NATO tanks in May 2005.
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 5:54 pm
NATO tanks in May 2005.
Austria.
[NOTE 1]
M60A3 TTS
Austria purchased 170 M60A1 from US Army Europe stocks in 1982. Those tanks were later converted to A3 standard and were subsequently upgraded to TTS standard. While the Austrian Army had more modern tanks by 2005, the M60 was still the backbone of the armoured force.
Leopard 2A4
One hundred and fourteen Leopard 2A4, plus one spare turret, were acquired by the Austrian Army in 1996 from the West German Heer. Which, for industrial reasons, had chosen to replace those tanks with new A5 and A6 variants, rather than upgrade the A4s. By 2005 the Austrian tanks had received the same turret armour upgrade as the A5, but were otherwise the same internally, being designated the A4+.
Belgium.
Leopard 1A5(BE)/A6(BE)
The Belgian Army progressively upgraded their Leopard 1A5 to A5(BE) standard from 1990. As an interim measure pending selection of a new main battle tank, Belgium began an upgrade program in 1999 to up-gun a portion of their tank fleet to Leopard 1A6 standard with the L44 120mm gun, as fitted to the Leopard 2A5 and earlier. Both versions can be found serving with the mechanised brigades of the Belgian Army. Around 170 Leopard 1A5(BE) are held in war reserves.
Leclerc
In 2002 the Belgian Ministry of Defence finally decided on the replacement for the Leopard 1 - the French Leclerc. The decision came about after several years of pressure, and no small amount of shaming, from Belgium’s partners in NORTHAG to modernise their tank force. Belgium secured an agreement to build the tank under licence in Belgium after buying an initial batch from France. Nearly 300 LeClerc tanks equip the armoured brigades of the Belgian army, with deliveries ongoing.
Canada.
Leopard C.1
Some of the 114 Leopard C.1s bought by Canada linger on in training units, though most have ended up in storage, or as hard targets on firing ranges. Some were used to guard military and civilian facilities during the war. Later in the war, two regiments assigned to 2nd Canadian Division were equipped with C.1s. Those tanks were fitted with applique armour and the L44 120mm cannon, being designated the C.2.
Leopard 2A6 CAN
The Canadian version of the Leopard 2A6M, which now equips all regular armoured regiments in the Land Forces. Before the new tanks were issued to the Land Forces, Canada briefly leased a small batch of Leopard 2A4s from Bundeswehr stocks, but these have since been returned.
Denmark.
Centurion Mk.5/2DK
Ninety of the remaining Centurions procured by the Danish Army were upgraded in 1985 to keep them viable for the short to medium term, receiving improved fire control equipment, a new engine and improved armour, including ERA. Bringing them up to a similar standard to Swedish Centurions. With the arrival of the Leopard 2A5DK (q.v) in Danish service, the Centurions were handed over to the newly formed armoured squadrons of Territorial Command infantry battalions. The Home Guard also provided crews for armoured troops which generally operated with these squadrons, but also independently on occasion. Thirty additional Centurions were kept in warm storage, with the fleet being regularly rotated. Danish Centurions saw action during the invasion of the island of Bornholm and during the Zealand campaign. Despite being obsolescent they acquitted themselves well. Some of Denmark’s Centurion fleet donated their turrets to fixed coastal defences.
Leopard 1A5-DK
Around two hundred and thirty Leopard 1s remain in Danish service, or in war reserve. As older tanks they are concentrated in the 1st and 2nd Zealand Brigades but are slowly being withdrawn as the Leopard 2A5DK continues to enter service. Like the Centurion, the Leopard 1 acquitted itself well during the Zealand campaign.
Leopard 2A5DK
The Danish version of the Leopard 2, which, as the most modern tank in Danish service serves mainly with the frontline Jutland Division, though there were a small number assigned to other formations for training purposes. The Danish Army is considering upgrading its Leopard 2s to A6M standard. Denmark planned to procure additional Leopard 2s to allow the Leopard 1 to be cascaded to units still equipped with the Centurion.
Finland.
[NOTE 1]
Comet Mk.1 B
The last of the British line of cruiser tanks to see service during the Second World War; forty-one Comets were purchased by Finland. They were used by the armoured brigade until 1970, before being placed in storage. When the Finnish Army was mobilised in 2005, Comets were issued to Local Defence Force units, to be used in a semi-mobile protection role. While the 77mm HV main gun of the Comet would hardly trouble the frontal armour of a modern Main Battle Tank, like a T-72, or T-90, it was powerful enough to destroy lighter vehicles, like the BMP and BMD. It could also potentially disable a tank via a flank, or rear shot.
FV4101 Charioteer
Whether the Charioteer was a tank, or tank destroyer was something that has often caused confusion and debate. However, the British Army designated it as a tank and used it as such, despite it arguably being a tank destroyer. The Finnish Army operated seventy-six Charioteers between the late 1950s and 1972. Even after withdrawal from active service, they were still used for training until 1980. While many Charioteers were subsequently scrapped, ended up on firing ranges, or had their turrets added to fixed defences, at least fifteen remained stored in operational condition in 2005 and, like the Comet, were issued to the LDF for similar roles. A Soviet airborne raid, involving the use of BMD-2s, gave the Charioteer the chance to demonstrate that its 20 pounder (84mm) gun was more than capable of destroying Soviet light armour.
PT-76
Twelve of the amphibious light tanks served in the Finnish Army; some were converted to unarmed PT-A driver training vehicles for the BTR-50. A few of the remaining gun armed vehicles were issued to LDF units on mobilisation.
T-54
Forty-three T-54 were purchased by Finland between 1959 and 1961. By 2005 most T-54 had been converted to specialised roles, like bridge-layers and engineering vehicles. Those not converted were placed in storage and used as a source of spares for the T-55 fleet.
T-55M
The Finnish Army upgraded its T-55 fleet with an improved Bofors Fire Control System, that included a laser range finder and IR sights, a thermal sleeve on the 100mm main gun, better Belgian designed ammunition, and a more powerful engine. The upgraded tanks were considered superior to the T-72M prior to the FM1 and 2 upgrade. In 2005 they were used by independent tank companies, replacing T-54s. The lighter weight of the T-55 was often found to be an asset in many parts of Finland, where heavier Soviet and Western designed tanks could not operate. The T-55 was also the basis of the ITPSV 90 (T-55AM Marksman SPAAG), and its turret was used in coastal fortifications as the 100 56 TK. In the mid-1990s Finland did consider up-gunning the T-55 with a 105mm L7 gun, as Egypt and India had done with some of their T-55s. In the end costs and the fact that the army had a significant stockpile of 100mm ammunition killed the proposal.
