[Tanks Have Not Died on the Battlefield: French Military Calls for Adjustment of Combat Tactics]
Many Western experts have drawn conclusions from the Ukraine conflict, claiming that the era of tanks is coming to an end. However, France's senior officers firmly disagree with this view.
Colonel Frédéric Jourdan of the French Ministry of Defense pointed out: "No, tanks have not died on the battlefield, but they must be used reasonably. When tanks stop or are not covered by infantry, they become very vulnerable. The advantage of tanks lies in their high mobility and the ability to concentrate forces at critical locations to break through enemy defenses."
Colonel Jourdan believes that as long as they are used within the framework of well-organized combined arms operations, tanks remain valuable assets. This requires efficient logistics support, especially at the front lines, equipped with mobile teams and evacuation equipment for rapid repairs as close to the front line as possible.
As General Pierre Hilger, Chief of Staff of the French Army, explained, tanks provide speed and offensive power to the brigades and divisions they are assigned to when in contact with the enemy. He said that the analysis of the current conflicts (Ukraine, Palestine, South Lebanon) has led some military experts to come up with ideas that may reduce the role of armored units or even eliminate them. They argue that the front lines are in a stalemate, maneuver actions progress slowly, and concentrating forces carries the risk of losses.
This general pointed out that any armored or mechanized force cluster within 20 to 30 kilometers of the contact line would become a target for various combined firepower strikes, including low-cost drones: "In the Russia-Ukraine war, the guidance and accuracy of firepower seem to have surpassed mobility."
According to him, this is largely due to the intensive use of drones, combined with satellite reconnaissance, electronic warfare, long-range firepower, and rapid decision-making. In this situation, main battle tanks are more often tasked with support and defensive roles rather than breakthrough missions. He believes that under these circumstances, tankers must develop new combat tactics.
"Learn the spirit of innovation from your predecessors. Armies need cavalry (armored) forces to ensure speed, offensive power, and operational depth." The general urged adjustments to combat tactics while saying this.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830620020795402/
Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author alone.