Tanks by Country 2025

Globally, there are an estimated 73,000 tanks, with around 60,000 in active service. Russia leads with the most tanks as of 2024, totaling 14,777, including models like T-14, T-80, T-55, T-34/76, and T-72. North Korea follows with an estimated 5,845 tanks, which includes 4,300 active tanks and 11 types of other tanks developed over the last 40 years.

Egypt has one of the largest tank fleets in the world, with an estimated 5,340 tanks in total. The majority are American-made M1 Abrams tanks, supplemented by older Soviet-era models like the T-62 and T-80, many of which are held in reserve. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) possesses 5,000 tanks, including a mix of third-generation, second-generation, and first-generation tanks.

The United States has a fleet of 4,657 main battle tanks, with its tank production history starting post-World War I. The initial American-designed tanks in 1918 were the tracked Steam Tank and the three-wheeled Steam Tank. Today, the U.S. operates the M1 Abrams series, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and battle-tested tanks in modern military history.

India fields one of the largest tank fleets in the world, with approximately 4,614 tanks in active service. Its armored corps is a mix of Russian-designed T-72 and T-90 tanks, alongside the domestically developed Arjun main battle tank. India’s fleet is meant for both high-altitude deployments, like those near the Himalayan borders, and traditional plains warfare.

Pakistan operates a sizable armored force, with about 3,742 tanks currently in service. Its fleet includes Chinese-designed Type 59 and Type 85 tanks, along with more modern Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks developed through domestic and joint efforts. Pakistan continues to modernize its armored units to maintain strategic balance, especially along its eastern border.

Syria maintains an estimated 2,720 tanks, though many are older Soviet-era models like the T-55, T-62, and T-72. Years of conflict have significantly reduced the operational readiness of much of Syria’s armored fleet. Despite these challenges, tanks continue to play a major role in the country’s internal security operations and regional defense posture.

South Korea operates around 2,501 tanks, forming a critical part of its defense strategy against potential threats from the north. Its fleet features a mix of older American M48 Patton tanks and modern domestically developed models like the K1 and the highly advanced K2 Black Panther, considered one of the most sophisticated tanks in the world. South Korea continues to invest heavily in upgrading its armored forces to maintain technological superiority in the region.

With a total of 2,231 tanks, Turkey holds the second-highest number of tanks in NATO. Turkey operates 722 German-type Leopard tanks, American M battle tanks, and has 2,000 tanks in reserve.