Weapons explained
What each weapon type is, what it does and which countries have the most.
Land
Main battle tank
A heavily armoured tracked vehicle with a large main gun mounted in a turret. Tanks combine firepower, protection and mobility, and lead at…
Infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)
An armoured vehicle that carries a squad of soldiers into battle and supports them with its own cannon and often anti-tank missiles. It is …
Armoured personnel carrier (APC)
A protected 'battle taxi' that moves soldiers safely through dangerous areas. It usually carries only a machine gun for self-defence. APCs …
Self-propelled howitzer
A large artillery gun built onto its own armoured chassis, so it can drive into position, fire, and move away quickly before the enemy can …
Towed artillery
An artillery gun pulled by a truck and set up by its crew at the firing position. It is cheaper and lighter than self-propelled artillery a…
Multiple rocket launcher (MLRS)
A truck or tracked vehicle carrying many rocket tubes that can fire a whole salvo within seconds, covering a large area. Newer systems such…