T-72FM1/FM2
As of 2005, the T-72 was the used by armoured battalions in the active armoured brigade, Most of the tanks by that year were the more advanced FM2 (Finnish Modification 2). Both variants had an improved Western Fire Control System and a more powerful engine, which allowed faster turning and reverse, and better ammunition when compared to its Soviet counterparts. The FM2 also added Explosive Reactive Armour and a further improved FC. The Finnish upgrades made their T-72s superior to the majority of Soviet tanks they would face in action. By 2004/2005 Finland was looking into procuring a new Main Battle Tank to replace both the T-55 and T-72. The army wanted a Western tank, the Leopard 2 being the favourite, but ‘pressure’ (i.e., threats) from the USSR meant that buying a Western tank, never mind a German one, would be politically impossible. While the Finnish government would bow to pressure and ‘paused’ the New Tank Competition, it would not buy the T-90, which the USSR had ‘offered’, and instead began the ‘Finmod 3’ programme to further upgrade its T-72s. Finland did procure additional T-72 from Poland around the turn of the century, which it upgraded to FM2 standard, allowing its army to re-equip the reserve armoured brigade.
France.
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
The French equivalent of the Leopard 1; in fact, both tanks grew out of a failed joint Franco-German MBT project. Although now obsolescent, seven regiments of the French Army operate around 300 of the BRENUS variant equipped with reactive armour and a new engine, while many more unmodified vehicles are in store, awaiting disposal either by sale abroad, or conversion to specialist vehicles.
Leclerc
Named after General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, the Leclerc is the most modern French MBT in service and forms the backbone of the French armoured force. Uniquely for a NATO tank the Leclerc has an autoloader, which reduces the crew to three and makes it one of the lightest Western Main Battle Tanks currently in service.
Germany, Federal Republic.
Leopard 1A5
A small number of Leopard 1s remain in service with three Territorial Army battalions. Others are held in reserve, either for issue in war, or for export to NATO allies.
Leopard 2A4/A5/A6/A6M
The Leopard 2 forms the backbone of the Heer, serving in the regular army and most of the Territorial Army. The A5 and A6 are the most common version in service, though all are being upgraded to A6M standard.
Greece.
M48A5 MOLF
Most of the remaining M48s in Greek service are now in reserve, or have been converted to bridge layers, or engineering vehicles. Redundant turrets from converted vehicles have been used in fixed defences along the country’s northern border.
M60A3TTS
Like Turkey, Greece acquired significant numbers of ex-US Army M60A1 and M60A3 tanks during the 1990s. All were brought up to M60A3TTS standard and around six hundred seventy are in Greek service. The Greek Army has explored upgrading their M60 fleet to 120S standard, but finances have precluded a commitment by the government.
AMX-30G
Though all AMX-30s have been withdrawn, like the M48, redundant AMX-30 hulls have become specialist vehicles, and their turrets added to fixed border defences. A few gun tanks remain in service with training units, reserve, and as hard targets on ranges.
Leopard 1A5
All remaining Leopard 1s in Greek service have been upgraded to A5 standard and are concentrated in reserve and training units. Many of them have had the L44 120mm gun installed, though with the entry of the Leopard 2A6HEL (q.v) into service it is unclear whether any more tanks will be thus upgraded.
Leopard 2A4/A6HEL
A small batch of A4 model Leopard 2s were received from Germany for training purposes before license production in Greece and Turkey of the Leopard 2A6 got underway. Around three hundred and fifty of the A6HEL are in Greek Army service.
Ireland, Republic of.
[NOTE 1]
The Republic of Ireland did not operate any tanks in 2005, although in the past the Irish Army had used four Churchill VI and eight Comets. The closest the Irish Army had to tanks were fourteen FV101 Scorpions used by the 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron
Italy.
M60A1
The three hundred M60A1 that once served in the Italian Army were the first tanks to be replaced by the Ariete. Inspired by the Greek and Turkish use of old tank turrets, Italy has used the surplus M60 turrets to modernise the fixed defences along its northeastern border, replacing M26 and various Sherman variants. The now surplus hulls were passed to Turkey.
Leopard 1A5
Around one hundred and twenty Leopard 1s remain in Italian Army service, mainly assigned to training units, or in war reserve. Some have begun to appear on firing ranges as hard targets.
Inspired by the Greek and Turkish use of old tank turrets, Italy has used Leopard 1 and M60 turrets to modernise the fixed defences along its northeastern border, replacing M26 and various Sherman variants.
C1 Ariete
The Italian entry into the world of the latest generation of tanks. Like other modern Western tanks, the Ariete is armed with a 120mm gun and is protected by laminated armour. Around two hundred Arietes are in service with the Italian Army, though it is still in production. An improved C2 version, which may have an autoloader and improved armour, is under development.
Luxembourg.
The Luxembourg army had no main battle tanks, only being equipped with light armoured vehicles.
Netherlands.
Leopard 2A5/A6/A6M
The armoured force of the Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Dutch Army) is exclusively made up of Leopard 2s. Most of these tanks are A6, or A6Ms, remaining A5 models are being upgraded to A6M standard. The Dutch are known for having one of the most modern tanks fleets in NATO.
The Dutch Army did at one time poses Leopard 1s, but all remaining gun tanks have been withdrawn, many converted to bridging and engineering vehicles.
Norway.
Leopard 1A5NO2
The Norwegian Army originally procured seventy-eight Leopard 1s. These vehicles have been extensively upgraded, becoming equivalent to the A5 version. They are now being phased out of service, though many ‘withdrawn’ tanks appeared in the hands of the army when war broke out. Before the decision was taken to procure the Leopard 2A6NO (q.v), the Norwegian Army considered rearming its Leopard 1 fleet with the L44 120mm gun.
Leopard 2A6NO
The most modern tank in Norwegian service, the Norwegian Army’s Leopard 2s were built in Sweden (where they were known as the Stridsvagn 121) as part of the Nordic Tank Programme. However, a small number of Leopard 2A4s were loaned by Germany for training purposes. In 2005 the Norwegian Army was considering purchasing a small number of A6M models, probably around ten to twenty tanks, and upgrading the rest to this standard.
Portugal.
