page_title: Light tank
section_title: Post–Cold War
hierarchical_section_title: Light tank / History / 20th century / Post–Cold War
caption_attribution_description: English: Irish Army Scorpion Light Tank, taken at 2006 Easter Parade in Dublin.
context_page_description: A light tank is a tank variant initially designed for rapid movement to quickly move in and out of combat, and outmaneuver heavy main battle tanks. They are primarily employed in the screening and reconnaissance role or in a fire support role of expeditionary forces where big main battle tanks cannot be made available or can't operate safely. Early light tanks were generally better armed and armored than armored cars, but used tracks in order to provide better cross-country mobility.
  The fast light tank was a major feature of the pre-World War II buildup, where it was expected they would be used to exploit breakthroughs in enemy lines created by slower, heavier tanks. Numerous small tank designs and "tankettes" were developed during this period and known under a variety of names, including the "combat car".
  The light tank has been one of the few tank variants to survive the development of the main battle tank, and has seen use in a variety of roles including the support of light airborne or amphibious forces and reconnaissance.
context_section_description: Light tanks, such as the PT-76, continue to play a small role in tank warfare, although many are losing favor to cheaper, faster, lighter armored cars. The light tank still fills an important niche in many armies, especially for nations with airborne divisions, Marine Infantry, or those without the resources and funding for main battle tanks. They have important advantages over heavier tanks in Southeast Asia and other nations in the Equatorial region. Their compact dimensions and short to nonexistent barrel overhang lets them maneuver through thick rain forests, and their weight reduces the risk of getting stuck in mud, and simplifies recovery of stuck or damaged tanks. This makes the light tank the preferred choice for infantry support in Equatorial nations. Post–Cold War light tanks include the Stingray light tank, Ajax, and the M8 AGS. Light tanks based on infantry fighting vehicles chassis include the CV90105T, 2S25 Sprut-SD, Tanque Argentino Mediano, ASCOD LT 105, and Harimau.
caption: FV101 Scorpion
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