The Power of These Modern Military Tanks is Essentially Unmatched

The war between Russia and Ukraine has now been going on for years. While armed conflict between the two nations erupted in 2014 during the War in Donbas, tensions only intensified after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2023. Unfortunately for Russia, Ukraine has proven to be a much more formidable opponent than expected. Russia […] The post The Power of These Modern Military Tanks is Essentially Unmatched appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Mar 25, 2025 - 18:11

The Power of These Modern Military Tanks is Essentially Unmatched

The war between Russia and Ukraine has now been going on for years. While armed conflict between the two nations erupted in 2014 during the War in Donbas, tensions only intensified after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2023. Unfortunately for Russia, Ukraine has proven to be a much more formidable opponent than expected. Russia has experienced some fairly significant losses. In just one day in March 2025, Russian forces reportedly lost 1,180 soldiers, 61 artillery systems, 18 armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), and five tanks. A ceasefire has been called. However, this has not translated to operations on the ground, where fighting continues. Because of the loss of so much equipment, Russia is even facing a shortage at this time. How this might affect the world power in its continued efforts in Ukraine is yet unknown. But at this time, Ukraine does seem to have both a strategic and tactical advantage, as well as more global support. (On the other hand, these are the countries most firmly under Moscow’s thumb.)

The loss of Russia’s tanks is especially devastating. Tanks play an important role in military operations — and not just because they are capable of deploying heavy firepower across long distances. These military vehicles can also shield forces from direct fire, rapidly penetrate areas held by enemy forces, and engage in different battlefield situations, which makes them an incredibly versatile tool for military use. 24/7 Wall St. wanted to understand which cutting-edge modern tanks are used today in battle — not just in Russia, but in forces across the world. To determine this information, we sourced data from Military Factory, a global defense registry. In particular, we relied on Military Factory’s Modern Tanks – Abrams to Zulfiqar list. We considered a “modern” tank as any tank introduced in or after 1995. Most American tanks did not make this list, as they were produced and introduced far earlier than this time period. Tanks are listed in ascending order from least to most modern. Additional information on armament, manufacturer, speed, and other data was also sourced from Military Factory. (The most feared American tanks were unstoppable in World War II.)

This previously published article was updated on March 25, 2025 to illuminate the continually changing combat scenario between Russia and Ukraine, and to identify Russian fears around losing additional tanks.

Why We Need to Cover Military Tanks Now

Arms race. Armored tanks, combat drone and missile launcher at sunset.

While news of Russia’s military devastation has been widespread, some of the happenings in the state have been more quietly swept under the rug. Russia’s T-14 Armata tank, which boasts advanced thermal sights and long-range missiles, has been withdrawn from the frontlines of battle. Some analysts claim that this could mean that the tank does not live up to its reputation and may not be effective in real-world scenarios. Others suggest that Russia’s decision to not use its T-14 Armata tank signifies a fear that the tanks will be destroyed, leaving Russia even worse off than it currently is.

It’s important to note that Russia and Ukraine are not the only countries currently in battle. By understanding which modern tanks are being used in combat, and which countries might have access to these tanks, you can better identify which countries might already have a buffer if war breaks out in the future.

These are the 32 most cutting-edge modern tanks:

32. T-90

Year introduced: 1995
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade discharges for 12 smoke grenades
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 2,055
Manufacturer(s): Uralvagonzavod
Top speed: 40 mph

31. CIO Ariete

Year introduced: 1995
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Italy
Total units manufactured: 200
Manufacturer(s): IVECO / OTO-Melara
Top speed: 40 mph

30. PT-91 Twardy

Year introduced: 1995
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm 2A46M main gun, 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, smoke grenade dispensers
Country of origin: Poland
Total units manufactured: 232
Manufacturer(s): Zaklady Mechaniczne Bumar-Labedy
Top speed: 37 mph

29. DIO T-72Z (T-55)

Year introduced: 1996
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 105mm M68 rifled main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Iran
Total units manufactured: 400
Manufacturer(s): Defense Industries Organization (DIO)
Top speed: 40 mph

28. DIO Zulfiqar

Year introduced: 1996
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Iran
Total units manufactured: 250
Manufacturer(s): Defense Industries Organization (DIO)
Top speed: 43 mph

27. NORINCO ZTZ-96 (Type 96)

Year introduced: 1997
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 2,200
Manufacturer(s): First Inner Mongolia Machinery Factory
Top speed: 40 mph

26. Challenger 2 (FV4034)

Year introduced: 1998
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm L30 CHARM main gun, 7.62mm coaxial anti-infantry machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Total units manufactured: 446
Manufacturer(s): Vickers Defence Systems / BAe Systems
Top speed: 37 mph

25. Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122)

Year introduced: 1998
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Sweden
Total units manufactured: 120
Manufacturer(s): Bofors Defense / Alvis Hagglunds
Top speed: 45 mph

24. T-84 (Oplot)

Year introduced: 1999
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm KBA-3 main gun, KT-12.7 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm KT-7.62 coaxial machine gun
Country of origin: Ukraine
Total units manufactured: 76
Manufacturer(s): Malyshev Factory
Top speed: 40 mph

23. T-64BM (Bulat)

Year introduced: 1999
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm KBA3 main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Ukraine
Total units manufactured: 720
Manufacturer(s): Malyshev Factory
Top speed: 45 mph

22. NORINCO VT-1A (Type 90-II)

Year introduced: 2000
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm W85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm type 80 general purpose machine gun, smoke grenade launchers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 550
Manufacturer(s): China North Industries Corporation
Top speed: 40 mph

