In this article, we look at 5 countries with the most battle tanks in the world. You can read about how militaries are integrating combat vehicle protection systems to enhance the safety of tanks on the battlefield by heading over to the 15 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World.
5. United States
Tanks: 4,657
The United States has the most number of tanks for any NATO member. The country is known for its heavy spending on defense expenditure and has produced several renowned tanks over history, such as M4 Sherman, M60 Patton, and M48 Patton, among others. Currently, the most sophisticated and advanced tank used by the US military is the M1 Abrams and its variants, which it exports around the world. The third-generation battle tank is named after General Creighton Abrams, and is manufactured by General Dynamics.
4. China
Tanks: 5,000
China’s fleet size of battle tanks is estimated to be 5,000 according to the Global Firepower Index 2024. The country has a mix of older and modern tanks. The third-generation Type 15 tank, which is also known as the Black Panther, is one of the newest tanks operated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It is manufactured by Norinco. The Black Panther has an operational range of 469 kilometers and a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour. The Type 15 is a successor of the Type 62 tank that was retired in 2013.
3. Egypt
Tanks: 5,340
Egypt has the third most number of tanks in the world, with over one thousand M1 Abrams tanks. The African country has tank production agreements with the United States, and has been co-producing the M1 Abrams tanks for the past several years. In addition to these third-generation tanks, the Egyptian military also operates about 300 M60A1 and 200 T-62 battle tanks.
2. North Korea
Tanks: 5,845
North Korea possesses nearly six thousand battle tanks and maintains a strong military posture under the Korean People’s Army. However, a majority of these tanks are aging and outdated, and in pretty bad shape despite efforts by Pyongyang to upgrade its military equipment. Most of the tanks operated by North Korea are of Russian and Chinese origin, such as T-34, T-54, and Type 59. The country in recent decades has developed some of its indigenous tanks as well, which include Chonma-ho and Pokpung-ho.
1. Russia
Tanks: 14,777
Russia tops the charts for countries with the most battle tanks in the world, having more than twice the number of tanks that North Korea at second spot does. Considering the vast lands of Russia, it only makes sense for the country to have as large a fleet as this. The T-90 and T-14 ARMATA are the most advanced tanks operated by the Russian military.
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