Could a howitzer destroy a tank?

Can a Howitzer Take Down a Main Battle Tank?

When comparing artillery to heavy armor, many wonder whether indirect fire can defeat heavy armor: can a howitzer destroy a tank? The short answer is yes, though the mechanics of such an engagement differ significantly from traditional anti-tank tactics.

Unlike high-velocity anti-tank weapons that fire along a flat line of sight to pierce thick frontal plating, howitzers lob high-explosive shells in high arcs. Because these rounds descend from above, they are uniquely positioned to hit a tank's thinner top armor, which is usually the least protected area of the vehicle.

However, howitzers are inherently area-saturation weapons rather than sniper rifles. Achieving a direct hit with conventional, unguided artillery is far less likely per shot compared to dedicated anti-tank systems equipped with advanced optics. Yet, when modern precision-guided munitions or lucky direct strikes connect, the overwhelming explosive force is more than capable of disabling or catastrophic destruction.