Active Service:
The U.S. Army has approximately 4,650 M1 Abrams tanks in its inventory.
Mothballs/Storage:
The U.S. maintains a substantial reserve of M1 Abrams tanks in storage, often for modernization and potential future use.
The last primary main battle tank used by the U.S. Army before the M1 Abrams was the M60 Patton.
The M60 series of tanks, which evolved from the earlier M48 Patton, served as the backbone of U.S. armored forces throughout the Cold War until the M1 Abrams began to enter service in the early 1980s.
It's worth noting that the M1 Abrams itself was developed in part from lessons learned and issues encountered with earlier projects, notably the MBT-70, a joint American-West German tank development program that was ultimately canceled due to cost and complexity.
The United States military no longer maintains a significant inventory of M60 Patton tanks in active service or in mothballs for potential re-activation.
When the M1 Abrams replaced the M60 as the primary main battle tank, the vast majority of the M60 fleet was:
Scrapped: A large number were dismantled for their metal.
Sold/Given to Allies: Many M60s were transferred to allied nations around the world.
Countries like Egypt, Turkey, Taiwan, and others still operate modernized versions of the M60 today. Used as Targets: Some were utilized as live-fire targets for training purposes.
Converted to Artificial Reefs/Monuments: A small number were sunk to create artificial reefs or placed as static displays in museums and public spaces.
While a handful might exist in very limited capacities (e.g., for specific testing, or very old ones used for niche purposes like avalanche control which were eventually returned to the Army), you won't find thousands of M60s in U.S. military storage like you do with the M1 Abrams. The M60 has been officially phased out of U.S. service for decades.
As of current estimates, Egypt has the most M60 Patton tanks in active service. They are reported to have around 1,700 M60s, many of which have undergone significant upgrades to keep them relevant on the modern battlefield.
Other countries with a substantial number of M60s still in service or reserve include:
Turkey: Around 932 (many upgraded to the M60T "Sabra" standard)
Taiwan: Around 450
Saudi Arabia: Around 450
Morocco: Around 427
Bahrain: Around 180 (some active, some in reserve)
Thailand: Around 178
It's important to note that many of these tanks have received extensive modernization packages, including new engines, fire control systems, and armor upgrades, to extend their operational lifespan.
Yes, the U.S. Army has significant plans for the future of its main battle tank force, moving beyond incremental upgrades to the current M1 Abrams series towards a new, more advanced tank.
Here's a summary of the current approach:
Cancellation of M1A2 SEPv4: The Army has announced it is canceling the planned M1A2 SEPv4 upgrade for the Abrams.
This was a significant decision, as SEPv4 was intended to be the next major iteration of the M1A2. Focus on M1E3 Abrams: Instead of SEPv4, the Army is now prioritizing the development of the M1E3 Abrams.
This is a more substantial modernization effort that aims to incorporate a "modular open systems architecture (MOSA)," allowing for quicker and more flexible integration of new technologies in the future. The goal is to field the M1E3 as a "next-generation" tank capable of dominating battlefields through the 2040s. Key Features of the M1E3 (Planned):
Lighter Weight: Expected to be significantly lighter than current Abrams variants (around 60 tons compared to 70+ tons), improving mobility and transportability.
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion: A major shift for improved fuel efficiency (up to 50% better) and reduced thermal/electromagnetic signatures.
Unmanned Turret & Autoloader: This is a possibility that could reduce the crew size from four to three, with the crew located in a protected capsule within the hull.
Advanced Sensors and AI: Incorporating third-generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, advanced fire control systems with AI support, and enhanced networking capabilities.
Next-Generation Protection: Modular and enhanced armor, along with advanced active protection systems (APS) to counter various threats, including drones and anti-tank missiles.
Drone Integration: Potential for direct communication and integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Accelerated Timeline: The Army is aiming for a significantly accelerated development timeline for the M1E3, potentially fielding it within 24 to 30 months from recent decisions, rather than the original five-year projection. Initial operational capability is anticipated in the early 2030s.
