise of asymmetric warfare has driven the development of new solutions on the battlefield, which have migrated from desolate areas to crowded cities and narrow streets. Unsurprisingly, global market projections for the MRAP industry point to solid growth up to 2030.
Meanwhile, researchers and manufacturers work tirelessly to reduce armor weight without sacrificing protection, giving MRAPs the maneuverability needed in life-threatening situations. Some modern versions are already equipped with AI technology for threat detection and autonomous driving features.
