Top 20+ Countries With The Most Strongest Battle Tanks in the World
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| Top Countries With The Most Strongest Battle Tanks in the World Today |
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KnowInsiders.com examined the Combat Tank Fleet Strength by Country (2023/2024) dataset, which contains data on 145 nations' militaries, to ascertain which nations possess the most tanks. Only nations with at least 1,000 tanks were included in our ranking of nations according to their number of operational tanks.
We provided information on military personnel currently on active duty, and Military Factory, another website that tracks defense statistics, provided examples of the tanks that each nation possessed. The Military Expenditure Database of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute contains data on military expenditures by nation and as a share of GDP.
Russia currently controls the most tanks, with a fleet of almost 12,600, as opposed to Ukraine's paltry 1,890 tanks. North Korea, with 6,645 tanks, the United States, with 5,500 tanks, and China, with 4,950 tanks, are the other top tank powers.
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1. Russia
> Number of tanks: 12,566
> Examples of tanks used: T-72, T-80, T-90
> Active-duty military personnel: 830,900 — #5 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $65,908 billion — #5 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 4.1% — #11 most of 145
Russia is one of the top five global powers according to the Global Fire Power (GFP) world index. Russia is the nation with the most tanks, which makes sense given the vast amount of land it must defend (17,098,242 Km2, or roughly 11% of the world's landmass).
12,566 battle tanks, or 36.6% of the tanks in the top five tank-producing nations, are in Russia. 8,168 of them have reportedly been deemed ready for use. Russia's most advanced battle tank is the T-90. In its most basic configuration, the tank has an autoloader-serviced 125mm 246M main gun with a 5 km range.
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2. North Korea
> Number of tanks: 6,645
> Examples of tanks used: M2020, Songun-915
> Active-duty military personnel: 1,200,000 — #4 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: N/A
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: N/A
The Korean People's Army has maintained a significant military presence. The adoption of tanks in North Korea dates back to the establishment of the Korean People's Party following World War II. North Korea began producing its own tanks in the 1980s. Currently, North Korea is thought to have 6,645 battle tanks, or an estimated 19.4% of the tanks from the top five tank-producing nations.
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3. United States
> Number of tanks: 5,500
> Examples of tanks used: M1 Abrams
> Active-duty military personnel: 1,390,000 — #3 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $800,672 billion — #1 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 3.5% — #15 most of 145
The US is renowned for its extravagant military spending, which includes purchasing tanks. The US has been making battle tanks since World War 1. The M1 Abrams and its variants are among the tanks used in the nation. The M-1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 tank is a heavy variation of the M-1 tank designed for subarctic temperatures. The NATO nation with the most combat tanks is the United States. An estimated 16% of the tanks from the top five nations with the most are in the United States.
4. China
> Number of tanks: 4,950
> Examples of tanks used: Type 99, Type 96, Type 90
> Active-duty military personnel: 2,000,000 — #1 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $293,352 billion — #2 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 1.7% — #63 most of 145
China ranks among the top five global powers, per the Global Fire Power index. According to a 2018 report by the Defense Intelligence Agency, China's tanks were a combination of more traditional and contemporary models. One of China's more recent tanks is a Type 15 tank, which has a 28-to-1 horsepower-to-weight ratio thanks to its 1,000 horsepower diesel engine. The tank has an advantage in mountainous areas because the diesel engine is less affected by altitude than gas engines. China owns 4,950 battle tanks in total, or an estimated 14.4% of the tanks from the top five tank-producing nations.
5. Egypt
> Number of tanks: 4,664
> Examples of tanks used: Ramses II, M1A1, T-90MS
> Active-duty military personnel: 440,000 — #10 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $5,165 billion — #43 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 1.3% — #93 most of 145
According to the Global Fire Power Index, Egypt is among the top 15 nations. Egypt and the United States have developed agreements for the production of tanks over the past couple of decades. For instance, the third-generation American main battle tank M1A1 Abrams was jointly produced by Egypt and the United States. Egypt currently has 4,664 tanks, which is roughly 13.6% of the top five nations with the most tanks.
6. India
> Number of tanks: 4,614
> Examples of tanks used: T-72, T-90, Arjun
> Active-duty military personnel: 1,450,000 — #2 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $76,598 billion — #3 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 2.7% — #30 most of 145
It is not surprising that India, a nation with one of the strongest armies in the world, also has a significant number of battle tanks. The ARJUN MBT, T-90 BHISHMA, K-9 Vajra, T-72 Ajeya, and Vijayanta are a few of India's most notable battle tanks. The single-MTU multi-fuel diesel engine-powered ARJUN MBT tank has a 120mm main gun that fires armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot ammo. The tank is capable of 67kmph top speeds.
