picture 204090

The Chieftain Mk.5/3P remained the major MBT in Iranian service during the mid-1980s. However, with the IRGC taking over the brunt of fighting on the front lines, IRIA formations equipped with the type were held back in reserve, and thus their Chieftains saw even less action. While still wearing the standard camouflage colour of light olive green, applied back in the 1970s, this was badly worn out on most vehicles. Indeed, by 1986, most surviving Chieftains barely showed even their national insignia, applied in the form of a roundel in Iranian national colours, on turret sides and the rear storage box. (Artwork by Radek Panchartek)