The Olifant (Afrikaans for Elephant) is the primary main battle tank of South Africa. It was developed from the British Centurion tank since 1976. These tanks were heavily redesigned and rebuilt by South Africa since 1976 with some help from Israel. The Olifant is considered the best indigenous tank design on the African continent.

2018年8月4日 · The Elephant is the largest land animal and, conversely, the Olifant Main Battle Tank (MBT) is aptly named as it is the heaviest military vehicle in service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Olifant Mk2 was adapted for the African battlespace based on the lessons learned from the South African Border War (1966-1989).

2025年1月30日 · At AAD 2024, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) demonstrated a variety of military vehicles, including the Olifant Mk2 main battle tank, alongside the Ratel infantry fighting vehicle and the Rooikat armored reconnaissance vehicle.

2024年9月20日 · The Olifant Mk2 is an upgraded version of the Olifant Mk1B and weighs 60.5 tons. The tank was developed with lessons learned from the South African Border War, resulting in improved armor, mobility, and firepower. The Olifant Mk2 stands out as one of the heaviest vehicles in the SANDF’s arsenal.

2010年1月21日 · Considered the best tank of the Korean conflict (1950-53), about 4423 were built before production ended in 1962. The most common version in SA service remains the Mk1A. The Centurion replaced the British-made Comet I Cruiser Tank in the SA Armoured Corps, 26 of which were purchased in 1953 and phased out in 1976.

2017年11月24日 · The Olifant Mk1B is a complete rebuild of the Olifant Mk1A, adapted for the African battlespace and the lessons learned from the South African Border War (1966-1989). It was designed and produced at a time when South Africa was still subject to international embargoes because of its racial segregation policies ( Apartheid ).

2024年10月10日 · 在2024年非洲航空与防务展（Africa Aerospace and Defense, AAD）上，亮相了一颗特别的“明珠”：南非国家国防军（SANDF）展示的象式“Olifant”Mk2坦克。 这不仅仅是一辆履带式装甲车，而是本土工程师实力的象征。

2024年12月27日 · The Olifant Tank is a South African upgraded British Centurion Tank currently in service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), formerly the South African Defence Force (SADF). It has received several upgrades, the most recent being the Olifant Mk2.

2017年11月12日 · The Olifant is the largest land animal and thus, the Olifant MBT is aptly named as it was the heaviest military vehicle in the then South African Defence Force (SADF) and post-democratic South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Olifant Mk1A is adapted for the African battlespace.

It is equipped with the Olifant Mk.2 main battle tank. The unit's structure is a ‘type 38 regiment’, with 2 tanks at regimental headquarters and 12 tanks each in the three operational squadrons. There are also support squadrons and tank transport squadrons.