logo
India, US, China or Pakistan: Which country has the most combat tank fleet? List of top 10

India, US, China or Pakistan: Which country has the most combat tank fleet? List of top 10

Time of India16-07-2025
Combat tanks have become a vital part of a nation's military strength. These powerful war machines are designed to dominate on the battlefield with their thick armour, powerful guns, and ability to move across difficult terrain. But which country in the world has the largest fleet of combat tanks in 2025? Let's find out in this list of top 10 countries with the most combat tank units.
What is a Combat Tank?
A combat tank is a heavily armoured vehicle that carries powerful weapons and moves on metal tracks instead of wheels. The design helps it move over rough land, making it useful in warzones. Tanks were first introduced during World War I, with Britain creating the world's first functional tank called Little Willie. Since then, tanks have become more advanced, faster, and stronger.
A Brief History of Tanks in Warfare
The idea of using vehicles in war is not new. Thousands of years ago, ancient Egyptians used horse-drawn chariots during battles. Later, in the Middle Ages, people used armoured wagons and battering rams. But the invention of the modern-day combat tank changed everything. It allowed armies to break through enemy lines and added a new level of power to ground forces.
Military Spending and the Rise of Combat Tanks
According to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending increased by 37% between 2015 and 2025. Many countries are now investing in air defence and land forces. Adding more combat tanks to their armies is one of the main strategies to strengthen their military power.
Top 10 Countries with the Most Combat Tanks in 2025
Here's a look at the top 10 countries with the largest combat tank fleets in 2025:
1. China – 6,800 Tanks
China tops the list with a massive fleet of 6,800 combat tanks. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) owns the world's largest number of main battle tanks (MBTs) currently in service. This reflects China's focus on becoming a leading global military force.
2. Russia – 5,750 Tanks
Russia holds the second position with around 5,750 tanks. One of its most powerful tanks is the T-14 Armata, a fourth-generation main battle tank built on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. Despite economic challenges, Russia continues to invest in armoured strength.
3. United States – 4,640 Tanks
The United States ranks third with a total of 4,640 combat tanks. Most of these are M1A2 Abrams tanks, considered one of the most powerful MBTs in the world. The US also has a large number of reserve tanks ready for action.
4. North Korea – 4,344 Tanks
North Korea has surprised the world with its fleet of 4,344 tanks, securing the fourth spot. In 2024, North Korea introduced a new MBT that closely resembles Western tank models, strengthening its ground forces.
5. India – 4,201 Tanks
India is in the fifth spot with around 4,201 combat tanks. According to the website War Power India, its fleet includes the Ajeya Mk.2 (T-72 Ajeya), and Bhishma (T-90S (Bhishma)). These tanks boost India's ability to respond to threats from neighbouring countries and improve its defence capabilities.
6. Egypt – 3,620 Tanks
Egypt comes sixth with 3,620 tanks, including 1,130 US-made M1A1 Abrams. This makes Egypt one of the leading nations in terms of tank strength in the Middle East and Africa.
7. Pakistan – 2,627 Tanks
Pakistan ranks seventh with 2,627 tanks in its fleet. In 2024, the country launched an ambitious project through Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) to develop an Active Protection System (APS) for its main battle tanks, aiming to modernise and enhance tank performance.
8. Türkiye – 2,238 Tanks
Türkiye holds the eighth position with 2,238 tanks. The country uses a variety of tank models, including Leopard 1, Leopard 2, M60 Sabra, M60 Patton, and M48 Patton. Türkiye's defence industry has also been working on producing its own tank called Altay.
9. South Korea – 2,236 Tanks
With a total of 2,236 tanks, South Korea ranks ninth. Its advanced K2 Black Panther is considered one of the most modern and technologically superior combat tanks in the world today.
10. Iran – 1,713 Tanks
Iran rounds off the list with 1,713 combat tanks. It has developed home-grown models like the Karrar and Zulfiqar tanks. These domestic tanks show Iran's efforts to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports.
As military strategies continue to evolve, so does the race to build better, stronger, and faster combat tanks. These tanks will remain a key part of any country's defence system for years to come.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What is Donald Trump's connection to Scotland? His mum, golf and more
What is Donald Trump's connection to Scotland? His mum, golf and more

