Why Smaller Countries Failed to Design Their Own Tanks
During the interwar period, tanks were considered a cutting-edge yet relatively accessible technology for many smaller countries. However, the vast majority of these nations failed to develop their own tank designs. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, focusing on the industrial capabilities required and the history of tank development in various nations.
Industrial Infrastructure: A Prerequisite for Tank Design
Building tanks is an incredibly complex endeavor that demands a robust industrial infrastructure. This includes heavy engineering facilities capable of casting and drop forging large metallic components, a well-developed automotive industry supplying engines, gearboxes, and transmissions, and an armaments industry responsible for manufacturing the main gun. These requirements are substantial and go beyond the typical capabilities of smaller nations.
Smaller Countries and Their Tank Designs
While it might seem surprising, several smaller countries did manage to design their own tanks, albeit with some help. For instance, during the pre-World War II era, smaller nations like Poland and Thailand were able to create designs based on imported prototypes. The Polish 7TP and the Thai Type 76 SPAAG (also known as the "Dragon") were both refined versions of more basic machines, such as the Vickers 6-Ton and the Carden Loyd tankette, respectively.
Moreover, some countries had more innovative and self-reliant tank programs. Czechoslovakia, for example, produced renowned tank designs such as the LT-35 and the LT-38, which were not initially meant for domestic use but were later used by the Germans during the early stages of World War II. The LT-38, in particular, had a remarkable career, evolving into the JgPz 38(t) tank destroyer and serving in the Swiss army until 1973.
Canada: A Case Study in Smaller Nations Building Tanks
Canada is a prime example of a smaller country with a significant population and industrial capacity that managed to produce its own tank designs. Despite being a large country in terms of land area, Canada is relatively small in population. During the Second World War, it developed the Ram tank, although never used as a gun tank, it was successfully converted into an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and other modified variants. This showcases the potential of smaller nations to produce tanks given the right conditions and resources.
Post-World War II Developments
After World War II, the complexity and size of tanks increased dramatically. Only those nations with substantial military budgets and advanced manufacturing capabilities could afford to produce them. The interwar period saw smaller tanks that were more manageable, but post-war designs required a much higher level of industrial sophistication. Therefore, without the right infrastructure, it became virtually impossible for smaller countries to keep pace with the evolving technology of tank design.
Conclusion
To sum up, while some smaller countries succeeded in designing and building their own tanks during the interwar period, most were unable to do so due to the profound industrial infrastructure requirements. This article underscores the significance of industrial capabilities and historical design experiences in the context of tank development and production.