This June marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the day during World War II when 150,000 Allied troops stormed Normandy, France. Known as the largest seaborne invasion to ever occur before or since, D-Day signified a major turning point in the war. Allied forces brought with them a massive arsenal to Normandy, including battle tanks. In fact, military tanks played a key role in the invasion. Modified tanks, known as Hobart’s Funnies, were used to perform a variety of tasks. These tanks did more than just fight. They could clear mines, throw flames, and knock down concrete roadblocks. Today’s tanks have advanced even more than those WWII-era tanks, with heavily armored modern tanks dominating today’s modern battlefield. (These are the 15 largest tank battles of all time.)
Military generals have long proclaimed tanks as critical instruments in battle. General Patton once said of war tanks, “The tank is a special, technical, and vastly powerful weapon. It certainly is neither a cavalryman nor an infantryman. Yet, give it half a chance, over suitable terrain and on proper missions, and it will mean the difference between defeat and victory to the infantry or cavalry with which it is cooperating.”
Tanks have evolved considerably since Patton made that statement. 24/7 Wall St. has identified the latest generation of modern-era tanks using data from a catalog of tanks from Military Factory. We’ve ordered the list by the date when the tank was first introduced, and we stopped at tanks introduced before 1990. Further data that came from Military Factory includes type of tank, country of origin, manufacturer, top speed, and number manufactured. We’ve excluded tanks with less than 10 units manufactured and tanks that only made it to the prototype/proposal stage.
The reader may note this list does not include American-made tanks. Although tanks on the list were heavily influenced by American technology, including the Egyptian-made Ramses II, interestingly, there are no American tanks on the list. The M1 Abrams was not included as it entered service before 1990.
The Ramses II draws heavily on U.S. and Soviet tech. The chassis is a heavily modified version of the Soviet Cold War era T-54 main battle tank. Along with the existing T-54 equipment, it combines the weapons systems of the M60 Patton tank. The Ramses II boasts a 105mm M68 main gun, or turret, with secondary armaments of a 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. This tank only entered the service of the Egyptian military in 2005. (Also see, countries with the most tanks in 2023.)
Modern tanks all have one consistent aspect, each is equipped with smoke grenade dischargers or dispensers, which exist to create a smoke screen for the tank. This is to reduce enemy visibility or accuracy, allowing friendly vehicles to take evasive action, counterattack, or withdraw under cover. This is a key component in the modern tank.
In terms of the ammunition used, these newer tanks are also fairly standardized. Almost all tanks mentioned here have at least a 7.62mm machine gun as a secondary armament, although roles may vary for this gun whether it is anti-infantry or anti-aircraft. Some tanks have even bigger guns with 12.7mm guns that fill similar roles. For the main gun, or the turret, most modern tanks are chambered for anywhere between 105mm to 125mm rounds, and some even have missile-firing capabilities.
Why This Matters
Source: Aqeela_Image / Shutterstock.com
Tanks are a major expenditure for militaries around the world. Looking into the latest generation of battle tanks around the world provides insight into some of the major global powers and how countries outside the U.S. are investing in military and national defense systems.
Here is a look at the latest generation of the modern era tanks:
36. AMX-56 Leclerc
The AMX-56 Leclerc is a main battle tank introduced in 1992. Manufactured by GIAT Industries/Nexter and originating from France, the tank’s armament includes 120mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm GIAT M693 coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm NFI anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 862 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 44 miles per hour.
35. Pokpung-ho (Storm Tiger) (M-2002)
Source: alexkuehni / iStock via Getty Images
The Pokpung-ho (Storm Tiger) (M-2002) is a main battle tank introduced in 1992. Manufactured by Ryu Kyong-su Tank Factory and originating from North Korea, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm main gun, 14.5mm KPVT anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62 PKT general-purpose coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 250 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 37 miles per hour.
