For over three years, soldiers in World War I experienced a terrible statement along the Western Front. Desperate to make some progress, the British revealed their new secret weapon: 50 rudimentary tanks, which were sent to the Battle of the Somme on September 15, 1916.
Despite high failure rates, the tanks’ presence on the battlefield helped to disrupt the statement. Their impact also spurred the rapid development of rival tanks across many of the countries involved in the war. (These are the most mass-produced tanks in U.S. history.)
Now over 100 years later, modern tanks have evolved immensely since those used in WWI. The Main Battle Tank (MBT), for example, is typically equipped with a powerful arsenal of machine guns and grenades with advanced targeting systems and cutting-edge technology. (These are the U.S. military’s oldest and newest, tanks, trucks, and armored vehicles.)
Although it is not always the side with the biggest tanks that wins the war, having heavy tanks sure helps a ton. Lighter tanks are more mobile when navigating rough terrain, but heavy battle tanks can be the more tactical choice in some situations.
Heavy tanks are usually equipped with high-caliber guns, which far outclass their smaller counterparts. When combined with aerial support and infantry, tanks can also act as a force multiplier. They can punch holes in enemy lines or take out anti-aircraft systems, creating room for progress on the ground and the sky.
To identify the heaviest tanks of the modern era, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a catalog of tanks from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft used by militaries around the world. We ranked tanks according to their weight, excluding those that weigh less than 50 tons. Supplemental information about the type of tank, country of origin, manufacturer, top speed, and armament also came from Military Factory. We excluded tanks that did not make it out of the prototype or proposal stage.
Why This Matters
Source: soldiersmediacenter / Flickr
Understanding the size and scale of modern warfare provides insights into corporate financial health and geopolitical stability, which are both influenced and impacted by military spending. The sheer size and weight of modern tanks come at staggering price tags, reflecting potential economic consequences for their use. This also impacts taxpayers and personal wealth, particularly in a world shaped by military power and billion-dollar manufacturing corporations. In addition, it provides insights into major world powers and how those countries are investing in national defense and potential conflicts.
Here is a look at some of the heaviest tanks of the modern era:
29. T-64BM (Bulat)
The T-64BM (Bulat) was introduced in 1999 and weighs 50 tons. Manufactured by the Malyshev Factory in the Ukraine, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 45 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm KBA3 main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a smoke grenade.
28. T-72 (Ural)
The T-72 (Ural) was introduced in 1972 and weighs 50.7 tons. Manufactured by State Factories in the Soviet Union, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 42 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
27. T-80 (MBT)
Source: peer_gynt / Flickr
The T-80 (MBT) was introduced in 1976 and weighs 50.7 tons. Manufactured by Omsk Transmash / Malyshev / LKZ in the Soviet Union, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm main gun, a 12.7mm air defense machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
26. T-90M Bhishma
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation / Wikimedia Commons
The T-90M Bhishma was introduced in 2009 and weighs 50.7 tons. Manufactured by the Heavy Vehicles Factory in India, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 37 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm 2A46M-5 main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
25. T-90
Source: nyalr / Flickr
The T-90 was introduced in 1995 and weighs 51.3 tons. Manufactured by Uralvagonzavod in the Soviet Union, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade discharges.
24. NORINCO VT-1A (Type 90-II)
The NORINCO VT-1A (Type 90-II) was introduced in 2000 and weighs 52.9 tons. Manufactured by the China North Industries Corporation in China, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm W85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm type 80 general purpose machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.
23. HIT Al Khalid (MBT 2000)
The HIT Al Khalid (MBT 2000) was introduced in 2001 and weighs 52.9 tons. Manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila / NORINCO in Pakistan, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 45 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
22. Ramses II (T-54E)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Ramses II (T-54E) was introduced in 2005 and weighs 52.9 tons. Manufactured by State Factories in Egypt, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 105mm M68 rifled main gun, a 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
21. M60 (Patton)
Source: FuzzMartin / iStock via Getty Images
The M60 (Patton) was introduced in 1960 and weighs 53.7 tons. Manufactured by General Dynamics in the United States, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 30 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 105mm M68 main gun, a 7.62mm M73 coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm M85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
20. TR-85 (Tanc Romanesc Model 85)
The TR-85 (Tanc Romanesc Model 85) was introduced in 1986 and weighs 55.1 tons. Manufactured by Mechanical Factory Bucharest in Romania, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 37 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 100mm A308 main gun, a 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
19. CM-11 Brave Tiger (M48H)
The CM-11 Brave Tiger (M48H) was introduced in 1990 and weighs 55.1 tons. Manufactured by State Factories in Taiwan, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 30 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 105mm main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
18. Type 90 (Kyu-maru)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Type 90 (Kyu-maru) was introduced in 1992 and weighs 55.1 tons. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm main gun, a 7.62 coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
17. T-84 (Oplot)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The T-84 (Oplot) was introduced in 1999 and weighs 55.9 tons. Manufactured by Malyshev Factory in the Ukraine, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm KBA-3 main gun, a KT-12.7 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and a 7.62mm KT-7.62 coaxial machine gun.
