In this article, we look at 15 countries with the most battle tanks in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis on the technological advancement of this critical ground combat equipment and head over directly to the 5 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World.
The conflict in Ukraine, where several tanks are being destroyed every day on both sides, have raised questions over the utility of tanks in modern warfare. According to defense analysts, battle tanks continue to be an important military equipment, especially when they are used in synchronicity with other weapons.
Tanks are armed with powerful weapons that offer strong protection from dangers on the battlefield, and their presence alone intimidates any enemy in front of them. They do, however, have limitations, being easy targets for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), drones, anti-tank missiles, and artillery. To counter these threats, modern tanks come equipped with sensors and technologies to detect hazards in order to tackle them.
The M1 Abrams, developed by General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), are the main battle tanks used by the United States. These include advanced electronics, improved self-defense systems, and powerful weapons. These third-generation tanks are also known for their thick armor that enables them to withstand explosive rounds and even chemical and nuclear conditions, apart from enemy fire. Moreover, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) separated the fuel and ammunition compartments in the M1 Abrams, which further enhanced the tank’s superior protection.
M1 Abrams are among the most advanced battle tanks in the world today. The US in January 2023 announced to provide Ukraine 31 of these tanks worth $400 million to assist Kyiv in its defense against Russian invasion. Later in October that year, officials of the US military confirmed to VOA News that all promised tanks had been delivered to Ukraine.
Germany’s Leopard 2A7+ (Leo2A7+) is another 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 Leo2A7+ offers 360 degree protection against landmines and rocket-propelled grenades. Other modern battle tanks that are much talked-about for their sophistication and capabilities like the M1 Abrams and Leo2A7+ are Russia’s T-14 ARMATA and Israel’s Merkava battle tanks.
Militaries are also rapidly integrating combat vehicle protection systems to keep tanks safe from battlefield threats. In 2021, the American army selected Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) to provide base-kits for testing on Abrams, Bradley and Stryker vehicles. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)'s Modular Active Protection System base kit integrates vehicle sensors that detect and defeat anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
In July 2023, RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) received a $117.5 million contract from the US Army, under which it is to provide 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared B-Kit sensors for the Abrams battle tanks. These advanced sensors that will be developed by RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) are expected to enhance lethality and survival prospects of manned fighting vehicles to provide a critical edge to the US military on the battlefield against its adversaries. According to RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX), these advanced sensors would provide high resolution images that would aid in target detection and identification. The company has delivered more than 25,000 second-generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors to the US military over the last 20 years.
15 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World
Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash
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 Global Firepower Index's 2024 Military Strength Ranking.
If interested, you can also take a look at the 20 Largest Air Forces in the World Heading into 2024.
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Let’s now head over to the list of countries with the most battle tanks in the world.
Tanks: 1,632
We begin our list with Algeria, which has one of the most powerful militaries in Africa. Due to its strained relations with Morocco, Algiers has raised a strong armed forces. According to a report, the Algerian army’s fleet of battle tanks includes 572 T-90SA, 325 T-72M1, and 270 T-55AMV battle tanks. The first delivery of the T-90 tanks was made by Russia in 2008 for a deal worth $1 billion.
Tanks: 1,756
Eritrea ranks among countries with the most battle tanks in the world, with a fleet comprising 1,756 tanks – most of which are of Russian or Soviet origin. The T-55 and T-62 are the most notable tanks operated by the Eritrean armed forces.
Tanks: 1,777
Ukraine has one of the largest fleets of battle tanks in the world, which has further been strengthened with western military assistance in wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. According to the BBC, Kyiv has received dozens of tanks from its European allies and the United States. These include 31 Abrams tanks from the United States, 14 Challenger 2 tanks received from the United Kingdom, 14 Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, and 6 Leopard 2 tanks provided by Spain.
Tanks: 1,996
Iran has a sizable fleet of battle tanks with 1,996 tanks according to the Global Firepower Index 2024. Karrar, which is a version of Iran’s T-72S tanks, is the most notable tank that Tehran operates. The tank includes a remotely controlled weapon station and a new fire control system, which makes Karrar similar to Russia’s T-90MS tanks.