India and Russia have previously engaged in tank trade. The T-90 BHISHMA tank is one of the Russian-made tanks that is in use in the nation. India bought 310 T90 tanks from Russia in 2001. The T-72BU tank was the original model; however, the name was changed to T90. Engineers from France, Russia, and India also improved the tank. The maximum speed of the T-90 is 60kmph. A 125mm 2A46 smoothbore tank gun and 1G46 gunner sights are employed by the tank.
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7. Iran
> Number of tanks: 4,071
> Examples of tanks used: The Karrar, Zulfiqar MBT 3, Mobarez
> Active-duty military personnel: 575,000 — #7 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $24,589 billion — #14 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 2.3% — #36 most of 145
An impressive 4,071 battle tanks are in Iran's arsenal. The Karrar, an improved version of the Iranian T-72S tank, is one of its most remarkable tanks. The tank's combat skills were enhanced by the upgrades. A new fire control system, turret, and add-on armor are a few of the improvements. A 12.7 mm machine gun is mounted on a remotely controlled weapon station on the tank. In 2017, the Karrar was first made known to the public. Iran received some Karrar tanks from the Soviet Union. The Russian T-90MS tank and the Karrar are comparable, and it has been suggested that the Karrar is a licensed production of the T-90MS.
8. Pakistan
> Number of tanks: 3,742
> Examples of tanks used: Al-Khalid, Al Zarrar, T-80, Type 85
> Active-duty military personnel: 654,000 — #6 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $11,305 billion — #23 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 3.8% — #13 most of 145
Pakistan is home to a large number of battle tanks, such as MBTs, the Type-59/Al-Zarrar, a second-generation battle tank based on the Type 59 MBT from China, and the VT-4. Pakistan officially added VT-4 battle tanks to its arsenal in 2019. China manufactures the VT-4 battle tanks. The third nation to purchase tanks from China was Pakistan. Pakistan and China have also collaborated on tank development. 350 al-Khalid MBTs, created in the 1990s by Pakistan and China, are kept in the Pakistani armory. The Pakistani arsenal houses additional battle tanks. The T-80UD MBT, a variant of the Soviet T-64 MBT tank, is in use in Pakistan. In the late 1990s, the tank was first incorporated into the Pakistani arsenal.
9. Syria
> Number of tanks: 2,616
> Examples of tanks used: T-62, T-72, T-55, T-90
> Active-duty military personnel: 100,000 — #43 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: N/A
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: N/A
With 2,616 battle tanks under its control, Syria comes in ninth place on this list. The majority of these tanks are Russian or Soviet in origin. It is challenging to determine the precise number of tanks because of the ongoing civil war in Syria. According to reports from 2015, Syria had 2,250 T-55/T-55/MV battle tanks, including those in storage. 2000 of these were former Soviet Union tanks. The armory used to have more of these tanks. However, as of March 2011, it was estimated that 682 tanks had been lost in the civil war. The Syrian army also has T-62-/K/M and T-72/T-72M tanks in its arsenal.
10. South Korea - 2,331
> Examples of tanks used: M48 Patton, K1, K1A1
> Active-duty military personnel: 555,000 — #8 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $50,227 billion — #10 highest of 145
> 2.8% of GDP is spent on military expenditures, ranking #28 out of 145.
The South Korean armory is home to numerous highly advanced battle tanks. One of the most cutting-edge main battle tanks in the world and the most well-known of them is the K2 Black Panther tank. The tank is superior to the majority of tanks in North Korea and China. Additionally, it is asserted that the tank is superior to the well-known M1A2 Abrams. One of the most expensive battle tanks in the entire world is the K2 Black Panther. The design of this tank started in 1995, and the first prototype was created in 2007. The K2's protection is comparable to that of the M1A2 Abrams tanks, despite the K2's lighter weight. 120 mm tank rounds fired from L55 guns can strike the armor directly. The German Rheinmetall CN08 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun is equipped with the K2. In addition, South Korea has trade agreements with other nations that are interested in purchasing tanks. Poland signed a contract with South Korea in 2022 to purchase 980 K2 tanks.