"Decisive Lethality Platform" (DLP): The M1E3 falls under the broader "Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV)" program, where it's specifically referred to as the "Decisive Lethality Platform" (DLP), aiming to be the ultimate replacement for the M1 Abrams.
AbramsX (Technology Demonstrator): General Dynamics Land Systems (the original manufacturer of the Abrams) unveiled the AbramsX in 2022.
This is a technology demonstrator that showcases many of the concepts and features being considered for the M1E3, such as the hybrid powertrain, unmanned turret, autoloader, and reduced crew. While not a direct production model, it provides a glimpse into the future direction of the Abrams.
In essence, the U.S. Army is not simply "replacing" the Abrams with an entirely new platform from scratch (as was attempted and canceled with the XM1202 Mounted Combat System). Instead, it's undertaking a radical modernization and redesign of the Abrams itself with the M1E3, aiming to create a tank that can meet the challenges of future battlefields while leveraging the existing industrial base and some core elements of the Abrams design.
The T-14 Armata has been a subject of intense focus since its unveiling, with an emphasis on its revolutionary design features. As of 2025, the primary focus of its future development and testing revolves around:
Key Development Focus Points:
Unmanned Turret and Crew Survivability: A central tenet of the Armata's design is its unmanned turret, with the crew (commander, gunner, driver) housed in a heavily armored capsule in the hull.
The focus is on perfecting the remote control systems for the main gun and ensuring maximum crew protection from direct hits to the turret. Active Protection System (APS): The T-14 is equipped with the Afghanit APS, designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats like anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
Continued refinement of this system's effectiveness and reliability in various combat scenarios is a major priority. Advanced Fire Control System: The tank boasts an advanced fire control system, intended for high accuracy and rapid engagement of targets.
Further development aims to integrate various sensors and improve target acquisition and tracking capabilities. Modular Design: The Armata Universal Combat Platform, on which the T-14 is based, is designed to be modular, allowing for easier integration of new technologies and different variants (e.g., infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled artillery).
The future focus is on leveraging this modularity for upgrades and system integration. Sensor Fusion and Situational Awareness: Enhancing the tank's ability to gather and process information from various sensors (radar, thermal imagers, optics) to create a comprehensive battlefield picture for the crew is a continuous area of development.
Connectivity and Networking: The T-14 is designed to operate as part of a networked combat system, sharing data with other armored vehicles, command posts, and even unmanned aerial vehicles.
Further development is aimed at optimizing this battlefield integration. 152mm Main Gun (Future Variant): While currently armed with a 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore cannon, there have been long-standing plans for a future variant to incorporate a more powerful 152mm 2A83 smoothbore gun.
Testing and development for this higher-caliber armament would be a significant undertaking. Engine and Mobility: The tank's A-85-3A diesel engine offers a powerful output.
Ongoing work would be focused on optimizing its performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.
Testing in Combat (as of 2025):
Regarding combat testing, publicly available information indicates the T-14 Armata has undergone limited, experimental deployment.
The T-14s have been used for testing and assessment in real combat conditions, particularly in an indirect fire role rather than direct assault operations, likely to evaluate its systems and performance while minimizing risk to the valuable platform.
Based on these limited deployments, fine-tuning and modifications are being made to the vehicle. This is a common practice for advanced military hardware undergoing initial field trials.
Russian officials have also stated that the tank is "too valuable" to be deployed in large numbers or in high-risk scenarios, suggesting a cautious approach to its integration into active forces.
The overarching theme for the T-14 Armata, as of 2025, remains its continued development and testing. While it has been touted as a revolutionary design, the focus is on overcoming production hurdles, refining its advanced systems, and conducting trials to ensure its readiness for widespread deployment, even if in limited numbers initially.