34. Type 90 (Kyu-maru)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Type 90 (Kyu-maru) is a main battle tank introduced in 1992. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and originating from Japan, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm main gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 341 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
33. Stridsfordon 90 (CV90 / Strf 90)
The Stridsfordon 90 (CV90/Strf 90) is an infantry fighting vehicle/light tank introduced in 1993. Manufactured by Hagglunds/BAe Systems and originating from Sweden, the tank’s armament includes a 40mm Bofors autocannon, a 7.62mm Browning coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 1,200 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
32. T-90
The T-90 is a main battle tank introduced in 1995. Manufactured by Uralvagonzavod and originating from Russia, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade discharges. With 2,055 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
31. CIO Ariete
The CIO Ariete is a main battle tank introduced in 1995. Manufactured by IVECO/OTO-Melara and originating from Italy, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 200 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
30. PT-91 Twardy
The PT-91 Twardy is a main battle tank introduced in 1995. Manufactured by Zaklady Mechaniczne Bumar-Labedy and originating from Poland, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm 2A46M main gun, 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dispensers. With 232 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 37 miles per hour.
29. DIO T-72Z (T-55)
The DIO T-72Z (T-55) is a main battle tank introduced in 1996. Manufactured by the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) and originating from Iran, the tank’s armament includes a 105mm M68 rifled main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 400 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
28. DIO Zulfiqar
The DIO Zulfiqar is a main battle tank introduced in 1996. Manufactured by the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) and originating from Iran, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 250 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
27. NORINCO ZTZ-96 (Type 96)
The NORINCO ZTZ-96 (Type 96) is a main battle tank introduced in 1997. Manufactured by the First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 2,200 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
26. Challenger 2 (FV4034)
The Challenger 2 (FV4034) is a main battle tank introduced in 1998. Manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems/BAe Systems and originating from the United Kingdom, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm L30 CHARM main gun, 7.62mm coaxial anti-infantry machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 446 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 37 miles per hour.
25. Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122)
The Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) is a main battle tank introduced in 1998. Manufactured by Bofors Defense/Alvis Hagglunds and originating from Sweden, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 120 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour.
24. T-84 (Oplot)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The T-84 (Oplot) is a main battle tank introduced in 1999. Manufactured by Malyshev Factory and originating from Ukraine, the tank’s armament includes 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. With 76 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
23. T-64BM (Bulat)
The T-64BM (Bulat) is a main battle tank introduced in 1999. Manufactured by Malyshev Factory and originating from Ukraine, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm KBA3 main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 720 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour.
22. NORINCO VT-1A (Type 90-II)
The NORINCO VT-1A (Type 90-II) is a main battle tank introduced in 2000. Manufactured by the China North Industries Corporation and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm W85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm type 80 general purpose machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers. With 550 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
21. NORINCO ZTZ-99 (Type 99)
The NORINCO ZTZ-99 (Type 99) is a main battle tank introduced in 2001. Manufactured by the China North Industries Corporation and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers. With 1,005 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 50 miles per hour.
20. HIT Al Khalid (MBT 2000)
The HIT Al Khalid (MBT 2000) is a main battle tank introduced in 2001. Manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila/NORINCO and originating from Pakistan, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 600 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour.
19. CV90120-T
The CV90120-T is a light tank introduced in 2001. Manufactured by BAe Systems and originating from Sweden, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm L/50 compact tank gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 20 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
18. DRDO Arjun (Lion)
The DRDO Arjun (Lion) is a main battle tank introduced in 2004. Manufactured by DRDO/CVRDE/Heavy Vehicles Factory and originating from India, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm rifled main gun, 12.7mm HCB anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm TK715 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 124 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 42 miles per hour.
17. HIT Al-Zarrar
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
16. BMD-4 (Boyevaya Mashina Desanta)
15. Ramses II (T-54E)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Ramses II (T-54E) is a main battle tank introduced in 2005. Manufactured by State Factories and originating from Egypt, the tank’s armament includes a 105mm M68 rifled main gun, 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 425 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
14. T-72M4 CZ (T-72M1)
Source: Chalabala / iStock via Getty Images
The T-72M4 CZ (T-72M1) is a main battle tank introduced in 2006. Manufactured by State Factories and originating from the Czech Republic, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm 2A46M smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade discharger. With 30 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 38 miles per hour.