Tanks: 2,029
Next on our list of countries with the most battle tanks is Vietnam, with over two thousand tanks in its fleet. These include about 300 PT-76 and PT-76B tanks, along with 150 Chinese Type 63 tanks. In 2017, Vietnam announced that it was going to acquire 64 T-90 tanks from Russia, as part of modernization efforts of the armed forces to enhance their capabilities.
Tanks: 2,231
Turkey has the second largest standing military in NATO with a large fleet of battle tanks, which includes about 300 units of Leopard tanks it procured from Germany in the early 2000s. It also operates American tanks, M48 and M60. The country in April 2023 received its first Altay battle tanks, locally manufactured by BMC. These tanks come with 120 mm L/55 smoothbore guns, and can carry 40 120 mm rounds, according to a report by Janes. Moreover, the Altay tanks have a new protection system, improved armor, and vehicle-control system.
Tanks: 2,501
South Korea’s military is equipped with some of the most advanced and sophisticated battle tanks in the world. The K2 Black Panther, a locally-developed Korean tank manufactured by Hyundai Rotem is often compared to General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)’s Abrams tanks in terms of the protection it offers. The tank comes with a CN08 120 mm, 55 caliber smoothbore gun, and its armor is able to withstand direct hits from close range. Several countries have shown interest in procuring these tanks from South Korea, and still continue to do so. In 2022, Poland announced to buy 1,000 K2 Black Panther battle tanks from Seoul, with each costing about $13 million.
Tanks: 2,720
Most Syrian tanks are of Soviet or Russian origin. According to the Middle East Institute, Syria had a little under 5,000 battle tanks in 2008. However, the country has been decimated by almost a decade of civil war, with the Syrian army losing more than 2,000 armored vehicles and tanks so far. The tank fleet size was measured by 2,720 by the Global Firepower Index in its 2024 ranking. A majority of these are 55/T-55/MV battle tanks.
Tanks: 3,742
Pakistan has a large fleet of main battle tanks (MBTs), divided into 50 armored regiments. The bulk of these tanks (more than 1,100) comprise of Al-Zarrar, second-generation battle tanks that are based on China’s Type 59 MBT. The army also operates about 50 T-54 and 400 Type-69 II battle tanks – the latter being based on Chinese designs, but license-built in Pakistan. Islamabad and Beijing also co-developed the Al-Khalid battle tanks. Pakistan currently has 350 of these, and according to a report in The Diplomat, both countries are working to develop a more advanced version of these tanks which will be called Al-Khalid III. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its 2022 report stated that Pakistan had entered into a contract with China to purchase 679 VT4, which will be license-built in Pakistan under the name of Haider. The monetary terms of the contract are not known.
Tanks: 4,614
Given the strength and size of India’s ground forces, it is no surprise that it finds itself among countries with the most battle tanks in the world. The most notable names in its large fleet of tanks include ARJUN MBT, T-90 BHISHMA, Vijayanta, K-9 Vajra, and T-72 Ajeya. The ARJUN MBT has a speed of 67 kmph, while the T-90 top speeds at 60 kmph. Most of the Indian tanks are of Russian origin. In 2001, New Delhi purchased 310 T-90 tanks from Moscow, and in 2019 the defense ministry signed a $2.8 million deal with Russia for another 464 T-90MS battle tanks from Russia.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Video Above: What comes after the Abrams? Assistant Secretary of Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Talks Future of Tanks
By Katherine Owens -- Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow
Katherine Owens
The top ten tanks today are the German KF51 Panther, the American Abrams M1A2, the Russian T-14 Armata, the Korean K2 Black Panther, the Chinese T-99, the German Leopard 2, the French Leclerc XL, the British Challenger 2, the Israeli Merkava V, and the Japanese Type-90.
Each tank is competing for superior firepower, mobility, and strength, but these qualities alone no longer determine which tanks are the most advanced in the world. Today’s most advanced tanks are defined by their artificial intelligence (AI) and remote operating capability.
