This article looks at 20 countries with the most battle tanks in the world.
During a Senate hearing last week, General Christopher Cavoli, the head of the US European Command, stated that Russia had lost over 4,000 tanks during its war against Ukraine. Moscow launched an all-out invasion against the country in February 2022 but has instead been bogged down in a grinding war with heavy losses on both sides.
READ ALSO: 10 Defense Stocks with the Highest EPS Growth in 5 Years and 20 Countries with the Strongest Armies in the World.
The mass destruction of tanks in the conflict in Ukraine has raised questions in certain circles about the utility of tanks in modern warfare. However, most defense experts agree that it remains a significant military asset, especially when used in synchronicity with other weapons.
Tanks are armed with powerful weapons, offering protection from dangers on the battlefield. However, they do have limitations in being easy targets for improvised explosive devices, drones, anti-tank missiles, and artillery. Defense contractors are equipping modern tanks with advanced sensors and technologies to help counter these threats.
Germany’s Leopard 2A7+ (Leo2A7+) is a highly promising modern battle tank that is capable of undertaking both low and high intensity military operations. It is an improved version of the Leopard 2, having a dual-kit on the turret, whereas its frontal protection is enhanced by the introduction of a hull front. The tanks also offer 360 degree protection against landmines and rocket-propelled grenades.
The M1 Abrams, developed by General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), are the main battle tanks used by the United States. They are equipped with advanced electronics, improved self-defense systems, and powerful weapons. The tank is also known for its thick armor, which enables it to withstand explosive rounds and even chemical and nuclear conditions, apart from enemy fire.
Moreover, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) has separated the fuel and ammunition compartments in the M1 Abrams, further enhancing the tank’s superior protection. It is considered by many to be the greatest and most advanced battle tank in the world and has attracted interest from several countries over the years.
General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is among the premier manufacturers of combat vehicles in the defense industry, specializing in both wheeled and tracked combat vehicles. In February, the company was listed among the 10 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy Now.
On January 29, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) reported strong results for the full year of 2024, with steady growth in revenue and earnings across all business segments. Net earnings were posted at $3.8 billion, up 14.1% year-over-year, while revenue surged 12.9% from 2023 to reach $47.7 billion.
While we acknowledge the potential of GD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com
Methodology
Countries with the most battle tanks in the world are listed in ascending order of the size of their tank fleet. Data has been sourced from the Global Firepower Index’s 2025 Military Strength Ranking.
At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
20 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World:
20. Saudi Arabia
Tanks: 840
Saudi Arabia’s defense spending has increased at an annual rate of 4.5% since 1960. The country has leveraged its economic strength to raise a strong military and spent approximately $75.8 billion on military expenditure in 2024. It is among the countries with the most battle tanks in the world, with a fleet size of 840, which includes M1A2, M60, and AMX-30 tanks.
19. Taiwan
Tanks: 888
Since its independence, Taiwan has focused on building a strong military due to its perceived threat of aggression from China. It boasts a large fleet of battle tanks comprising the M60A3 and M48H CM11 tanks. In December last year, Taipei received the first batch of 38 Abrams tanks from the United States, which should bolster the country’s defenses.
18. Morocco
Tanks: 903
Morocco is one of the major military powers in Africa. The country benefits from strong ties with Israel and the West and procures most of its weapons from the United States. It is among the countries with the most battle tanks in the world, with a fleet size of 903. These tanks are of diverse origin, such as the T-72, M1A2, M60, and Al-Khalid, among others.
17. Iraq
Tanks: 1,025
Iraq boasts a large fleet of 1,025 tanks. These include several M1A1 Abrams tanks, which the country received from the United States before the withdrawal of American troops. Other tanks that prominently feature in Baghdad’s arsenal are T-55, T-62, and T-72 tanks, of Soviet origin. However, most of these are now outdated, and the government is taking active measures to modernize the fleet. In mid-2020, it unveiled Khafil-1, a locally built, improved version of the T-55/Type 59 tank.
16. Ukraine
Tanks: 1,114
Next on our list of countries with the most battle tanks in the world is Ukraine. While the country has lost several hundred tanks in the ongoing war against Russia, it has also received a significant number of these as part of military assistance from Kyiv’s Western allies. In 2023, the US sent 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to aid in its defense against Moscow.
