Military chiefs are reportedly considering proposals to scrap Britain's tanks following concerns they have become less relevant to 21st century warfare.
Britain's 227 Challenge 2 tanks could be axed by the Government as part of its foreign policy and defence review, the Times reports.
The British Army is facing increasing costs for its ageing fleet of 227 Challenger 2 tanks, and the 388 Warrior armoured fighting vehicles that support them on the battlefield.
General Sir Richard Barrons, former commander joint forces command said the future of warfare will be moving away from the use of the battlefield tank to focus on personnel using remotely controlled unmanned and autonomous equipment.
"We need to stop doing something that is becoming obsolescent in order to do something that is far better and more relevant," he told the Times.
"This is not about ‘having a holiday’ [from a capability], it’s about transformation."
A Government source also told the newspaper: "We know that a number of bold decisions need to be taken in order to properly protect British security and rebalance defence interests to meet the new threats we face.'"
However, Britain's commitments to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) could impact its decision to scrap the Challenge 2 tanks.
Benefits of the political and military alliance of 30 countries includes being able to draw on the military expertise and capabilities of its members.
This can include drawing on tanks, submarines or fighter jets from its Allied troops.
A senior British defence source said: "We simply will not be viewed as a credible leading Nato nation if we cannot field close-combat capabilities.
"It places us behind countries such as France, Germany, Poland and Hungary."
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It has yet to be said whether senior members of Nato would support plans from the UK to instead contribute to air attacks, rapid response and strike brigade capabilities.
Tobias Ellwood, Tory chairman of the defence select committee, said: “The tank isn’t just heavy armour, it’s a phenomenal presence on the battlefield.
"It shows a strength of capability and a resolve that you are determined to hold ground.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the Evening Standard: “Our commitment to NATO is unwavering, and the UK recognises that as a global military power our greatest strength remains our alliances.
“We are engaging our international allies and industry partners as we develop and shape defence’s contribution to the Integrated Review.”