21. NORINCO ZTZ-99 (Type 99)

Year introduced: 2001
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, smoke grenade launchers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 1,005
Manufacturer(s): China North Industries Corporation
Top speed: 50 mph

20. HIT Al Khalid (MBT 2000)

Year introduced: 2001
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Pakistan
Total units manufactured: 600
Manufacturer(s): Heavy Industries Taxila / NORINCO
Top speed: 45 mph

19. CV90120-T

Year introduced: 2001
Type: Light tank
Armament: 120mm L/50 compact tank gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Sweden
Total units manufactured: 20
Manufacturer(s): BAe Systems
Top speed: 43 mph

18. DRDO Arjun (Lion)

Year introduced: 2004
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm rifled main gun, 12.7mm HCB anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm TK715 coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: India
Total units manufactured: 124
Manufacturer(s): DRDO / CVRDE / Heavy Vehicles Factory
Top speed: 42 mph

17. HIT Al-Zarrar

Year introduced: 2004
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Pakistan
Total units manufactured: 320
Manufacturer(s): Heavy Industries Taxila
Top speed: 40 mph

16. BMD-4 (Boyevaya Mashina Desanta)

Year introduced: 2005
Type: Light infantry fighting vehicle
Armament: 100mm main gun, 30mm cannon, AT-5 Spandrel anti-tank guided missile launcher, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 40mm automatic grenade launcher, 5.45mm general purpose machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 200
Manufacturer(s): Volgograd Tractor Plant
Top speed: 43 mph

15. Ramses II (T-54E)

Year introduced: 2005
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 105mm M68 rifled main gun, 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm SGMT coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Egypt
Total units manufactured: 425
Manufacturer(s): State Factories
Top speed: 43 mph

14. T-72M4 CZ (T-72M1)

Year introduced: 2006
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm 2A46M smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade discharger
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Total units manufactured: 30
Manufacturer(s): State Factories
Top speed: 38 mph

13. NORINCO ZBD2000 (Z-Series)

Year introduced: 2006
Type: Amphibious ARV / IFV / Light Tank
Armament: 105mm rifled main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 550
Manufacturer(s): China North Industries Corporation
Top speed: 40 mph

12. Sabra (M60T)

Year introduced: 2007
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 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, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Israel
Total units manufactured: 170
Manufacturer(s): Israel Military Industries
Top speed: 30 mph

11. 2S25 (Sprut-SD)

Year introduced: 2007
Type: Light tank
Armament: 125mm 2A75 main gun, 7.62 coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 70
Manufacturer(s): Volgograd Tractor Plant
Top speed: 43 mph

10. T-90M Bhishma

Year introduced: 2009
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm 2A46M-5 main gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: India
Total units manufactured: 354
Manufacturer(s): Heavy Vehicles Factory
Top speed: 37 mph

9. Type 10 MBT

Year introduced: 2012
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm L44 smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, 7.62mm type 74 coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Japan
Total units manufactured: 110
Manufacturer(s): Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Top speed: 43 mph

8. ROTEM K2 (Black Panther)

Year introduced: 2013
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 120mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm anti-infantry coaxial machine gun. 12.7mm K6 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: South Korea
Total units manufactured: 241
Manufacturer(s): Hyundai ROTEM / Samsung / Doosan / World Industries Ace Corp.
Top speed: 43 mph

7. T-99 Armata

Year introduced: 2013
Type: Multirole tracked armored vehicle
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm coaxial machine gun, 57mm automatic grenade launcher
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 40
Manufacturer(s): Uralvagonzavod
Top speed: 50 mph

6. NORINCO VT-4 (MBT-3000)

Year introduced: 2014
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, grenade dischargers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 50
Manufacturer(s): China North Industries Corporation
Top speed: 42 mph

5. Type 59G (Durjoy)

Year introduced: 2015
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm smoothbore main gun, 7.62mm Type 86 coaxial anti-infantry machine gun, 12.7mm W85 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Bangladesh
Total units manufactured: 174
Manufacturer(s): Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory
Top speed: 31 mph

4. JSC Uran-9

Year introduced: 2015
Type: Unmanned ground combat vehicle
Armament: 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, 7.62mm PKT/PKTM anti-infantry machine gun, 9m120 “Ataka” anti-tank guided missiles, “Shmel-M” rocket launchers
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 20
Manufacturer(s): JSC 766 UPTK
Top speed: 22 mph

3. T-14 (Armata)

Year introduced: 2016
Type: Main battle tank
Armament: 125mm 2A82 smoothbore main gun, 30mm autocannon, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 7.62mm machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: Russia
Total units manufactured: 45
Manufacturer(s): Uralvagonzavod
Top speed: 50 mph

2. NORINCO ZTQ-15 (Type 15 / VT-5)

Year introduced: 2021
Type: Light tank
Armament: 105mm turret gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 40mm automatic grenade launcher, smoke grenade dischargers
Country of origin: China
Total units manufactured: 265
Manufacturer(s): China North Industries Corporation
Top speed: 43 mph

1. CIO Centauro II

Year introduced: 2022
Type: 8×8 Wheeled tank destroyer
Armament: 120/45mm turret, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 81mm electrically-discharged smoke grenades
Country of origin: Italy
Total units manufactured: 10
Manufacturer(s): CIO / IVECO FIAT / OTO-Melara
Top speed: 65 mph

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