Commanders!
This autumn, we’ll be replacing the current set of Contract missions that allow you to receive the BMP-1AM Basurmanin AFV with a brand-new African contract that will feature a new prize – the Olifant Mk.2 Main Battle Tank!
The Olifant Mk.2 (Afrikaans for “Elephant”) is South Africa’s most advanced Main Battle Tank to date but, much like many other vehicles of the same class, it’s build on much older foundations. The Olifant is a heavily modified (and the final evolution of) the British Centurion MBT, the roots of which go back the final days of the Second World War.
South Africa purchased some 200 Centurions Mk.3 from the United Kingdom in the early 1950s but they didn’t last long in service due to issues with maintenance constant overheating. In 1961, half of them were sold off to Switzerland and the other half was mothballed. However, with the threat of Angola rising in the mid-1970s, it was decided to bring them back.
The first Olifants (the Mk.1 version) appeared in the late 1970s. With the help of Israel, they were retrofitted with different engines and built upon imported hulls. The armament was local-made, however, making the Olifant the best indigenous African tank in history. The tank saw battle in 1987. During a single battle, South African Olifants destroyed two Angolan T-55 tanks.
In the early 1990s, the Mk.1B version appeared with additional armor. The final Mk.2 version was designed with lessons from the Border War in mind. The initial requirements from 1998 called for 96 brand-new MBTs but with the existing budget restraints, it was decided to upgrade existing Olifant Mk.1B’s instead.
The Mk.1B version already featured upgraded armor (in form of composite plates covering both the hull and the turret) and the Mk.2 added a new engine to the package along with a new fire control system governing the 105mm Denel GT3B gun.
Ultimately, only 25 vehicles of this type were built between 2005 and 2018. Still, the Olifant is a great example of what budget upgrades can accomplish. With gradual parts replacements over the decades, not much is left of the old Centurion.
In Armored Warfare, the Olifant Mk.2 will be a Tier 7 Premium Main Battle Tank.
Overall, we are looking at a relatively well-protected Main Battle Tank for its Tier. Compared to Centurion AVRE, the main difference is of course the main gun, which, in this case, is a 105mm rifled cannon. As such, the Olifant will offer more consistent firepower compared to the AVRE, making it more suitable to prolonged engagements. The vehicle will feature a standard set of Tier-appropriate shells, including APFSDS, HESH and HE.
A unique element of this vehicle is the presence of smoke shells and white phosphorus shells. The Olifant will be able to fire these shells from its main gun, providing extra support on the battlefield.
While lacking ERA, the protection will also be excellent thanks to all that additional armor on its Centurion hull. Aiding in this regard will be the Defense unlockable active ability. Its 1040hp engine will also ensure solid mobility across all surfaces, roughly comparable to the Merkava Mk.2D, although its maximum speed won’t be exactly high (58 km/h).
Alongside the vehicle, you will be able to obtain other prizes as well during the next contact (for completing Contract Missions), including:
- South African camouflage
- Various South African decals
We hope that you’ll enjoy the new contract and, as always:
See you on the battlefield!