11. Turkey
> Number of tanks: 2,229
> Examples of tanks used: Altay, Leopard 1, Leopard 2, M60 Patton
> Active-duty military personnel: 425,000 — #11 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $15,479 billion — #18 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 2.1% — #45 most of 145
12. Israel
> Number of tanks: 2,200
> Examples of tanks used: Magach, M4 Sherman, AMX-13
> Active-duty military personnel: 173,000 — #29 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $24,341 billion — #15 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 5.2% — #6 most of 145
13. Ukraine
> Number of tanks: 1,890
> Examples of tanks used: T-72, Leopard 2, M1 Abrams
> Active-duty military personnel: 200,000 — #23 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $5,943 billion — #36 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 3.2% — #19 most of 145
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14. Vietnam
> Number of tanks: 1,829
> Examples of tanks used: T-72, T-62
> Active-duty military personnel: 470,000 — #9 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: N/A
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: N/A
15. Morocco
> Number of tanks: 1,761
> Examples of tanks used: T-72B, M1A2, M60 Patton
> Active-duty military personnel: 200,000 — #24 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $5,378 billion — #42 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 4.2% — #10 most of 145
16. Eritrea
> Number of tanks: 1,756
> Examples of tanks used: T-55A/AM2, T-62
> Active-duty military personnel: 175,000 — #27 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: N/A
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: N/A
17. Algeria
> Number of tanks: 1,700
> Examples of tanks used: T-90, T-72
> Active-duty military personnel: 130,000 — #38 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $9,112 billion — #26 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 5.6% — #4 most of 145
18. Jordan
> Number of tanks: 1,588
> Examples of tanks used: Leclerc, M60A3 Patton
> Active-duty military personnel: 90,000 — #50 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $2,177 billion — #59 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 5.0% — #7 most of 145
19. Greece
> Number of tanks: 1,365
> Examples of tanks used: Leopard 1, Leopard 2
> Active-duty military personnel: 130,000 — #37 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $8,080 billion — #31 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 3.9% — #12 most of 145
20. Saudi Arabia
> Number of tanks: 1,273
> Examples of tanks used: M1A2, AMX-30, M60A3
> Active-duty military personnel: 225,000 — #20 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $55,564 billion — #8 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 6.6% — #3 most of 145
21. Cuba
> Number of tanks: 1,230
> Examples of tanks used: T-55M, T-62M
> Active-duty military personnel: 50,000 — #67 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: N/A
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: N/A
22. Taiwan
> Number of tanks: 1,012
> Examples of tanks used: CM-32, CM-11 Brave Tiger
> Active-duty military personnel: 170,000 — #31 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $12,958 billion — #21 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 1.7% — #62 most of 145
23. Japan
> Number of tanks: 1,004
> Examples of tanks used: Type 90 Tank, Type 10 Tank
> Active-duty military personnel: 240,000 — #19 most of 145
> Military spending, 2021: $54,124 billion — #9 highest of 145
> Military spending as pct. of GDP: 1.1% — #106 most of 145
Top 30 Countries With The Most Battle Tanks
| Rank | Country | No. of Battle Tanks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 12,566 |
| 2 | North Korea | 6,645 |
| 3 | United States | 5,500 |
| 4 | China | 4,950 |
| 5 | Egypt | 4,664 |
| 6 | India | 4,614 |
| 7 | Iran | 4,071 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 3,742 |
| 9 | Syria | 2,616 |
| 10 | South Korea | 2,331 |
| 11 | Turkey | 2,229 |
| 12 | Israel | 2,200 |
| 13 | Ukraine | 1,890 |
| 14 | Vietnam | 1,829 |
| 15 | Morcco | 1,761 |
| 16 | Eritrea | 1,756 |
| 17 | Algeria | 1,700 |
| 18 | Jordan | 1,588 |
| 19 | Greece | 1,365 |
| 20 | Saudi Arabia | 1,273 |
| 21 | Cuba | 1,230 |
| 22 | Taiwan | 1,012 |
| 23 | Japan | 1,004 |
| 24 | Iraq | 923 |
| 25 | Azerbaijan | 920 |
| 26 | Belarus | 862 |
| 27 | Myanmar | 715 |
| 28 | Turkmenistan | 680 |
| 29 | Cambodia | 644 |
| 30 | Thailand | 587 |
In Conclusion
While international harmony is preferable, violent conflicts inevitably arise. Tanks continue to play an important role in modern warfare, from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the cross-strait tensions between Taiwan and China.
Tanks are seen as crucial for either side to gain ground in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. More battle tanks in a country's arsenal gives that nation a distinct military advantage. Tanks and the nature of warfare itself will evolve alongside new technologies. We've come a long way, baby, from the days of chariots pulled by horses and bows and arrows.
Tanks are military vehicles with a distinctive design. Tracks allow the platform, which is equipped with weapons, to move along two metal chains. The use of vehicles in warfare dates back to prehistoric times. Chariots drawn by horses were used in ancient Egypt for battles fought with bows and arrows. The battle ram was one type of armored vehicle used during the Middle Ages.
Britain developed the first operational tank, known as Little Willie, during World War 1. Tanks were a game-changer in the First World War. Tanks have evolved visually since their inception, but they remain indispensable in conflicts around the world. While some nations are open about their military might and arsenal, others are less forthright. Here are the countries that have the most tanks as of right now, according to data.
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