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Top Combat Tanks


Military History | All Time

The combat tank changed the face of warfare in World War 1 and continues to evolve today.

The combat tank debuted in World War 1 (1914-1918) where trench warfare required a vehicle of considerable power and length to manage battlefield obstacles and trench networks. The result was a collection of crude, lumbering beasts that helped to turn the tide of the war (though their actual combat debut was mixed). By the time of World War 2, armored warfare had evolved considerably and gone were th e multi-turreted creations of old - in their place were faster-moving, well-armed and armored steel beasts that were used to great effect by all sides. From this fighting was born the concept of the 'Main Battle Tank' which still takes center stage on the battlefield today, despite the rise in many tank-killing weapons that have prematurely called for the end of such vehicles. The tank remains as the spearhead of any offensive and a single such example can turn the tide of some ground battles. There is very little sign that the MBT will be replaced at the frontlines any time soon.

The listing below takes into account the influence and combat history that the particular entry has had in modern warfare. As such, the entires run the gamut of wars throughout the 20th century as well as more modern additions seen today. They are presented in no particular order.

The Carden-Loyd Tankette and French Renault FT-17 are listed here as honorable mentions due to their influence during their respective periods of history. Some notable omissions such as the French LeClerc and German Leopard 2 have been left off of this list due to their relatively limited combat service records.




1
Picture of the Carden-Loyd Tankette (Series)
National Flag Graphic
1927
Carden-Loyd Tankette (Series)
Tankette / Light Tank / Infantry Support Vehicle
2
Picture of the Centurion (A41)
National Flag Graphic
1945
Centurion (A41)
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
3
Picture of the Challenger 2 (FV4034)
National Flag Graphic
1998
Challenger 2 (FV4034)
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
4
Picture of the Infantry Tank Mk IV Churchill (A22)
National Flag Graphic
1941
Infantry Tank Mk IV Churchill (A22)
Infantry Tank
5
Picture of the M1 Abrams
National Flag Graphic
1980
M1 Abrams
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
6
Picture of the Merkava (Chariot)
National Flag Graphic
1979
Merkava (Chariot)
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
7
Picture of the Renault FT-17
National Flag Graphic
1917
Renault FT-17
Light Tank
8
Picture of the SdKfz 171 Panzer V / Panther
National Flag Graphic
1943
SdKfz 171 Panzer V / Panther
Medium Tank
9
Picture of the T-34
National Flag Graphic
1940
T-34
Medium Tank
10
Picture of the T-55
National Flag Graphic
1958
T-55
Medium Tank / Main Battle Tank (MBT)
11
Picture of the T-72 (Ural)
National Flag Graphic
1972
T-72 (Ural)
Main Battle Tank (MBT)
12
Picture of the Tank Mk I (Big Willie / Centipede / Mother)
National Flag Graphic
1916
Tank Mk I (Big Willie / Centipede / Mother)
Medium / Heavy Tank
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