M60A3TTS
The majority of the Portuguese tank force is still made up of this final version of the Patton, though it is beginning to be phased out of service. Although they are procuring the Leopard 2, the Portuguese have considered upgrading their remaining Pattons, as the Turks have done.
Leopard 2A6M
There are less than one hundred Leopard 2s in service with the Portuguese Army, though procurement is continuing. The Portuguese have sourced their tanks both from the main production lines in West Germany, and from the license production lines in Greece and Turkey.
Spain.
AMX-30EM2
Around one hundred twenty of these upgraded French tanks remain in service with the Spanish Army with a further twenty-six in war reserve, though they are in the process of being withdrawn. The redundant hulls may be converted to specialist vehicles. One hundred forty-nine less thoroughly modernised EM1 variants were withdrawn from service during the 1990s.
M60A3TTS
Around two hundred fifty Pattons remain in Spanish service, though like the AMX-30 they are being retired. As the Leopard 2 is entering service the Spanish have decided not to upgrade the remaining M60s.
Leopard 2A4/2E(A6)
Around three hundred and thirty Leopard 2s are in Spanish service, though procurement continues, rapidly making it the backbone of the Spanish armoured force. While the initial batch was to A4 standard all further batches were to A6 standard and remaining A4s are being upgraded.
Sweden.
[NOTE 1]
Stridsvagn 103
The near legendary and unique S-Tank was still in service with a number of assault gun companies in some brigades. The Strv 103 was the first Western production tank to use a gas turbine and the only Western MBT to dispense with a turret. While the configuration of the S-Tank was often heralded as the future of tanks, no other nation was to adopt a turretless design. All Swedish tanks in service are to Strv 103C standard. A single Strv 103D was built, which had improved fire control and thermal sights. However, the Strv 121 was procured instead. The Swedish Army planned to replace the remaining Strv 103C with CV90120 as production allows.
Stridsvagn 105/106
Sweden first procured Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 in the mid-1950s, which it designated the Strv 81. These tanks were supplemented by Mk.10 tanks, designated Strv 101. Sweden would upgrade the Strv 81 with the L7 105mm gun, to match the later tanks, these becoming the Strv 102. Both variants would be upgraded in the 1980s with improved frontal armour, having the letter R added after their designations. Eighty Strv 102R would be further upgraded to Strv 104 standard, which included a new Continental diesel engine and semi-automatic gearbox, as well as Explosive Reactive Armour tiles on the frontal armour and turret. The final Swedish variants were the Strv 105 and 106, which were upgrades from the 1990s. The upgrades added new Fire Control Systems, improved sights, new suspension, and further improvements to the tanks armour. The Strv 105 was the designation for rebuilt Strv 102R and 104 tanks, while the Strv 106 were rebuilt Strv 101R. In 2005 the Strv 105/106 served with some assault gun companies and the armoured battalions on Gotland. It was planned that those in assault gun companies would be replaced by the CV90120, while additional Strv 121 would be procured to replace those in armoured battalions.
Stridsvagn 121
Based on the Leopard 2 Improved, the Strv 121 is often regarded as the most advanced Leopard 2 variant. Externally it can be distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 and A6 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and thicker crew hatches. Internally there were also a number of differences to the baseline West German tank, including Swedish radios, improvements to the Fire Control System and a Swedish designed Tank Command & Control System. Some of the Swedish improvements would find their way back into the Leopard 2A6M. The most modern variant of the tank in service in 2005 was the Strv 121B, which had improved mine protection and NATO compatible Command & Control Systems. The Strv 121B would form the basis of the Nordic Tank Programme with Norway and Denmark. In 2005, the Strv 121 was still in production in Sweden, alongside Leopard 2s for Denmark and Norway. Sweden was planning a further upgrade of the tank, which will be designated the Strv 122. [NOTE 2]
Turkey.
M48A3/T5/A5T1/A5T2
Turkey is one of the few armies in NATO to still use the early version of the Patton. Most are held in War Emergency Reserve, and some of the older tanks have ended up as part of fixed border defences.
M60A3TTS
Around five hundred M60s remain in Turkish service in their original configuration. The older M60A1 RISE passive were upgraded to 120S standard, their turrets being added to fixed border defences.
Leopard 1A3T/TU120
All remaining Turkish Leopard 1s are being upgraded to A5 standard, and as with the Greek Leopard 1s, many have had the L44 120mm gun installed.
M60T
If anyone has ever wondered what the result would be if an M60 and an M1A1 ever got drunk one night and became amorous, then the M60T Super Patton (originally designated the 120S by GLDS) provided a probable answer. The M60T based on the hull of an M60 with the turret of an M1A1. The vehicle is also fitted with the Abrams’ suspension system and tracks and a new 1200-horsepower AVDS-1790 engine. All of the Turkish Army’s two hundred and seventy-five M60A1 RISE passive have been upgraded to 120S standard, as have around one hundred M60A3TTS. Conversions are continuing on a production line in Turkey.
Leopard 2A6T
The Leopard 2 is the most advanced tank in the Turkish Army, which possesses around three hundred vehicles. Apart from the initial batch, which came from Germany, all Turkish Leopard 2s were built on the Greco-Turkish production lines. Procurement is continuing to replace the remaining M48s and early Leopard 1s.
United Kingdom.
FV4201 Chieftain
Britain’s first true Main Battle Tank, the Chieftain served as the backbone of the Royal Armoured Corps from the 1966 until the early 1990s. By the beginning of the Nineties the British Army still had 646 Chieftain gun tanks in service, the majority being the Mark 10 and Mark 11, both marks had STILLBREW armour, but only the latter had the TOGS system installed. The army intended to retain 324 Mark 11 in War Maintenance Reserve. That plan was derailed by the expansion of the Territorial Army post 1997. There would not be enough Challenger 1 and 2 to equip all of the newly raised Yeomanry armoured regiments. Several of these regiments would be equipped with the upgraded Mark 12 and Mark 13 Chieftain, which were upgraded Mark 10 and 11 tanks respectfully. These tanks were fitted with the Improved Computerised Sighting System (ICSS), as used by the Challenger 1, hydraulic track adjusters, and, in a very popular move, an electric heater and were latter fitted with the Bowman radio. Consideration was also given to re-arming these marks with the L30 120mm gun, but that was not carried out, as issuing Chieftain to Yeomanry regiments was considered to be an interim measure.