First Post

time5 hours ago

  • First Post

What is Donald Trump's connection to Scotland? His mum, golf and more

Donald Trump's visit to Scotland goes beyond golf — it's a return to his maternal roots on the Isle of Lewis. With new tributes to his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, and potential political meetings amid planned protests, how much of his identity is still tied to Scotland? read more Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Turnberry Golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, June 24, 2016. File Image/Reuters United States President Donald Trump will land in Scotland on Friday (July 25, 2025), marking his first visit to the United Kingdom since securing a second term in office. Officially designated a private trip by the White House, the president's itinerary includes stops at his two flagship golf resorts — Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen and the Turnberry estate in South Ayrshire. Despite its private nature, the visit reportedly includes scheduled meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump is expected to return for an official state visit to the UK in September. Preparations for his arrival have triggered logistical challenges and security concerns. Police Scotland, anticipating demonstrations similar to those during his previous visits, has requested backup from other UK law enforcement agencies. Large-scale protests were seen during Trump's 2018 tour, when thousands marched in Scottish cities, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. On that occasion, protestors booed as he played golf at Turnberry, and a paraglider flew over the resort with an anti-Trump banner. Organisers of the group Stop Trump Scotland have called for renewed demonstrations during this year's visit. The structure of this visit allows Trump to freely choose his engagements, with his primary focus being his business interests in Scottish golf — a sector he has repeatedly highlighted as both legacy and enterprise. The US president's mother: Mary Anne MacLeod Trump Donald Trump's ancestral roots lie in the Outer Hebrides, a rugged chain of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in 1912 in the village of Tong, located just three miles from Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis's main town. She was the youngest of ten children in a Gaelic-speaking family. Her father, Malcolm MacLeod, managed a post office and a general store in Tong, offering the family modest stability during difficult times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although they were slightly more affluent than some local households, life on the island during and after World War I was marked by scarcity and tragedy. Lewis had suffered grievous losses in the conflict, including the Iolaire disaster of 1919, in which approximately 200 servicemen returning from war perished in the harbour at Stornoway. Amid post-war hardship and limited economic opportunity, many islanders sought new lives abroad. Mary Anne joined that wave of migration in 1930 at age 18, leaving with her sister Catherine, who had already emigrated and returned to visit. Upon reaching New York, Mary Anne initially found work as a nanny in an affluent household but lost the job as the US economy collapsed following the Wall Street Crash. Mary Anne MacLeod Trump died in 2000 at the age of 88. Members of her extended family still live on Lewis. File Image She briefly returned to Scotland in 1934 but soon went back to the US, having met and begun a relationship with Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer and the son of German immigrants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They married in 1936, settled in Queens, New York, and Mary Anne became a US citizen in 1942. She passed away in August 2000 at the age of 88. Donald Trump is the fourth of their five children. Though he was raised in New York, his mother's homeland remained close to him. 'My mother was born in Scotland — Stornoway, which is serious Scotland,' he said in 2017. Mary Anne maintained strong ties to her birthplace, regularly visiting Lewis throughout her life. According to BBC, she remained fluent in Gaelic and was well-regarded in her hometown community. During visits, she attended the local church and maintained connections with her extended family. To this day, three of Donald Trump's cousins continue to live on Lewis, including two who now reside in the house where Mary Anne was born. The original structure has since been rebuilt, but the familial bond remains. These relatives have consistently declined all media interviews and have stayed out of the public eye. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The house where Donald Trump's mother grew up is seen in Tong on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, an island off the northwestern tip of Scotland in the Outer Hebrides, Scorland, April 27, 2016. File Image/Reuters Trump himself has made only two known visits to his mother's home village. In 2008, he visited the family home in Tong as an adult and said he had also visited once as a small child, though he remembered little. His 2008 stopover was brief — he reportedly spent just 97 seconds in the ancestral house. Are Trump's Scottish golf ventures about legacy? Trump's commercial footprint in Scotland centres around two major properties: Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire and Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. The Aberdeenshire venture began in 2006 when Trump acquired a coastal tract north of Aberdeen with the aim of developing a world-class golf destination. The project faced strong local resistance from conservationists and residents concerned about the ecological impact. The site included sand dunes that were home to rare wildlife such as badgers, otters, kittiwakes and skylarks. The controversy attracted global attention. US property mogul Donald Trump leads a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland, May 27, 2010. File Image/Reuters Michael Forbes, a local fisherman, became a symbol of resistance after he refused to sell his land to Trump, despite a lucrative offer of £350,000. Trump was publicly critical of Forbes's property, describing it as 'a slum and a pigsty,' reported AP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the opposition, the Scottish government backed the plan, and the Trump International Golf Links officially opened in 2012. Nevertheless, some of the project's most ambitious elements — including plans for 500 homes and a 450-room hotel — have not materialised. Financially, the resort has struggled. In 2023, the latest available accounts reported a loss of £1.4 million. 'If it weren't for my mother, would I have walked away from this site? I think probably I would have, yes,' Trump remarked during the development phase. 'Possibly, had my mother not been born in Scotland, I probably wouldn't have started it.' This year, a second 18-hole course at the site is set to open. Named the MacLeod Course in tribute to Mary Anne, the launch is expected to coincide with Trump's visit. The adjacent hotel is also named after her — the Trump MacLeod House and Lodge Hotel. Turnberry, Trump's other high-profile property, is a much older and more established venue. He purchased the resort, including its three coastal golf courses and a five-star hotel, in 2014 for approximately £40 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turnberry is widely known for hosting The Open Championship, though the tournament has not returned to the course since 2009. US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks on the course of his golf resort, in Turnberry, Scotland, July 14, 2018. File Image/Reuters Local sentiment in Ayrshire has been more favourable compared to the Aberdeenshire project. 'He did bring employment to the area,' Louise Robertson, a Turnberry-area resident told AP. 'I know that in terms of the hotel and the lighthouse, he spent a lot of money restoring it, so again, that was welcomed by the local people. But other than that, I can't really say positive things about it.' Trump has pushed for The Open to return to Turnberry. However, the tournament's organisers have cited ongoing issues related to transportation and accommodation infrastructure as obstacles. How Trump's political ties with Scotland have evolved Trump's relationship with Scottish officials has evolved over the years — from honourary recognition to outright rejection. More than a decade ago, he was named a business ambassador in the GlobalScot network. However, that status was revoked in 2015 following his controversial comments about banning Muslims from entering the United States. Around the same time, Robert Gordon University withdrew an honourary doctorate it had awarded him in 2010. In the next few days, Trump is set to meet with John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, who had supported Kamala Harris during the previous US election cycle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A placard is attached to a stake in the ground during a protest against the visit of US President Donald Trump, in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 14, 2018. File Image/Reuters A spokesperson for Trump's business interests in Scotland called Swinney's earlier endorsement 'an insult.' Nonetheless, Swinney has confirmed the meeting, saying it serves 'Scotland's interest.' Trump will also confer with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with whom he reportedly enjoys a constructive rapport. Despite ideological differences, Trump recently said, 'I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he's a liberal.' Trade discussions are expected to include a focus on securing exemptions for UK steel from American tariffs. There is no confirmation as to whether Trump and Starmer will visit either golf course together. Starmer is not known to be a golfer. Ironically, Trump's Scottish story is one of immigration. With inputs from agencies