16. ROTEM K1 (Type 88)
The ROTEM K1 (Type 88) was introduced in 1986 and weighs 56.2 tons. Manufactured by Hyundai ROTEM in South Korea, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm KM256 main gun, a 7.62 M60E2-1 coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm K6 anti-aircraft machine gun, a M60D general purpose machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
15. NORINCO VT-4 (MBT-3000)
The NORINCO VT-4 (MBT-3000) was introduced in 2014 and weighs 57.3 tons. Manufactured by China North Industries Corporation in China, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 42 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and grenade dischargers.
14. CIO Ariete
Source: Italian Army / Wikimedia Commons
The CIO Ariete was introduced in 1995 and weighs 59.5 tons. Manufactured by IVECO / OTO-Melara in Italy, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 40 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
13. NORINCO ZTZ-99 (Type 99)
The NORINCO ZTZ-99 (Type 99) was introduced in 2001 and weighs 59.5 tons. Manufactured by China North Industries Corporation in China, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 50 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 125mm main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.
12. AMX-56 Leclerc
Source: Daniel Steger / Wikimedia Commons
The AMX-56 Leclerc was introduced in 1992 and weighs 60.1 tons. Manufactured by GIAT Industries / Nexter in France, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 44 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm GIAT M693 coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm NFI anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
11. Chieftain MBT
Source: ajw1970 / Flickr
The Chieftain MBT was introduced in 1965 and weighs 60.6 tons. Manufactured by Leyland Motors / Vickers / BAe Systems in the United Kingdom, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 30 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm L11 main gun, a 12.7mm machine gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
10. ROTEM K2 (Black Panther)
The ROTEM K2 (Black Panther) was introduced in 2013 and weighs 60.6 tons. Manufactured by Hyundai ROTEM / Samsung / Doosan / World in South Korea, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 43 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm anti-infantry coaxial machine gun. a 12.7mm K6 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
9. Leopard 2
Source: Fric.matej / Wikimedia Commons
The Leopard 2 was introduced in 1979 and weighs 60.8 tons. Manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in Germany, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 45 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm MG3A1 coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm MG3A1 anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
8. Denel Olifant (Elephant)
The Denel Olifant (Elephant) was introduced in 1978 and weighs 63.9 tons. Manufactured by OMC Engineering / Vickers Reumach / LIW Denel in South Africa, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 36 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 105mm L7 rifled main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 7.62 anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.
7. Khalid (Sword)
The Khalid (Sword) was introduced in 1981 and weighs 63.9 tons. Manufactured by Royal Ordinance Factories / Vickers Defense Systems in the United Kingdom, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 30 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm L11A5 rifled main gun, a 7.62mm L8A2 coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm L37A2 anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
6. DRDO Arjun (Lion)
The DRDO Arjun (Lion) was introduced in 2004 and weighs 64.6 tons. Manufactured by DRDO / CVRDE / Heavy Vehicles Factory in India, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 42 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm rifled main gun, a 12.7mm HCB anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm TK715 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
5. Merkava (Chariot)
Source: Wirestock / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The Merkava (Chariot) was introduced in 1979 and weighs 66.1 tons. Manufactured by the Israeli Ordnance Corps Facility in Israel, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 29 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, a 60mm mortar launcher, and smoke grenade launchers.
4. Sabra (M60T)
The Sabra (M60T) was introduced in 2007 and weighs 66.8 tons. Manufactured by Israel Military Industries in Israel, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 30 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm MG253 main gun, a 7.62 M240 coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm M85 anti-aircraft machine gun, a 7.62mm MG3A1 machine gun, 60mm field mortar, and smoke grenade dischargers.
3. Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122)
The Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) was introduced in 1998 and weighs 68.3 tons. Manufactured by Bofors Defense / Alvis Hagglunds in Sweden, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 45 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
2. Challenger 2 (FV4034)
Source: ajw1970 / Flickr
The Challenger 2 (FV4034) was introduced in 1998 and weighs 68.9 tons. Manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems / BAe Systems in the United Kingdom, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 37 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm L30 CHARM main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial anti-infantry machine gun, a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
1. M1 Abrams
Source: thenationalguard / CC BY 2.0 /Flickr
The M1 Abrams was introduced in 1980 and weighs 69.5 tons. Manufactured by General Dynamics in the United States, it is a main battle tank with a top speed of 42 mph. The tank’s armaments include a 120mm Rehinmetall M256A1 smoothbore main gun, a 12.7mm Browning M1HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm M240 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers.
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