The final gun variant issued to the British Army was the Mark 14, which was a war-built variant. That variant was major upgrade of the tank, based on a lot of the features of the prototype Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000. Most notably the Mark 14 gained additional armour on the turret and hull front, giving it a more angular appearance. The armour on the turret was actually quite thin, the STILLBREW armour being considered more than adequate. However, it would allow for the mounting of the same applique armour panels fitted to the Challenger 2’s turret. The Mark 14 would also be fitted with the same ROMOR armoured side-skirts and reactive armour panels on the nose as fitted to Challenger 1 and 2. The tank was also fitted with similar Armoured Charge Bins as those developed for the Challenger 1 Mk.2 (ACB). To improve gunnery the Mark 14 would be fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2. The addition of extra armour increased the weight of the Chieftain, which impacted on its mobility. To counter this the flawed L60 engine was replaced by a 900-horsepower variant of the Perkins CV8 diesel engine. Moreover, the old Horstman suspension units were replaced with bolt-on hydrostat suspension units. These together greatly improved both the across country speed and gave a better ride, although the Chieftain would never be a fast tank.
Mark 11, 12 and 13 tanks were issued to some Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties. Two war-raised regiments of the RAC and one of the RNZAC would be equipped with the Mark 14.
FV4030/4 Challenger 1
The Challenger 1 was not a tank that the British Army had intended to procure, having originated as a tank for the Imperial Iranian Army – the FV4030/3 Shir 2. The Iranian Revolution led to the cancellation of the project, which happened to coincide with the collapse of the over ambitious MBT-80 project. With the Royal Ordnance Factory at Leeds facing the prospect of closure, due to no work and the army the prospect of no tank to replace the Chieftain, the Shir 2, after modification became the Challenger (no ‘1’ was attached to the name at that tank). With the more powerful and reliable Perkins CV12 diesel engine and Chobham armour, the Challenger was considered a significant improvement over Chieftain. However, the Mark 1 lacked TOGS and was considered an interim vehicle, used to train troops. The Mark 2 added TOGS while the Mark 3 had revised internal arrangements, including Armoured Charge Bins for the two-piece ammunition. An additional variant was created during the 1990-91 Gulf War, when there were not enough Mark 3 tanks available. This was the Mark 2 (Armoured Charge Bins), which, as the name suggested, had been fitted with armoured charge bins for its ammunition. That variant was arguably better protected than the Mark 3, as its ACBs held ‘doublets’, rather than ‘triplets’ of the latter mark. Like the Chieftain, the Challenger 1 would equip some newly raised Yeomanry regiments, pending delivery of Challenger 2.
By 2005 around 150 of the 420 Challenger 1 built remained in War Maintenance Reserve, a number that had been steadily reducing as the hulls were used for new Challenger 2s, or for conversion to specialist vehicles, like the CARRV. Some of the tanks in WMR were issued Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties, around sixty would be converted into Challenger 2s, or donate their hulls to allow damaged tanks to be replaced, while others would be converted to Challenger Marksman AA vehicles. The remaining tanks were upgraded to Mark 4 standard, being fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2 and the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, as well as the same applique armour as the newer tank. Those tanks were issued to a war-raised regiment.
FV4034 Challenger 2
The disappointing performance of the Challenger at the Canadian Arms Trophy in 1987 led to the army again seeking a new-generation tank; Challenger in many ways being an evolution of the Chieftain. Thankfully, the then Vickers Defence Systems had already begun to develop a successor to both Chieftain and Challenger as a private venture, using their Mark 7 tank as the basis. While the Challenger 2 would share a hull with the Challenger 1 (albeit upgraded), it had an all new, better protected turret, armed with the L30A1 High Pressure 120mm rifled gun, a digital fire-control system, and the improved TOGS II. The new gun would allow Challenger 2 to fire more power CHARM 3 APFSDS rounds, as well as HESH. The Challenger 2 would go on to equip all of the regular and Territorial Army Yeomanry rank regiments. Production of the tank began in 1993 and was ongoing in 2005, Challenger 2s being built at both BAES Leeds and Newcastle. During the war an upgraded variant, the Mark 2 (the existing tanks being retrospectively designated the Mark 1) was produced. It had improved armour protection, called Dorchester Level 2H, which included a new slab of passive armour on the nose of the tank, replacing the reactive armour. Additional armour was added to the side of the turret, while Israeli designed reactive armour over the existing ROMOR Dorchester side skirts. The additional armour brought the tank’s weight up to over 70 tons and to mitigate this the CV12 engine was upgraded to produce 1,500 bhp. The Gunner’s Primary Sight was also upgraded, as was TOGS. The Fire Control Computer, Fire Control Panel and Gun Processing Unit were also upgraded, and the Commander gained a new panoramic sight, something soldiers had wanted for a while. All new Challenger 2s would be built to the Mark 2 standard, while Mark 1s would be upgraded over time, often as tanks came in to be repaired. Most of the work was carried out at base workshops by REME personnel, with assistance of BAES civilian technicians. Some Challenger 2s used ‘up-cycled’ hulls from Challenger 1s, however these tanks were virtually indistinguishable from tanks with new-build hulls.
United States of America.
M60A1/A3TTS Patton
Although now long out of service with the US Army and US Marine Corps, there were still several thousand M60s in storage in the USA. Some found their way onto firing ranges; others were used to create artificial reefs, while others were held in war emergency reserve, or for export to friendly countries. A few were bailed to various defence contractors for demonstrative purposes, such as prototypes of M60 upgrades, for example the M60T (M60-2000/120S). A number of war raised formation were, at least initially, issued with Pattons.
M1 Abrams
Production of the M1 Abrams began in 1979 and as of 2005 continued in both the United States and Egypt. All regular army armoured units were equipped with the M1A2, or the M1A2 SEP, as were all National Guard and Army Reserve ROUNDOUT units. Most other National Guard and Reserve units were equipped with older versions of the tank, though the M1A1HC was the oldest version still in service in 2005. The USMC did not use the A2, continuing to employ A1 variants, their most modern during the war being the M1A1 AIM.
Older variants were rebuilt and upgraded to A1-AIM and A2 SEP standard, alongside new-build tanks. However, some M1IPs and M1A1s remained in service in training units. A small number of M1s, the earliest variant remained in storage, awaiting upgrade. Some of those joined M60s on semi-static guard duty or were issued to war formed formations.
*
1) Those nations were not NATO members at the outbreak of war but joined during the conflict.
2) In @ this tank was the Strv 122, the Strv 121 being Leopard 2A4 that were leased as a stop-gap measure.
Austria.