You're absolutely right to focus on Russian reports for their own equipment. It provides the most direct insight into their capabilities and intentions.
The T-90 series has been a workhorse for the Russian military and a successful export product. Here's a look at its variants and the reported numbers according to Russian sources and closely-aligned analyses, as of mid-2025:
T-90 Tank Variants and Their Characteristics (Focus on Russian Usage):
The T-90 is a third-generation main battle tank developed from the T-72. Its evolution has focused on improving firepower, protection, and mobility, often incorporating technologies from the T-80 series.
T-90 (Original Model / "Vladimir"):
Introduction: Entered service in the early 1990s.
Key Features: Primarily known for its cast turret, 125mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, V-84MS multi-fuel diesel engine (840 hp), and Kontakt-5 Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). It also featured the Shtora-1 electro-optical jamming system, recognizable by the "red eyes" on the turret.
Role: The initial standard tank for the Russian Army.
T-90A:
Introduction: Introduced in the early 2000s.
Key Features: A significant upgrade from the original T-90. It features a welded turret (offering better protection), an upgraded V-92S2 engine (1000 hp), and an improved ESSA thermal viewer for the gunner. It retained and often improved upon the Kontakt-5 ERA and Shtora-1 system. Sometimes informally referred to as "Vladimir" as well.
Role: Became the standard modern tank for the Russian Ground Forces before the advent of the T-90M.
T-90M "Proryv" (Breakthrough):
Introduction: Began deliveries to the Russian Army around 2020. It represents the most advanced T-90 variant in Russian service.
Key Features: This is a deep modernization.
Turret: Features an entirely new, heavily armored modular turret design, capable of integrating various protection elements.
Firepower: Uses the upgraded 125mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, capable of firing new, longer armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. It also has a modernized fire control system with the Kalina integrated combat information control system and a new Sosna-U panoramic sight for the gunner.
Protection: Equipped with the latest Relikt ERA, offering enhanced protection against both kinetic and chemical energy projectiles. It also integrates an upgraded active protection system and modern jammers.
Engine: Powered by the more powerful V-92S2F engine (1130 hp), improving mobility.
Situational Awareness: Improved communications, navigation (including GLONASS), and situational awareness systems.
Role: The flagship main battle tank for the Russian Army, intended for high-intensity combat.
Export Variants (T-90S, T-90MS, T-90SK):
These are versions primarily for international clients (like India and Algeria). While based on the T-90A and T-90M, they may have different configurations, engines, or systems depending on client requirements. For example, the T-90S is the export version of the T-90A, and the T-90MS is a modernized export version often incorporating features seen in the T-90M. The T-90SK is a command variant with additional communication and navigation equipment.
Russian T-90 Tank Inventory (Based on Russian Reports and Pro-Russian Analyses as of mid-2025):
It's challenging to get perfectly precise, official numbers directly from Russian defense ministries, as such data is often classified. However, analyses based on Russian state media reports, factory announcements, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) aligned with Russian claims provide estimates:
Pre-2022 Inventory (Initial Full-Scale Invasion):
Prior to early 2022, Russian sources and analysts estimated the Russian Army possessed around 435 to 465 T-90 tanks of all variants. This included:
Approximately 120-150 original T-90 "Vladimir" tanks.
Around 280-283 T-90A units.
A smaller initial batch of 66 to 85 T-90M "Proryv" tanks, with an additional 10 sent to training schools.
Post-2022 Production and Modernization (to mid-2025):
Since 2022, there has been a significant ramp-up in the production and modernization of T-90s, particularly the T-90M.
According to analyses citing Russian industrial output, Uralvagonzavod (the primary manufacturer) has substantially increased its production rates.
T-90M Production:
2022: Estimated production of 60-70 T-90M tanks.
2023: Production surged to an estimated 140-180 T-90M tanks.
2024: Production may have surpassed 200 units, potentially approaching 250-300 T-90M tanks annually.