Trump's trip to Scotland highlights his complex relationship with his mother's homeland
Trump's trip to Scotland highlights his complex relationship with his mother's homeland

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Trump's trip to Scotland highlights his complex relationship with his mother's homeland

U.S. President Donald Trump 's trip to Scotland this week will be a homecoming of sorts, but he's likely to get a mixed reception. Trump has had a long and at times rocky relationship with the country where his mother grew up in a humble house on a windswept isle. He will be met by both political leaders and protesters during the visit, which begins Friday and takes in his two Scottish golf resorts. It comes two months before King Charles III is due to welcome him on a formal state visit to the U.K. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates A daughter of Scotland Trump's mother was born Mary Anne MacLeod in 1912 near the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, one of the Outer Hebrides off Scotland's northwest coast. "My mother was born in Scotland - Stornoway, which is serious Scotland," Trump said in 2017. Live Events She was raised in a large Scots Gaelic-speaking family and left for New York in 1930, one of thousands of people from the islands to emigrate in the hardscrabble years after World War I. MacLeod married the president's father, Fred C. Trump, the son of German immigrants, in New York in 1936. She died in August 2000 at the age of 88. Trump still has relatives on Lewis, and visited in 2008, spending a few minutes in the plain gray house where his mother grew up. A long golf course battle Trump's ties and troubles in Scotland are intertwined with golf. He first proposed building a course on a wild and beautiful stretch of the North Sea coast north of Aberdeen in 2006. The Trump International Scotland development was backed by the Scottish government . But it was fiercely opposed by some local residents and conservationists, who said the stretch of coastal sand dunes was home to some of the country's rarest wildlife, including skylarks, kittiwakes, badgers and otters. Local fisherman Michael Forbes became an international cause celebre after he refused the Trump Organization's offer of 350,000 pounds ($690,000 at the time) to sell his family's rundown farm in the center of the estate. Forbes still lives on his property, which Trump once called "a slum and a pigsty." "If it weren't for my mother, would I have walked away from this site? I think probably I would have, yes," Trump said in 2008 amid the planning battle over the course. "Possibly, had my mother not been born in Scotland, I probably wouldn't have started it." The golf course was eventually approved and opened in 2012. Some of the grander aspects of the planned development, including 500 houses and a 450-room hotel, have not been realized, and the course has never made a profit. A second 18-hole course at the resort is scheduled to open this summer. It's named the MacLeod Course in honor of Trump's mother. There has been less controversy about Trump's other Scottish golf site, the long-established Turnberry resort in southwest Scotland, which he bought in 2014. He has pushed for the British Open to be held at the course for the first time since 2009. Turnberry is one of 10 courses on the rotation to host the Open. But organizers say there are logistical issues about "road, rail and accommodation infrastructure" that must be resolved before it can return. Protests and politicians Trump has had a rollercoaster relationship with Scottish and U.K. politicians. More than a decade ago, the Scottish government enlisted Trump as an unpaid business adviser with the GlobalScot network, a group of business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives with a connection to Scotland. It dumped him in 2015 after he called for Muslims to be banned from the U.S. The remarks also prompted Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen to revoke an honorary doctorate in business administration it had awarded Trump in 2010. This week Trump will meet left-leaning Scottish First Minister John Swinney, an erstwhile Trump critic who endorsed Kamala Harris before last year's election - a move branded an "insult" by a spokesperson for Trump's Scottish businesses. Swinney said it's "in Scotland's interest" for him to meet the president. Some Scots disagree, and a major police operation is being mounted during the visit in anticipation of protests. The Stop Trump Scotland group has encouraged demonstrators to come to Aberdeen and "show Trump exactly what we think of him in Scotland." U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to travel to Scotland for talks with Trump. The British leader has forged a warm relationship with Trump, who said this month "I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he's a liberal." They are likely to talk trade, as Starmer seeks to nail down an exemption for U.K. steel from Trump's tariffs . There is no word on whether Trump and Starmer - not a golfer - will play a round at one of the courses.

These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?
These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?

India.com

timea day ago

  • India.com

These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?