[NOTE 1]
M60A3 TTS
Austria purchased 170 M60A1 from US Army Europe stocks in 1982. Those tanks were later converted to A3 standard and were subsequently upgraded to TTS standard. While the Austrian Army had more modern tanks by 2005, the M60 was still the backbone of the armoured force.
Leopard 2A4
One hundred and fourteen Leopard 2A4, plus one spare turret, were acquired by the Austrian Army in 1996 from the West German Heer. Which, for industrial reasons, had chosen to replace those tanks with new A5 and A6 variants, rather than upgrade the A4s. By 2005 the Austrian tanks had received the same turret armour upgrade as the A5, but were otherwise the same internally, being designated the A4+.
Belgium.
Leopard 1A5(BE)/A6(BE)
The Belgian Army progressively upgraded their Leopard 1A5 to A5(BE) standard from 1990. As an interim measure pending selection of a new main battle tank, Belgium began an upgrade program in 1999 to up-gun a portion of their tank fleet to Leopard 1A6 standard with the L44 120mm gun, as fitted to the Leopard 2A5 and earlier. Both versions can be found serving with the mechanised brigades of the Belgian Army. Around 170 Leopard 1A5(BE) are held in war reserves.
Leclerc
In 2002 the Belgian Ministry of Defence finally decided on the replacement for the Leopard 1 - the French Leclerc. The decision came about after several years of pressure, and no small amount of shaming, from Belgium’s partners in NORTHAG to modernise their tank force. Belgium secured an agreement to build the tank under licence in Belgium after buying an initial batch from France. Nearly 300 LeClerc tanks equip the armoured brigades of the Belgian army, with deliveries ongoing.
Canada.
Leopard C.1
Some of the 114 Leopard C.1s bought by Canada linger on in training units, though most have ended up in storage, or as hard targets on firing ranges. Some were used to guard military and civilian facilities during the war. Later in the war, two regiments assigned to 2nd Canadian Division were equipped with C.1s. Those tanks were fitted with applique armour and the L44 120mm cannon, being designated the C.2.
Leopard 2A6 CAN
The Canadian version of the Leopard 2A6M, which now equips all regular armoured regiments in the Land Forces. Before the new tanks were issued to the Land Forces, Canada briefly leased a small batch of Leopard 2A4s from Bundeswehr stocks, but these have since been returned.
Denmark.
Centurion Mk.5/2DK
Ninety of the remaining Centurions procured by the Danish Army were upgraded in 1985 to keep them viable for the short to medium term, receiving improved fire control equipment, a new engine and improved armour, including ERA. Bringing them up to a similar standard to Swedish Centurions. With the arrival of the Leopard 2A5DK (q.v) in Danish service, the Centurions were handed over to the newly formed armoured squadrons of Territorial Command infantry battalions. The Home Guard also provided crews for armoured troops which generally operated with these squadrons, but also independently on occasion. Thirty additional Centurions were kept in warm storage, with the fleet being regularly rotated. Danish Centurions saw action during the invasion of the island of Bornholm and during the Zealand campaign. Despite being obsolescent they acquitted themselves well. Some of Denmark’s Centurion fleet donated their turrets to fixed coastal defences.
Leopard 1A5-DK
Around two hundred and thirty Leopard 1s remain in Danish service, or in war reserve. As older tanks they are concentrated in the 1st and 2nd Zealand Brigades but are slowly being withdrawn as the Leopard 2A5DK continues to enter service. Like the Centurion, the Leopard 1 acquitted itself well during the Zealand campaign.
Leopard 2A5DK
The Danish version of the Leopard 2, which, as the most modern tank in Danish service serves mainly with the frontline Jutland Division, though there were a small number assigned to other formations for training purposes. The Danish Army is considering upgrading its Leopard 2s to A6M standard. Denmark planned to procure additional Leopard 2s to allow the Leopard 1 to be cascaded to units still equipped with the Centurion.
Finland.
[NOTE 1]
Comet Mk.1 B
The last of the British line of cruiser tanks to see service during the Second World War; forty-one Comets were purchased by Finland. They were used by the armoured brigade until 1970, before being placed in storage. When the Finnish Army was mobilised in 2005, Comets were issued to Local Defence Force units, to be used in a semi-mobile protection role. While the 77mm HV main gun of the Comet would hardly trouble the frontal armour of a modern Main Battle Tank, like a T-72, or T-90, it was powerful enough to destroy lighter vehicles, like the BMP and BMD. It could also potentially disable a tank via a flank, or rear shot.
FV4101 Charioteer
Whether the Charioteer was a tank, or tank destroyer was something that has often caused confusion and debate. However, the British Army designated it as a tank and used it as such, despite it arguably being a tank destroyer. The Finnish Army operated seventy-six Charioteers between the late 1950s and 1972. Even after withdrawal from active service, they were still used for training until 1980. While many Charioteers were subsequently scrapped, ended up on firing ranges, or had their turrets added to fixed defences, at least fifteen remained stored in operational condition in 2005 and, like the Comet, were issued to the LDF for similar roles. A Soviet airborne raid, involving the use of BMD-2s, gave the Charioteer the chance to demonstrate that its 20 pounder (84mm) gun was more than capable of destroying Soviet light armour.
PT-76
Twelve of the amphibious light tanks served in the Finnish Army; some were converted to unarmed PT-A driver training vehicles for the BTR-50. A few of the remaining gun armed vehicles were issued to LDF units on mobilisation.
T-54
Forty-three T-54 were purchased by Finland between 1959 and 1961. By 2005 most T-54 had been converted to specialised roles, like bridge-layers and engineering vehicles. Those not converted were placed in storage and used as a source of spares for the T-55 fleet.
T-55M
The Finnish Army upgraded its T-55 fleet with an improved Bofors Fire Control System, that included a laser range finder and IR sights, a thermal sleeve on the 100mm main gun, better Belgian designed ammunition, and a more powerful engine. The upgraded tanks were considered superior to the T-72M prior to the FM1 and 2 upgrade. In 2005 they were used by independent tank companies, replacing T-54s. The lighter weight of the T-55 was often found to be an asset in many parts of Finland, where heavier Soviet and Western designed tanks could not operate. The T-55 was also the basis of the ITPSV 90 (T-55AM Marksman SPAAG), and its turret was used in coastal fortifications as the 100 56 TK. In the mid-1990s Finland did consider up-gunning the T-55 with a 105mm L7 gun, as Egypt and India had done with some of their T-55s. In the end costs and the fact that the army had a significant stockpile of 100mm ammunition killed the proposal.
