Evolution of Infantry Tactics and Weapons to Destroy Tanks: From WW2 to Modern Times

Infantry have developed a range of strategies and weapons to counter the threat of armored vehicles, adapting these tactics significantly since World War II. Below is a comprehensive overview of how these methods have evolved and their current effectiveness.

Strategies and Weapons Used by Infantry to Destroy Tanks

Anti-Tank Guns

World War II: Infantry relied extensively on anti-tank guns such as the 37mm and 75mm models, which were towed and could be positioned to ambush tanks. While effective in their time, these weapons lacked the mobility and accuracy needed for sustained engagements.

Modern: Lightweight, man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) like the Javelin and Spike have largely replaced traditional anti-tank guns. These modern missiles allow infantry to engage tanks from a distance with high precision, significantly enhancing their combat capability.

Grenades and Explosives

World War II: Soldiers used hand grenades and shaped charges, such as the German Panzerfaust and the American Bazooka, to target vulnerable spots on tanks. These weapons were effective against lighter vehicles and in urban combat environments.

Modern: While infantry still use grenades, modern variants include advanced shaped charges designed to penetrate armor more effectively. These improvements have made grenades a more reliable option for targeting tanks.

Molotov Cocktails

World War II: Improvised incendiary devices were used extensively, especially in urban warfare. Molotov cocktails were particularly effective against lighter vehicles and could cause fires that might disable tanks or create panic among the crew.

Modern: Although Molotov cocktails can still cause damage, modern tanks have better fire suppression systems and thicker armor, making them less susceptible to such attacks. While not obsolete, Molotov cocktails are generally not considered a reliable method for destroying modern armored vehicles.

Close Combat and Ambush Tactics

World War II: Infantry often set ambushes in urban environments or used terrain features to conceal themselves from tanks. This strategy capitalized on the slower mobility and operational limitations of tanks in complex environments.

Modern: Tactics have evolved to include coordinated attacks using drones for reconnaissance, combined-arms operations with supporting fire from armored vehicles, and the use of terrain to conceal movement. Modern warfare emphasizes integration between infantry, armor, and aerial support, making it more challenging for infantry to operate effectively against tanks on their own.

Drones and Technology

Modern: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used to spot tanks and direct fire from artillery or air support. This technology enhances situational awareness and allows for precision strikes, significantly improving infantry's ability to target and destroy tanks from a distance.

Evolution Since WWII

Armor Improvements

Post-WWII tank armor has significantly improved, with composite materials and reactive armor making traditional anti-tank methods less effective. Modern tanks are better equipped to handle direct hits and secondary munitions, which have decreased the reliability of older tactics.

Guided Missiles

The introduction of guided missiles has shifted the balance, allowing infantry to engage tanks from a safe distance with high precision. Modern ATGMs can target tanks with greater accuracy and effect, enhancing infantry's ability to destroy armor.

Combined Arms Doctrine

Modern warfare emphasizes integration between infantry, armor, and aerial support, making it more challenging for infantry to operate independently against tanks. Combined arms doctrine ensures that infantry, tanks, and aircraft work in concert to achieve tactical objectives.

Tanks Destroyed by Molotov Cocktails in WWII

While specific figures for tanks destroyed by Molotov cocktails hitting the engine are hard to come by, it is known that these incendiary devices were used extensively in urban combat scenarios. They were particularly effective against lighter vehicles and in disabling tanks by igniting fuel or causing crew panic. However, the exact number of tanks destroyed in this manner is not well-documented in historical records.

Can Modern Tanks Be Destroyed by Molotov Cocktails?

In modern warfare, it is highly unlikely that Molotov cocktails would reliably destroy a tank. Modern tanks are equipped with advanced armor and fire suppression systems, as well as improved fuel storage designs that minimize the risk of fire. While Molotov cocktails could potentially cause damage or crew distress, they are not a practical or effective method for destroying modern armored vehicles.

Conclusion

Overall, while infantry tactics and weapons against tanks have evolved significantly since WWII, the effectiveness of traditional methods like Molotov cocktails has diminished against modern armor. The focus has shifted to more advanced technologies and combined arms approaches to counter armored threats, ensuring that modern infantry has a range of effective options to destroy tanks.