Tankbaserad

Tankbaserad is a Swedish term used to describe something that is based on or organized around tanks, i.e., armored fighting vehicles. The adjective is formed from tank and baserad (based). It appears in Swedish military and historical writing as well as contemporary commentary on armored warfare.

In a military context, tankbaserad kraft eller doktrin denotes a strategy in which tanks are the central maneuver element—employed to penetrate defenses, exploit breakthroughs, and lead offensives. Such doctrine has roots in early to mid-20th-century mechanized warfare, notably German blitzkrieg, and has continued to influence debates about the role of main battle tanks. However, many armed forces have since adopted more integrated, combined-arms approaches where infantry, artillery, aircraft, engineers, and logistics work together rather than relying solely on tanks.

In modern discussions, the term is often used to describe historical or theoretical perspectives rather than current practice. Critics frequently argue that a tankbaserad approach can be vulnerable in urban combat, against well-defended anti-tank systems, or in environments requiring rapid, multi‑domain operations.

Etymology and usage: the term is primarily used in Swedish-language texts but is understood in discussions of armored warfare. It appears in military analysis, journalism, and sometimes in fiction that centers on tank warfare. See also: armored warfare, main battle tank, combined arms.