T-72FM1/FM2
As of 2005, the T-72 was the used by armoured battalions in the active armoured brigade, Most of the tanks by that year were the more advanced FM2 (Finnish Modification 2). Both variants had an improved Western Fire Control System and a more powerful engine, which allowed faster turning and reverse, and better ammunition when compared to its Soviet counterparts. The FM2 also added Explosive Reactive Armour and a further improved FC. The Finnish upgrades made their T-72s superior to the majority of Soviet tanks they would face in action. By 2004/2005 Finland was looking into procuring a new Main Battle Tank to replace both the T-55 and T-72. The army wanted a Western tank, the Leopard 2 being the favourite, but ‘pressure’ (i.e., threats) from the USSR meant that buying a Western tank, never mind a German one, would be politically impossible. While the Finnish government would bow to pressure and ‘paused’ the New Tank Competition, it would not buy the T-90, which the USSR had ‘offered’, and instead began the ‘Finmod 3’ programme to further upgrade its T-72s. Finland did procure additional T-72 from Poland around the turn of the century, which it upgraded to FM2 standard, allowing its army to re-equip the reserve armoured brigade.
France.
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
The French equivalent of the Leopard 1; in fact, both tanks grew out of a failed joint Franco-German MBT project. Although now obsolescent, seven regiments of the French Army operate around 300 of the BRENUS variant equipped with reactive armour and a new engine, while many more unmodified vehicles are in store, awaiting disposal either by sale abroad, or conversion to specialist vehicles.
Leclerc
Named after General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, the Leclerc is the most modern French MBT in service and forms the backbone of the French armoured force. Uniquely for a NATO tank the Leclerc has an autoloader, which reduces the crew to three and makes it one of the lightest Western Main Battle Tanks currently in service.
Germany, Federal Republic.
Leopard 1A5
A small number of Leopard 1s remain in service with three Territorial Army battalions. Others are held in reserve, either for issue in war, or for export to NATO allies.
Leopard 2A4/A5/A6/A6M
The Leopard 2 forms the backbone of the Heer, serving in the regular army and most of the Territorial Army. The A5 and A6 are the most common version in service, though all are being upgraded to A6M standard.
Greece.
M48A5 MOLF
Most of the remaining M48s in Greek service are now in reserve, or have been converted to bridge layers, or engineering vehicles. Redundant turrets from converted vehicles have been used in fixed defences along the country’s northern border.
M60A3TTS
Like Turkey, Greece acquired significant numbers of ex-US Army M60A1 and M60A3 tanks during the 1990s. All were brought up to M60A3TTS standard and around six hundred seventy are in Greek service. The Greek Army has explored upgrading their M60 fleet to 120S standard, but finances have precluded a commitment by the government.
AMX-30G
Though all AMX-30s have been withdrawn, like the M48, redundant AMX-30 hulls have become specialist vehicles, and their turrets added to fixed border defences. A few gun tanks remain in service with training units, reserve, and as hard targets on ranges.
Leopard 1A5
All remaining Leopard 1s in Greek service have been upgraded to A5 standard and are concentrated in reserve and training units. Many of them have had the L44 120mm gun installed, though with the entry of the Leopard 2A6HEL (q.v) into service it is unclear whether any more tanks will be thus upgraded.
Leopard 2A4/A6HEL
A small batch of A4 model Leopard 2s were received from Germany for training purposes before license production in Greece and Turkey of the Leopard 2A6 got underway. Around three hundred and fifty of the A6HEL are in Greek Army service.
Ireland, Republic of.
[NOTE 1]
The Republic of Ireland did not operate any tanks in 2005, although in the past the Irish Army had used four Churchill VI and eight Comets. The closest the Irish Army had to tanks were fourteen FV101 Scorpions used by the 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron
Italy.
M60A1
The three hundred M60A1 that once served in the Italian Army were the first tanks to be replaced by the Ariete. Inspired by the Greek and Turkish use of old tank turrets, Italy has used the surplus M60 turrets to modernise the fixed defences along its northeastern border, replacing M26 and various Sherman variants. The now surplus hulls were passed to Turkey.
Leopard 1A5
Around one hundred and twenty Leopard 1s remain in Italian Army service, mainly assigned to training units, or in war reserve. Some have begun to appear on firing ranges as hard targets.
Inspired by the Greek and Turkish use of old tank turrets, Italy has used Leopard 1 and M60 turrets to modernise the fixed defences along its northeastern border, replacing M26 and various Sherman variants.
C1 Ariete
The Italian entry into the world of the latest generation of tanks. Like other modern Western tanks, the Ariete is armed with a 120mm gun and is protected by laminated armour. Around two hundred Arietes are in service with the Italian Army, though it is still in production. An improved C2 version, which may have an autoloader and improved armour, is under development.
Luxembourg.
The Luxembourg army had no main battle tanks, only being equipped with light armoured vehicles.
Netherlands.
Leopard 2A5/A6/A6M
The armoured force of the Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Dutch Army) is exclusively made up of Leopard 2s. Most of these tanks are A6, or A6Ms, remaining A5 models are being upgraded to A6M standard. The Dutch are known for having one of the most modern tanks fleets in NATO.
The Dutch Army did at one time poses Leopard 1s, but all remaining gun tanks have been withdrawn, many converted to bridging and engineering vehicles.
Norway.
Leopard 1A5NO2
The Norwegian Army originally procured seventy-eight Leopard 1s. These vehicles have been extensively upgraded, becoming equivalent to the A5 version. They are now being phased out of service, though many ‘withdrawn’ tanks appeared in the hands of the army when war broke out. Before the decision was taken to procure the Leopard 2A6NO (q.v), the Norwegian Army considered rearming its Leopard 1 fleet with the L44 120mm gun.
Leopard 2A6NO
The most modern tank in Norwegian service, the Norwegian Army’s Leopard 2s were built in Sweden (where they were known as the Stridsvagn 121) as part of the Nordic Tank Programme. However, a small number of Leopard 2A4s were loaned by Germany for training purposes. In 2005 the Norwegian Army was considering purchasing a small number of A6M models, probably around ten to twenty tanks, and upgrading the rest to this standard.
Portugal.
M60A3TTS
The majority of the Portuguese tank force is still made up of this final version of the Patton, though it is beginning to be phased out of service. Although they are procuring the Leopard 2, the Portuguese have considered upgrading their remaining Pattons, as the Turks have done.