These 44 countries may regret trusting China for..., Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried? In the past few years, there have been many reports about problems with Chinese weapons. Some Chinese missiles failed during tests in Pakistan, and Chinese fighter jets crashed in Bangladesh. Still, China continues to sell its low-cost weapons and aircraft to many countries around the world. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China sold weapons to 44 countries between 2018 and 2024. But this raises some important questions as to which countries are buying these weapons, and why? Especially when there are doubts about their quality. And should India be worried about this? What went wrong with Chinese weapons in Pakistan and Bangladesh? Missile and jet failures in Pakistan Shaheen-3 Missile Incident : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. : On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan. Problems with JF-17 Fighter Jet : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. : Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors. Issues with F-22P Navy Ships: China also built F-22P frigates for Pakistan's navy. These ships had engine problems and did not perform well. Their radar and sensor systems were also found to be faulty. Despite all this, many countries still buy weapons from China because they are cheaper compared to those from the US or Europe. But the reliability of these weapons remains a serious concern. Jet crashes in Bangladesh raise concerns over Chinese Weapons Bangladesh had procured K-8W jet trainers from China, but by 2018, serious flaws were discovered in their ammunition systems. Several jets ended up crashing, causing both financial and operational setbacks for the Bangladeshi Air Force. Back in 2017, Bangladesh also bought the FM-90 surface-to-air missile system from China. However, issues soon emerged in its radar and sensor systems, leading to doubts about its reliability. These repeated incidents have sparked major concerns over the quality of Chinese-made military equipment. Despite this, many nations continue to turn to China for arms due to their lower prices and flexible terms. Which countries are buying Chinese weapons? According to data from the SIPRI and RAND Corporation, between 2018 and 2024, at least 44 countries purchased arms and aircraft from China. Most of these buyers are developing nations, drawn by the affordability and accessibility of Chinese military exports. Between 2018 and 2024, around 77.3 per cent of China's total arms exports went to Asian countries, followed by 19.1 per cent to Africa. Here's a region-wise breakdown of major buyers and the Chinese weapon systems they've acquired: Here's a look at some of the key countries and what they've purchased: Pakistan – China's top defense client Pakistan accounts for a massive 63 per cent of China's arms exports. The two countries also co-develop certain weapons. Key acquisitions include: JF-17 Thunder fighter jets (jointly developed), J-10C multirole fighter jets, PL-15E air-to-air missiles, HQ-9 and LY-80 air defense systems, F-22P and Type 054A/P frigates, Wing Loong drones. Bangladesh K-8W trainer jets, FM-90 air defense systems, Type 056 corvette ships, C-802 anti-ship missiles. Between 2010 and 2020, Bangladesh's total military purchases from China amounted to around USD 970 million (Trend-Indicator Value). Myanmar Myanmar has deepened defense ties with China, especially post-2021 coup. Weapons acquired include: 17 JF-17 fighter jets, CH-3A surveillance drones, Y-8 transport aircraft, Type-43 frigates, Type-92 armored vehicles. CH-3A drones were reportedly used for surveillance against civilian protestors following the military coup. Thailand S26T submarines, VT-4 main battle tanks, Type 071E amphibious landing ships. Indonesia C-705 anti-ship missiles, FM-90 air defense systems. In 2017, a fatal accident involving Chinese-made arms raised fresh questions about their reliability. Sri Lanka Y-12 transport aircraft, Type 053H frigate. Africa: 19.1 per cent of Chinese Arms exports Nigeria: CH-4 drones, VT-4 tanks, SH-5 artillery. Algeria: CH-4 drones, HQ-9 missiles, C-28A corvettes. Ethiopia: SH-15 self-propelled howitzers. Côte d'Ivoire: VN22B armored vehicles. Sudan: FTC-2000 trainer jets, Type 96 tanks. Uganda: Type 85 tanks, SH-3 artillery. Zambia: K-8P trainer jets, Z-9 helicopters. Kenya: VN-4 and WZ-551 armored personnel carriers. Namibia: FT-9 jets, Type 07PA artillery. Cameroon: Type 07PA artillery, WZ-551 vehicles. Ghana: Z-9 helicopters. 🇹🇿 Tanzania: Type 63A amphibious tanks. Djibouti: WMA301 assault guns. Senegal: PTL-02 assault guns. Morocco: Sky Dragon 50 air defense systems. Egypt: Wing Loong drones. Tunisia: CH-4 drones. Middle East: Expanding Influence Saudi Arabia Has actively procured CH-4 and Wing Loong drones. Over 40 Chinese defense firms participated in the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh. United Arab Emirates Bought Wing Loong and CH-5 drones, diversifying away from U.S. suppliers. Jordan turned to China for CH-4 drones in 2015, after the U.S. denied a request for MQ-1s. Iraq Acquired CH-4 drones and FT-9 trainer jets. Oman Purchased C-802 anti-ship missiles. Iran, a long-time Chinese defense partner since the 1980s, Iran has received: C-802 and C-704 missiles, Type 92 armored vehicles, Tanks, aircraft, and missiles. South America Venezuela: K-8W trainer jets, VN-4 armored vehicles. Bolivia: K-8 jets, Type 92 armored vehicles. Peru: Type 90B rocket launchers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store