The Abrams Main Battle Tank closes with and destroys the enemy using mobility, firepower, and shock effect.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/
Automation and advanced sensory data systems set the stage for AI integration. The KF51 Panther, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3, and the T-14 Armata all have autoloader cannons.[i] The T-14 has unmanned turret capabilities, while the KF51 is equipped with the latest sensor-to-shooter link technology.[ii] The M1A2 SEPv3 hosts Ammunition Data Link technology, which allows the newest Advanced Multi-Purpose cartridge to be pre-programmed to different modes prior to firing.[iii] Once integrated into these systems, AI technology would assess a target against millions of data points; simultaneously evaluating sensor data, environmental conditions, and mission criteria in order to relay the correct ammunition and firing specifications to the tank’s automated fire control system in real-time.
Along with AI technological capacity, remote operation capability distinguishes the most advanced tanks and reveals the different strategic approaches among today’s best tanks.
The KF51 drone-integration technology allows for the operation of multiple remote-controlled weapon systems, including the HERO 120 loitering munition drone, and the ability to work with drone “wingmen” is integrated into the conceptual design of the tank.[iv] As a result, the KF51 German Panther is likely the most advanced in this area.
As part of the Abrams tank’s development model of adapting and upgrading, the M1A2 SEPv3 will likely soon adopt drone operation technology. As previously reported by Warrior, the U.S. Army has tested drone launches from the turret and the use of smaller unmanned armored vehicles that could potentially be operated by the tank’s crew as scouting or first engagement vehicles.[v]
In contrast, the T-14 is designed to be remotely operated itself as an Unmanned Vehicle (UV). Overall, the Russian conceptual design for the T-14 Armata seems to be that of a stand-alone, self-contained network platform.[vi]
Though there are network security risks to cross-platform integration, the KF51 and M1A2 SEPv3’s approach is likely superior, at least for now.
“The advantage of sharing information across a joint network for exceeds any advantage gained by a self-contained network,” Staff Sgt Jason O’Connell (RET), former Instructor, Armored Force School and Replacement Center at Fort Knox told Warrior.
This is because AI technology is only as effective as the amount of available data.
Panther KF51 main battle tank
rheinmetall-defence
To this end, the KF51 and M1A2 SEPv3 are being designed to communicate with sensors off-platform as well as on. In addition to thermal imaging, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), and 360 degree sensor technology, the KF51 has SEOSS panoramic sight technology that is viable both during the day and at night and the M1A2 SEPv3 has Blue Force Tracker (BFT) technology.[vii] Crucially, these systems are being developed or modernized as part of an integrated network. This means that the thermal images of enemy forces from the KF51’s drones, the data from the 360 degree panoramic sensors, FLIR sensors, satellites, and even information from the nearest command post can be accessed through the tank’s network link and soon, all fed to AI data analysis technology to help inform tank operations.
“The modern battlefield requires that all forces and platforms within them should share a collective network,” said SSG O’Connell (RET). “Integrating a shared network across forces and platforms is a significant force multiplier. Providing the tank crews and AI systems on the ground with as much battlefield information as possible should always be the goal. The ability to share views of the battlefield from aircraft providing close air support (CAS) is invaluable.”
Beyond the potential AI and remote capabilities of the world’s top three tanks, survivability—determined by both the mobility and protective capabilities of a tank—sets all ten most advanced tanks above their peers.