Leopard 2A6M
There are less than one hundred Leopard 2s in service with the Portuguese Army, though procurement is continuing. The Portuguese have sourced their tanks both from the main production lines in West Germany, and from the license production lines in Greece and Turkey.
Spain.
AMX-30EM2
Around one hundred twenty of these upgraded French tanks remain in service with the Spanish Army with a further twenty-six in war reserve, though they are in the process of being withdrawn. The redundant hulls may be converted to specialist vehicles. One hundred forty-nine less thoroughly modernised EM1 variants were withdrawn from service during the 1990s.
M60A3TTS
Around two hundred fifty Pattons remain in Spanish service, though like the AMX-30 they are being retired. As the Leopard 2 is entering service the Spanish have decided not to upgrade the remaining M60s.
Leopard 2A4/2E(A6)
Around three hundred and thirty Leopard 2s are in Spanish service, though procurement continues, rapidly making it the backbone of the Spanish armoured force. While the initial batch was to A4 standard all further batches were to A6 standard and remaining A4s are being upgraded.
Sweden.
[NOTE 1]
Stridsvagn 103
The near legendary and unique S-Tank was still in service with a number of assault gun companies in some brigades. The Strv 103 was the first Western production tank to use a gas turbine and the only Western MBT to dispense with a turret. While the configuration of the S-Tank was often heralded as the future of tanks, no other nation was to adopt a turretless design. All Swedish tanks in service are to Strv 103C standard. A single Strv 103D was built, which had improved fire control and thermal sights. However, the Strv 121 was procured instead. The Swedish Army planned to replace the remaining Strv 103C with CV90120 as production allows.
Stridsvagn 105/106
Sweden first procured Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 in the mid-1950s, which it designated the Strv 81. These tanks were supplemented by Mk.10 tanks, designated Strv 101. Sweden would upgrade the Strv 81 with the L7 105mm gun, to match the later tanks, these becoming the Strv 102. Both variants would be upgraded in the 1980s with improved frontal armour, having the letter R added after their designations. Eighty Strv 102R would be further upgraded to Strv 104 standard, which included a new Continental diesel engine and semi-automatic gearbox, as well as Explosive Reactive Armour tiles on the frontal armour and turret. The final Swedish variants were the Strv 105 and 106, which were upgrades from the 1990s. The upgrades added new Fire Control Systems, improved sights, new suspension, and further improvements to the tanks armour. The Strv 105 was the designation for rebuilt Strv 102R and 104 tanks, while the Strv 106 were rebuilt Strv 101R. In 2005 the Strv 105/106 served with some assault gun companies and the armoured battalions on Gotland. It was planned that those in assault gun companies would be replaced by the CV90120, while additional Strv 121 would be procured to replace those in armoured battalions.
Stridsvagn 121
Based on the Leopard 2 Improved, the Strv 121 is often regarded as the most advanced Leopard 2 variant. Externally it can be distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 and A6 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and thicker crew hatches. Internally there were also a number of differences to the baseline West German tank, including Swedish radios, improvements to the Fire Control System and a Swedish designed Tank Command & Control System. Some of the Swedish improvements would find their way back into the Leopard 2A6M. The most modern variant of the tank in service in 2005 was the Strv 121B, which had improved mine protection and NATO compatible Command & Control Systems. The Strv 121B would form the basis of the Nordic Tank Programme with Norway and Denmark. In 2005, the Strv 121 was still in production in Sweden, alongside Leopard 2s for Denmark and Norway. Sweden was planning a further upgrade of the tank, which will be designated the Strv 122. [NOTE 2]
Turkey.
M48A3/T5/A5T1/A5T2
Turkey is one of the few armies in NATO to still use the early version of the Patton. Most are held in War Emergency Reserve, and some of the older tanks have ended up as part of fixed border defences.
M60A3TTS
Around five hundred M60s remain in Turkish service in their original configuration. The older M60A1 RISE passive were upgraded to 120S standard, their turrets being added to fixed border defences.
Leopard 1A3T/TU120
All remaining Turkish Leopard 1s are being upgraded to A5 standard, and as with the Greek Leopard 1s, many have had the L44 120mm gun installed.
M60T
If anyone has ever wondered what the result would be if an M60 and an M1A1 ever got drunk one night and became amorous, then the M60T Super Patton (originally designated the 120S by GLDS) provided a probable answer. The M60T based on the hull of an M60 with the turret of an M1A1. The vehicle is also fitted with the Abrams’ suspension system and tracks and a new 1200-horsepower AVDS-1790 engine. All of the Turkish Army’s two hundred and seventy-five M60A1 RISE passive have been upgraded to 120S standard, as have around one hundred M60A3TTS. Conversions are continuing on a production line in Turkey.
Leopard 2A6T
The Leopard 2 is the most advanced tank in the Turkish Army, which possesses around three hundred vehicles. Apart from the initial batch, which came from Germany, all Turkish Leopard 2s were built on the Greco-Turkish production lines. Procurement is continuing to replace the remaining M48s and early Leopard 1s.
United Kingdom.
FV4201 Chieftain
Britain’s first true Main Battle Tank, the Chieftain served as the backbone of the Royal Armoured Corps from the 1966 until the early 1990s. By the beginning of the Nineties the British Army still had 646 Chieftain gun tanks in service, the majority being the Mark 10 and Mark 11, both marks had STILLBREW armour, but only the latter had the TOGS system installed. The army intended to retain 324 Mark 11 in War Maintenance Reserve. That plan was derailed by the expansion of the Territorial Army post 1997. There would not be enough Challenger 1 and 2 to equip all of the newly raised Yeomanry armoured regiments. Several of these regiments would be equipped with the upgraded Mark 12 and Mark 13 Chieftain, which were upgraded Mark 10 and 11 tanks respectfully. These tanks were fitted with the Improved Computerised Sighting System (ICSS), as used by the Challenger 1, hydraulic track adjusters, and, in a very popular move, an electric heater and were latter fitted with the Bowman radio. Consideration was also given to re-arming these marks with the L30 120mm gun, but that was not carried out, as issuing Chieftain to Yeomanry regiments was considered to be an interim measure.
