Military technology advances at a breakneck pace, yet certain armored legends just won’t disappear into the mists of history. Conceived in the first years of the Cold War—or perhaps even earlier—these tanks continue to roll on, maintaining their place both on the battlefield and in ceremonial parades. And in the middle of this list is one of the most long-lived warriors of them all: the M60 Patton, a vehicle that has outlasted expectations due to its versatility and sheer durability.
Let’s count down nine of the oldest tanks still in service today, with special mention to the amazing journey of the M60.
9. Leopard 1 (Germany, 1965)
Debuting in 1965, West Germany’s Leopard 1 marked a design change of philosophy, in favor of mobility and firepower instead of heavy armor. Retired from service in Germany, its upgraded derivatives continue to be used in several nations, attesting to its export success as well as its robust engineering.
8. Type 61 (Japan, 1961)
The Type 61 was Japan’s post-WWII return to domestic tank manufacture. Entering production in 1961, it was based on the American Patton M47 but had a Japanese-designed 90mm gun and armor adapted for the terrain. Though no longer modern, it continues to serve for the most part because of budget restraints and as a very practical expedient measure.
7. M60 Patton (United States, 1960)
The true showstopper of this lineup is the M60 Patton. Initially deployed back in 1960 as a direct response to the Soviet T-54 and T-55, it was never actually given the designation “Patton” by the U.S. Army, but its heritage from previous Patton tanks can’t be denied.
Equipped with a potent 105mm M68 rifled gun and a cast steel hull and turret for protection, the M60 had considerable firepower in its day. Behind the scenes, a Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 air-cooled twin-turbo diesel engine produced 750 horsepower, giving the tank a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h) with a range of 300 miles (482 km). The four-man crew even had an escape hatch in the floor—a luxury that subsequent tanks lost.
The M60’s versatility made it a worldwide hit. From 1959 to 1987, more than 15,000 were produced. It was used everywhere from the Yom Kippur War, when Israeli tankers employed it to horrific effect, to the Gulf War, where it stood its ground against newer Soviet models such as the T-72.
Principal improvements along the way were:
- M60A1 (1962): Improved armor and redesigned turret for enhanced protection.
- M60A2 “Starship”: An ambitious but ill-fated experiment with a 152mm gun/launcher.
- M60A3 (late 1970s): Thermal sights, laser rangefinder, and solid-state ballistic computer—its technological high point.
Even now, countries like Turkey have upgraded their M60s with explosive reactive armor, digital fire-control systems, and active protection suites. Iran’s models include laser warning receivers and jamming equipment borrowed from both Russian and Western sources.
The M60 was not only a workhorse—it was a template. It determined the balance of firepower, protection, and modularity that dominated tank development for decades, and its ghost continues to influence contemporary main battle tanks.
6. Type 59 (1959)
Developed from the Soviet T-54A, the Type 59 was introduced into Chinese service in 1959 and has been progressively upgraded since then. Its versatility for China’s terrain and doctrine has ensured it remains current well into the 21st century.
5. T-55 (Soviet Union, 1958)
The T-55 is one of the most produced tanks in history, legendary for durability and simplicity. It entered the military in the late 1950s, and it’s been used in wars from the Middle East to Africa, usually under some of the toughest conditions on Earth.
4. AMX-13 (France, 1952)
Light, swift, and sporting a distinctive shaking turret, the AMX-13 found employment with France and dozens of export nations. It was first delivered in the early 1950s and continues to see service in some countries for reconnaissance and quick-response missions.
3. Centurion (United Kingdom, 1945)
Introduced just in time for the end of WWII, the Centurion emerged as one of history’s most adaptable and long-lived tanks. Thanks to ongoing upgrades, it remained in commission for decades, seeing action from Korea to the Middle East.
2. M4 Sherman (USA, 1942)
After the workhorse of Allied armor, the M4 Sherman still retains some functions in some nations, mostly for training or fire support. Its plain mechanics and massive production figures contributed to it being a postwar survivor.
1. T-34 (Soviet Union, 1940)
The T-34 is the most iconic tank ever produced. Its sloping armor and mobility revolutionized tank warfare when it was introduced in 1940. Over 80 years later, a few upgraded T-34s remain operational—a remarkable indicator of how revolutionary their design was.
These armored survivors, ranging from the agile AMX-13 to the unstoppable T-34, show that sound engineering, continuous upgrades, and flexibility can make a tank last for decades. But few illustrate that reality better than the M60 Patton—a tank that, even out of U.S. service, still fights, trains, and adapts worldwide.