+1, USSR tree is the best fit for it as the entire design is of Soviet/Russian origin equipment, and there is no specific Arab or African tree for Algerian equipment.
Sticking it in the French tree would only make “sense” off the British precedent of having the T-90, but the thing is I personally think putting the Indian T-90 in the UK tree was a very poor choice, especially since previously, the Australian M1A1 AIM was put in the US tree, and the Canadian C2A1 Leopard MEXAS was put in the German tree - based off the origin nation of the exported equipment, rather than putting the Commonwealth operated equipment in the UK tree.
The Arab/African thing was more of a “future/what-if” thing, like many ideas here. I do think the USSR is the most likely, but if some kind of Arab/African tree were to come, then that would be an even better choice.
Would be a good battle pass or event vehicle. I wouldn’t say it would really fit as a squadron tho that is also an option but i definitely would disagree on it being a TT one.
This made me angry and I’m South African, but why should should France get this? 'cause Algeria was Frog, no it should go to Italy, because the Romans once held part of Algeria
Really like this tank, And I think it would be a great event vehicle for the USSR tech tree, most appropriate time is 5th of July which is the Algerian independence day.
Yeah tying it to that day adds meaning without forcing it and it makes for a solid excuse to spotlight a lesser known vehicle that still fits naturally in the USSR tree. Plus event vehicles with real world historical context tend to land better with the community and this one definitely checks that box without feeling out of place. Would be a strong pick all around for sure
Plus I found this cool picture of an Algerian crewman which would fit perfectly as the event’s profile pic to obtain!
Same reason other vehicles do it. It is a lighter way of protecting the rear of the tank than covering the whole thing in additional armor or ERA. As mentioned in the main post, there were hints by some sources that these could receive ERA, but it wouldn’t extend to the rear, just like other tanks. Standard practice, really.
It’s just that Soviet ERA coverage normally focused on the crew compartment and not the engine. Here it feels like they are doing the opposite. I also see no reason why they wouldn’t cover the whole side in slat, considering the massive turret is gone and its weight with it.
Like I just said, the sides would be covered in ERA and the rear in slat, similar to the T-14 Armata.
The fact is, slat armor is less effective than ERA or composite at stopping modern threats. It is fine against shoulder-fired AT rockets and early ATGMs, but against other tank rounds it is effectively useless. This is why on MBTs it is often relegated to just guarding the rear, as there is less of a threat from that direction. It adds protection from a potential ambush from the rear, but primary protection is focused on the front.