The final gun variant issued to the British Army was the Mark 14, which was a war-built variant. That variant was major upgrade of the tank, based on a lot of the features of the prototype Chieftain 800, 900 and 2000. Most notably the Mark 14 gained additional armour on the turret and hull front, giving it a more angular appearance. The armour on the turret was actually quite thin, the STILLBREW armour being considered more than adequate. However, it would allow for the mounting of the same applique armour panels fitted to the Challenger 2’s turret. The Mark 14 would also be fitted with the same ROMOR armoured side-skirts and reactive armour panels on the nose as fitted to Challenger 1 and 2. The tank was also fitted with similar Armoured Charge Bins as those developed for the Challenger 1 Mk.2 (ACB). To improve gunnery the Mark 14 would be fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2. The addition of extra armour increased the weight of the Chieftain, which impacted on its mobility. To counter this the flawed L60 engine was replaced by a 900-horsepower variant of the Perkins CV8 diesel engine. Moreover, the old Horstman suspension units were replaced with bolt-on hydrostat suspension units. These together greatly improved both the across country speed and gave a better ride, although the Chieftain would never be a fast tank.
Mark 11, 12 and 13 tanks were issued to some Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties. Two war-raised regiments of the RAC and one of the RNZAC would be equipped with the Mark 14.
FV4030/4 Challenger 1
The Challenger 1 was not a tank that the British Army had intended to procure, having originated as a tank for the Imperial Iranian Army – the FV4030/3 Shir 2. The Iranian Revolution led to the cancellation of the project, which happened to coincide with the collapse of the over ambitious MBT-80 project. With the Royal Ordnance Factory at Leeds facing the prospect of closure, due to no work and the army the prospect of no tank to replace the Chieftain, the Shir 2, after modification became the Challenger (no ‘1’ was attached to the name at that tank). With the more powerful and reliable Perkins CV12 diesel engine and Chobham armour, the Challenger was considered a significant improvement over Chieftain. However, the Mark 1 lacked TOGS and was considered an interim vehicle, used to train troops. The Mark 2 added TOGS while the Mark 3 had revised internal arrangements, including Armoured Charge Bins for the two-piece ammunition. An additional variant was created during the 1990-91 Gulf War, when there were not enough Mark 3 tanks available. This was the Mark 2 (Armoured Charge Bins), which, as the name suggested, had been fitted with armoured charge bins for its ammunition. That variant was arguably better protected than the Mark 3, as its ACBs held ‘doublets’, rather than ‘triplets’ of the latter mark. Like the Chieftain, the Challenger 1 would equip some newly raised Yeomanry regiments, pending delivery of Challenger 2.
By 2005 around 150 of the 420 Challenger 1 built remained in War Maintenance Reserve, a number that had been steadily reducing as the hulls were used for new Challenger 2s, or for conversion to specialist vehicles, like the CARRV. Some of the tanks in WMR were issued Home Defence Yeomanry regiments for semi-static protection duties, around sixty would be converted into Challenger 2s, or donate their hulls to allow damaged tanks to be replaced, while others would be converted to Challenger Marksman AA vehicles. The remaining tanks were upgraded to Mark 4 standard, being fitted with the same digital fire control computer and TOGS II of Challenger 2 and the 1,500 bhp variant of the CV12 engine, as well as the same applique armour as the newer tank. Those tanks were issued to a war-raised regiment.
FV4034 Challenger 2
The disappointing performance of the Challenger at the Canadian Arms Trophy in 1987 led to the army again seeking a new-generation tank; Challenger in many ways being an evolution of the Chieftain. Thankfully, the then Vickers Defence Systems had already begun to develop a successor to both Chieftain and Challenger as a private venture, using their Mark 7 tank as the basis. While the Challenger 2 would share a hull with the Challenger 1 (albeit upgraded), it had an all new, better protected turret, armed with the L30A1 High Pressure 120mm rifled gun, a digital fire-control system, and the improved TOGS II. The new gun would allow Challenger 2 to fire more power CHARM 3 APFSDS rounds, as well as HESH. The Challenger 2 would go on to equip all of the regular and Territorial Army Yeomanry rank regiments. Production of the tank began in 1993 and was ongoing in 2005, Challenger 2s being built at both BAES Leeds and Newcastle. During the war an upgraded variant, the Mark 2 (the existing tanks being retrospectively designated the Mark 1) was produced. It had improved armour protection, called Dorchester Level 2H, which included a new slab of passive armour on the nose of the tank, replacing the reactive armour. Additional armour was added to the side of the turret, while Israeli designed reactive armour over the existing ROMOR Dorchester side skirts. The additional armour brought the tank’s weight up to over 70 tons and to mitigate this the CV12 engine was upgraded to produce 1,500 bhp. The Gunner’s Primary Sight was also upgraded, as was TOGS. The Fire Control Computer, Fire Control Panel and Gun Processing Unit were also upgraded, and the Commander gained a new panoramic sight, something soldiers had wanted for a while. All new Challenger 2s would be built to the Mark 2 standard, while Mark 1s would be upgraded over time, often as tanks came in to be repaired. Most of the work was carried out at base workshops by REME personnel, with assistance of BAES civilian technicians. Some Challenger 2s used ‘up-cycled’ hulls from Challenger 1s, however these tanks were virtually indistinguishable from tanks with new-build hulls.
United States of America.
M60A1/A3TTS Patton
Although now long out of service with the US Army and US Marine Corps, there were still several thousand M60s in storage in the USA. Some found their way onto firing ranges; others were used to create artificial reefs, while others were held in war emergency reserve, or for export to friendly countries. A few were bailed to various defence contractors for demonstrative purposes, such as prototypes of M60 upgrades, for example the M60T (M60-2000/120S). A number of war raised formation were, at least initially, issued with Pattons.
M1 Abrams
Production of the M1 Abrams began in 1979 and as of 2005 continued in both the United States and Egypt. All regular army armoured units were equipped with the M1A2, or the M1A2 SEP, as were all National Guard and Army Reserve ROUNDOUT units. Most other National Guard and Reserve units were equipped with older versions of the tank, though the M1A1HC was the oldest version still in service in 2005. The USMC did not use the A2, continuing to employ A1 variants, their most modern during the war being the M1A1 AIM.
Older variants were rebuilt and upgraded to A1-AIM and A2 SEP standard, alongside new-build tanks. However, some M1IPs and M1A1s remained in service in training units. A small number of M1s, the earliest variant remained in storage, awaiting upgrade. Some of those joined M60s on semi-static guard duty or were issued to war formed formations.
*
1) Those nations were not NATO members at the outbreak of war but joined during the conflict.
2) In @ this tank was the Strv 122, the Strv 121 being Leopard 2A4 that were leased as a stop-gap measure.