2025 Projections: Production is expected to continue increasing, potentially approaching 400 T-90M units annually.
Russian reports often state that these figures include both newly built T-90Ms and those upgraded from older T-90/T-90A chassis. However, some recent reports suggest that a larger portion of the T-90M production is now new builds, as the stock of older T-90A tanks suitable for upgrade is reportedly depleting.
Total T-90M produced/modernized since early 2022 is estimated to be in the range of 540-630 units by mid-2025, according to some analyses.
Current Active Service and Storage (Estimated from Russian Perspective):
Considering the pre-2022 inventory and the post-2022 production, and without speculating on combat losses, Russian reports would indicate a substantial and growing force of T-90 variants, with a strong emphasis on the modernized T-90M.
While exact figures for tanks in "mothballs" specifically for the T-90 series are not readily available (as most older T-90s are either modernized or remain in active reserve), the focus has been on continuously upgrading existing T-90A tanks to the T-90M standard, effectively putting them back into front-line or active reserve status.
Therefore, the majority of the T-90 fleet for Russia would be considered either active or in a high state of readiness/upgrade, rather than deep storage.
In summary, Russian reports indicate a robust effort to expand and modernize their T-90 fleet, particularly the T-90M "Proryv" variant, with significant annual production and upgrade numbers.
The main battle tank that immediately preceded the T-90 in the Soviet/Russian military's primary inventory was the T-72.
While the T-80 was also in service alongside the T-72 during the late Soviet period, the T-72 was the more widely produced and exported tank. The T-90 itself was, in fact, initially known as "Object 188" and later designated T-72BU before officially being renamed the T-90. This highlights its direct lineage and evolution from the T-72 platform.
Here's a brief overview of the T-72:
Designation: T-72 (numerous variants followed, e.g., T-72A, T-72B, T-72B3)
Introduction: Entered production in 1971 and entered service with the Soviet Army in 1973.
Purpose: The T-72 was designed to be a more cost-effective and simpler alternative to the more technologically advanced (and expensive) T-64, which was also in production at the time. The T-72 was intended to be the workhorse for the Soviet Army and Warsaw Pact nations, as well as a major export tank.
Key Features (Original Variants):
125mm 2A46 Smoothbore Gun: This was a powerful main armament, capable of firing various types of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and HE-FRAG rounds. It also had an autoloader, reducing the crew to three (commander, gunner, driver).
Autoloader: A carousel-type autoloader allowed for a higher rate of fire and removed the need for a human loader, contributing to the T-72's lower silhouette.
Composite Armor: Early versions featured a mix of steel and other materials for improved protection. Later variants, especially the T-72B, received significantly thicker and more advanced composite armor, including Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) like Kontakt-1 and later Kontakt-5.
Mobility: Powered by a V-46 or later V-84 diesel engine, providing good cross-country mobility.
Variants: The T-72 family is incredibly extensive, with many upgrades and modifications over its long service life, both in Russia and in the numerous countries that operated or license-produced it.
Notable Russian variants include: T-72A: Introduced in 1979, with improved armor, laser rangefinder, and smoke grenade dischargers.
T-72B: Introduced in 1985, featuring much thicker turret armor, a more powerful engine, and the ability to fire AT-11 Sniper (9M119 Svir) anti-tank guided missiles through the gun barrel.
T-72B3: A significant modernization program initiated in the 2010s for the Russian Army, equipping older T-72Bs with modern fire control systems (including Sosna-U thermal sight), upgraded engines, Relikt ERA, and improved communications.
T-72B3M (also sometimes T-72B3 obr.
2016 or T-72B4): Further upgrades to the T-72B3, often with a more powerful engine, new digital displays, and improved targeting systems.
The T-72 formed the backbone of Soviet and later Russian armored forces for decades and continues to serve in highly modernized forms (like the T-72B3/B3M) today, often alongside the T-90 and, in limited numbers, the T-14 Armata.