15. Israel
Tanks: 1,300
With an estimated 1,300 units, Israel is among the countries with the most battle tanks in the world. These include several advanced, modern tanks and upgraded versions of older ones. Some notable tanks used by the IDF include the 5th Gen Merkava Barak V, Merkava Mk 4 Meil Ruach, Merkava Mk IV, Merkava Mk III, Merkava Mk II, Merkava Mk I, and Magach 7C. In 2023, Israel unveiled its new Barak tank, which is equipped with AI, sensors, and cameras.
14. Greece
Tanks: 1,344
Greece has one of the largest and most advanced tank fleets in the world, with about 1,344 units. Despite not engaging in a major battle for decades, the country boasts an impressive inventory due to its historically tense ties with Turkiye. According to a report, the Hellenic Army has approximately 500 Leopard 1 A5/GR, 180 Leopard 2A4/GR, and 170 Leopard 2A6 HEL in active service, among other tanks.
13. Vietnam
Tanks: 1,374
Vietnam is among the countries with the most battle tanks in the world, with a fleet size of 1,374 units. These include about 850 aging T-54/T-55, 300 PT-76 and PT-76 B, and 150 Chinese Type 63 tanks, among others. In 2017, Vietnam announced to acquire 64 T-90 tanks from Russia as part of the military’s modernization efforts. According to reports, the country also entered into a partnership with Elbit Systems in 2022 to upgrade its aging fleet of tanks.
12. Jordan
Tanks: 1,458
Jordan is a critical country in the Middle East, bordering Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, and Israel and the West Bank to its west. Given the security challenges, it has maintained a large fleet of battle tanks. Some notable tanks operated by the country include the M60 procured from the United States, French-made Leclerc battle tanks, and several more that it acquired from the United Kingdom, such as FV4030/4 Challenger 1, FV4201 Chieftain, and the Centurion.
11. Algeria
Tanks: 1,485
Algeria has a fleet of 1,485 battle tanks, composed primarily of Russian and Chinese-sourced equipment. Notable tanks in service of the country include 572 T-90SA, 325 T-72M1, and 270 T-55AMV battle tanks. According to a report in September last year, Algeria conducted trials of the Chinese VT-4 main battle tank, hinting at possible procurement.
10. Iran
Tanks: 1,713
Despite being sanctioned for decades, Iran remains a formidable military force. The most notable tank operated by the Iranian armed forces is Karrar, which is the Iranian version of the Soviet T-72. It is equipped with electro-optical fire control systems, night vision systems, LED headlights, and ballistic computers which allow it to strike both mobile and stationary targets during day and night.
9. South Korea
Tanks: 2,236
Next on our list of countries with the most battle tanks in the world is South Korea, which has a fleet of 2,236 units. The country’s military is equipped with some of the most advanced and sophisticated tanks in the world. Some of them are locally-produced, including the K2 Black Panther, which is often compared to the Abrams due to its superior protection, and has attracted interest from several other countries.
8. Turkiye
Tanks: 2,238
Turkiye boasts a sizable fleet of 2,238 battle tanks, which includes approximately 350 Leopard 1, 330 Leopard 2, 160 M60 Sabra, 650 M60 Patton, and 750 M48 Patton tanks. In February, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) announced that the domestically built Altay battle tank, which comes with improved armor, a vehicle-control system, and a new protection system, is set to enter the Army’s inventory this year.
7. Pakistan
Tanks: 2,627
Pakistan’s fleet of battle tanks is divided into 50 armored regiments. About 1,100 of these are the second-generation Al-Zarrar main battle tanks based on China’s T-59 MBT. The country also operates 350 Al-Khalid tanks, which it co-built with China. Another major tank in Pakistan’s arsenal is the Type-69 II; it has 400 of these, which are based on Chinese designs but were license-built in Pakistan.
6. Egypt
Tanks: 3,620
Egypt is among the countries with the most battle tanks in the world, with a fleet of 3,620 units. These include over one thousand M1 Abrams tanks. The country has been co-producing these tanks under an agreement with the United States. According to a report, over 1,300 M1 Abrams had been delivered to Cairo by 2025. In addition to these, the Egyptian military also operates several hundred M60, T-54/T-55, and T-62 battle tanks.