13. NORINCO ZBD2000 (Z-Series)
The NORINCO ZBD2000 (Z-Series) is an amphibious ARV/IFV/Light Tank introduced in 2006. Manufactured by China North Industries Corporation and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 105mm rifled main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 550 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour.
12. Sabra (M60T)
The Sabra (M60T) is a main battle tank introduced in 2007. Manufactured by Israel Military Industries and originating from Israel, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm MG253 main gun, 7.62 M240 coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm M85 anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm MG3A1 machine gun, 60mm field mortar, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 170 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour.
11. 2S25 (Sprut-SD)
The 2S25 (Sprut-SD) is a light tank introduced in 2007. Manufactured by Volgograd Tractor Plant and originating from Russia, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm 2A75 main gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 70 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
10. T-90M Bhishma
The T-90M Bhishma is a main battle tank introduced in 2009. Manufactured by Heavy Vehicles Factory and originating from India, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm 2A46M-5 main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 354 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 37 miles per hour.
9. Type 10 MBT
The Type 10 MBT is a main battle tank introduced in 2012. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and originating from Japan, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm type 74 coaxial machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 110 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
8. ROTEM K2 (Black Panther)
The ROTEM K2 (Black Panther) is a main battle tank introduced in 2013. Manufactured by Hyundai ROTEM/Samsung/Doosan/World Industries Ace Corp. and originating from South Korea, the tank’s armament includes a 120mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm anti-infantry coaxial machine gun. 12.7mm K6 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 241 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
7. T-99 Armata
The T-99 Armata is a multirole tracked armored vehicle introduced in 2013. Manufactured by Uralvagonzavod and originating from Russia, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, and 57mm automatic grenade launchers. With 40 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 50 miles per hour.
6. NORINCO VT-4 (MBT-3000)
The NORINCO VT-4 (MBT-3000) is a main battle tank introduced in 2014. Manufactured by China North Industries Corporation and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and grenade dischargers. With 50 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 42 miles per hour.
5. Type 59G (Durjoy)
The Type 59G (Durjoy) is a main battle tank introduced in 2015. Manufactured by Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory and originating from Bangladesh, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm Type 86 coaxial anti-infantry machine gun, 12.7mm W85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 174 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 31 miles per hour.
4. JSC Uran-9
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The JSC Uran-9 is an unmanned ground combat vehicle introduced in 2015. Manufactured by JSC 766 UPTK and originating from Russia, the tank’s armament includes a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, 7.62mm PKT/PKTM anti-infantry machine gun, 9m120 “Ataka” anti-tank guided missiles, and “Shmel-M” rocket launchers. With 20 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 22 miles per hour.
3. T-14 (Armata)
Source: rusm / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
The T-14 (Armata) is a main battle tank introduced in 2016. Manufactured by Uralvagonzavod and originating from Russia, the tank’s armament includes a 125mm 2A82 smoothbore main gun, 30mm autocannon, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 7.62mm machine gun, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 45 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 50 miles per hour.
2. NORINCO ZTQ-15 (Type 15 / VT-5)
The NORINCO ZTQ-15 (Type 15 / VT-5) is a light tank introduced in 2021. Manufactured by China North Industries Corporation and originating from China, the tank’s armament includes a 105mm turret gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 40mm automatic grenade launcher, and smoke grenade dischargers. With 265 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 43 miles per hour.
1. CIO Centauro II
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The CIO Centauro II is an 8×8 wheeled tank destroyer introduced in 2022. Manufactured by CIO/IVECO FIAT/OTO-Melara and originating from Italy, the tank’s armament includes a 120/45mm turret, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and 81mm electrically-discharged smoke grenades. With 10 total units manufactured, it can reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour.
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