Though exact data regarding these metrics is often unavailable for national security reasons, the Leclerc XL, the Leopard 2, the T-90, the Type 90, the K2 Black Panther, and the M1A2 SEPv3 all appear capable of achieving speeds in the 40 to 45 mph range.[viii] The T-14 Armata and the fifth-best T-99 tank excel in this category as they reportedly can achieve speeds of up to 50 mph.[ix]
The fourth most advanced tank, the K2 Black Panther, stands out for its advancements in hydropneumatics suspension and amphibious technologies. At only 55 tons, about 20 tons lighter than the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3, the K2 Black Panther’s design allows each boogie wheel to be operated separately meaning the tank can “sit,” “stand,” “lean,” or “kneel” in any direction.[x] This type of capability is important for crossing rough terrain or obstacles, such as anti-tank trenches, and altering the tank’s profile during a fire-fight. In addition, the K2 Black Panther is capable of fording bodies of water up to 4.1 meters or almost twice it’s height. New armor technology allows the turret to seal completely, while at the same time allowing the tank to take on up to 500 gallons of water to ensure that it remains planted on the ground underwater.[xi]
K2 tank about to cross a water pool submerged with snorkel
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Passive protective capability in the most advanced tanks in the world is achieved by advanced armor and decoy technology. From the information available, the top ten tanks all employ some form of explosive reactive armor (ERA). The KF51 is equipped with a ROSY smoke obscure system, while the T-14, the M1A2 SEPv3, and Challenger 2 Tank all also report smoke screen-generating capabilities.[xii] The T-99 includes a Laser Defense Weapon (LSDW) designed to confuse the laser and infrared guidance technology on incoming missiles.[xiii] Meanwhile, the Leclerc XL tank has additional infrared decoy technology as well as an anti-IED system that jams cellular signals in its vicinity.[xiv]
Forward view of Merkava 4.
WeaponsSystems.net
The ninth-ranking Merkava V is notable for its emphasis on personnel protection. It shares the passive protective technologies described above but includes iron balls on chains attached to the turret, which are designed to spark early grenade detonation.[xv] The Merkava V also supports an all-electric turret and single commander’s hatch in order to minimize disruptions to the passive armor system. Perhaps most uniquely, the tank also features a rear escape hatch that allows undetected evacuation or rescue of external personnel.[xvi]
Altogether, protection, mobility, firepower and the ability to support AI and automation technology make the KF 51, M1A2 SEPv3, and T-14 the top three tanks in the world today. But what about tomorrow?
Will AI and automation enhance the armored forces or ultimately replace them?
“In my experience across diverse battlefields from the sands of Iraq to mountainous wooded terrain of Bosnia there will always be a need for heavy armor,” SSG O’Connell (RET) told Warrior.
“Since 1940, armored division unit patches have contained three symbols: tank tracks, a canon, and a lightning bolt. These symbols represent speed and armor protection, firepower, and shock effect. The current threats in the world, Russia, China and North Korea and several players in the Middle East still require speed and armor protection, firepower, and shock effect just as in 1940.”
Therefore, tomorrow’s most advanced tanks must combine both AI and remote operating technology and the even more advanced, mobility, survivability, and firepower technology
Katherine Owens is an Editorial Fellow at Warrior Maven. She previously wrote for Defense Systems and holds a B.A. in International Affairs from the George Washington University, where she studied security policy and specialized in arms control and nuclear deterrence. Katherine has received an M.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Columbia University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
By Katherine Owens -- Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow
[i] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm.
[ii] Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com; “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military.” Eurasian Times. October 25, 2021. https://eurasiantimes.com/armed-with-unmanned-turret-t-14-armata-tank-one-step-closer-to-induction-by-russian-military/.
[iii] “Tank Ammunition.” United States Army Acquisition Support Center. https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/tank-ammunition/.
[iv] Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com.
[v] “Abrams Main Battle Tank.” United States Army Acquisition Support Center. https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/; Osborn, Kris. “Will the Army’s Abrams Tanks Get Their Own-Hunter-Killer Drones?” National Interest. June 24, 2022; Osborn, Kris. “Army Brings AI-Combat Speed to Tank Warfare.” Warror Maven. August 4, 2021. https://warriormaven.com/cyber/army-brings-ai-combat-speed-to-tank-warfare.
[vi] “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military.” Eurasian Times. October 25, 2021. https://eurasiantimes.com/armed-with-unmanned-turret-t-14-armata-tank-one-step-closer-to-induction-by-russian-military/.
[vii] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm.; Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com.
[viii] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm; “Top 10 Best Tanks in the World Main Battle Tank 2022.” VSB Defense. January 26, 2022.
