M60A3

The M60A3 is a variant of the American M60 Patton main battle tank. It was the final version of the M60 series to be produced by the United States. Development began in the late 1970s with the goal of incorporating improved fire control systems and other upgrades to maintain the tank's combat effectiveness.

Key improvements over earlier M60 models include the integration of an M21A1 ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder, and an improved thermal imaging system. These upgrades significantly enhanced the tank's ability to engage targets accurately, especially at longer ranges and in adverse weather or nighttime conditions. The M60A3 retained the 105mm M68 rifled main gun and the general chassis of its predecessors.

The M60A3 entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979. While it represented a significant technological leap for the M60 platform, it was eventually superseded by the M1 Abrams series of tanks. The M60A3 was widely exported and served in numerous foreign military forces, where many remain in service today, often with further indigenous upgrades. Its production concluded in the early 1980s. The tank is characterized by its low profile, cast steel hull and turret, and its distinctive road wheels.