[ix] “ZTZ99 Main Battle Tank.” Army Technology. August 10, 2009. Suciu, Peter. “Russia’s Next Generation T-14 Armata Tank is Just Getting Started.” National Interest. January 21, 2022.
[x] “K2 Black Panther.” Military Today. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/k2_black_panther_mbt.htm.
[xi] Dangwal, Ashish. “World’s ‘Most Expensive’ Main Battle Tank: Meet K2 Black Panther — The Ultimate War Machine — That Can ‘Float On Water’.” Eurasian Times. December 31, 2021.
[xii] “Abrams Main Battle Tank.”; “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military;” “Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.” Army Technology. March 20, 2020.
[xiii] “Type 99 MBT (200).” Tank Encyclopedia.
[xiv] Ferrard, Stéphane; Gerard, Turbe (1992). The Leclerc System. Bosquet. p. 109; Roblin, Sebastien. “France’s Leclerc Tank: The Best Tank on Earth (That You Never Heard Of).” National Interest. June 18, 2021.
[xv] Roblin, Sebastien. “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Israel’s Merkava Main Battle Tank.” National Interest. August 23, 2021.
[xvi] “New-generation IDF tank to become operational with one year.” Israel Hayom, March 13, 2022. https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/03/13/new-generation-idf-tank-to-become-operational-with-one-year/.
[1] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm.
[1] Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com; “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military.” Eurasian Times. October 25, 2021. https://eurasiantimes.com/armed-with-unmanned-turret-t-14-armata-tank-one-step-closer-to-induction-by-russian-military/.
[1] “Tank Ammunition.” United States Army Acquisition Support Center. https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/tank-ammunition/.
[1] Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com.
[1] “Abrams Main Battle Tank.” United States Army Acquisition Support Center. https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/; Osborn, Kris. “Will the Army’s Abrams Tanks Get Their Own-Hunter-Killer Drones?” National Interest. June 24, 2022; Osborn, Kris. “Army Brings AI-Combat Speed to Tank Warfare.” Warror Maven. August 4, 2021. https://warriormaven.com/cyber/army-brings-ai-combat-speed-to-tank-warfare.
[1] “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military.” Eurasian Times. October 25, 2021. https://eurasiantimes.com/armed-with-unmanned-turret-t-14-armata-tank-one-step-closer-to-induction-by-russian-military/.
[1] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm.; Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank – Future tanknology. “Rheinmetall Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank – Future Tanknology.” https://rheinmetall-defence.com.
[1] “Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.Com.” Top 10 Main Battle Tanks | Military-Today.com. www.military-today.com. Accessed June 27, 2022. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm; “Top 10 Best Tanks in the World Main Battle Tank 2022.” VSB Defense. January 26, 2022.
[1] “ZTZ99 Main Battle Tank.” Army Technology. August 10, 2009. Suciu, Peter. “Russia’s Next Generation T-14 Armata Tank is Just Getting Started.” National Interest. January 21, 2022.
[1] “K2 Black Panther.” Military Today. http://www.military-today.com/tanks/k2_black_panther_mbt.htm.
[1] Dangwal, Ashish. “World’s ‘Most Expensive’ Main Battle Tank: Meet K2 Black Panther — The Ultimate War Machine — That Can ‘Float On Water’.” Eurasian Times. December 31, 2021.
[1] “Abrams Main Battle Tank.”; “Armed with Unmanned Turret T-14 Armata Tank One Step Closer to Induction By Russian Military;” “Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.” Army Technology. March 20, 2020.
[1] “Type 99 MBT (200).” Tank Encyclopedia.
[1] Ferrard, Stéphane; Gerard, Turbe (1992). The Leclerc System. Bosquet. p. 109; Roblin, Sebastien. “France’s Leclerc Tank: The Best Tank on Earth (That You Never Heard Of).” National Interest. June 18, 2021.
[1] Roblin, Sebastien. “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Israel’s Merkava Main Battle Tank.” National Interest. August 23, 2021.
[1] “New-generation IDF tank to become operational with one year.” Israel Hayom, March 13, 2022. https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/03/13/new-generation-idf-tank-to-become-operational-with-one-year/.