For over seven decades, Soviet and Western tanks have clashed in intense battles across the world, shaping military history. From the T-34’s early victories in Korea to the T-90’s engagements in Ukraine, these tank duels highlight the evolution of armoured warfare. Each conflict tested firepower, mobility, and battlefield strategy.
Korean War (1950-1953)—T-34 vs. M26 Pershing
During the early stages of the Korean War, North Korean T-34/85 tanks, supplied by the Soviet Union, encountered American M24 Chaffees and M26 Pershings. The T-34s initially dominated the battlefield, destroying the lighter M24s. However, once the Pershings and, later, the M-46 Pattons arrived, the balance shifted in favour of the Americans.
Vietnam War (1965-1975)—T-54/T-55 vs. M48 Patton
In battles such as the 1972 Easter Offensive, North Vietnamese T-54 and T-55 tanks engaged South Vietnamese and American M48 Pattons. The North Vietnamese successfully used their Soviet-supplied tanks in coordinated attacks. The T-54s proved resilient, and while they suffered losses, they managed to penetrate M48 armour in close combat.
Yom Kippur War (1973)—T-55/T-62 vs. Centurion/M48/M60
Soviet-made T-55 and T-62 tanks used by Egypt and Syria faced Israeli Centurions, M48s, and M60 Pattons. In the early days of the war, Egyptian T-55s and T-62s, supported by well-coordinated infantry and antitank units, managed to overrun Israeli defences in the Sinai. Syrian T-62s also briefly overpowered Israeli forces in the Golan Heights before the situation shifted.
Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)—T-72 vs. Chieftain & M60A1
Iraqi T-72s, supplied by the Soviet Union, went up against Iranian Chieftain tanks, which were considered some of the best-protected Western tanks at the time. The T-72s performed well due to their superior speed, firepower, and autoloading system. Iranian chieftains suffered heavy losses in several engagements. Iraqi T-72s also fought against Iranian American-supplied M60A1s, with Iraq gaining an advantage due to better mobility and firepower.
Gulf War (1991)—T-72 vs. M1 Abrams
Soviet-designed tanks often faced crushing defeat in the Gulf War. Iraqi T-72s faced American M1 Abrams tanks, but coalition forces quickly gained air and technological superiority, leading to heavy Iraqi tank losses.
2022 Ukraine War—T-90 vs. Leopard 2 and Challenger 2
In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russian T-90M tanks have been reported to engage and destroy Ukrainian Leopard 2A4s and Challenger 2 tanks supplied by the West. While Western tanks typically possess superior optics and armour, Russian tanks have occasionally gained an advantage through advanced ammunition and drone-assisted targeting.
Indo-Pakistani Wars (1965 & 1971)—T-55/T-54 vs. M47/M48 Patton
During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, Indian T-54s and T-55s went up against Pakistani M47 and M48 Pattons, supplied by the United States. In the famous Battle of Asal Uttar, Indian forces used their Soviet tanks effectively, leading to the destruction or capture of nearly 100 Pakistani Pattons. A similar scenario unfolded in the 1971 war, where Indian T-55s proved superior in mobility and tactics against Pakistani Western-made tanks.
Angolan Civil War (1975-2002)—T-55/T-62 vs. Olifant & Chieftain
During the Angolan Civil War, Soviet-supplied T-55 and T-62 tanks, operated by Cuban and Angolan forces, clashed with South African Olifant tanks (upgraded Centurions) and British Chieftains. At the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (1987-1988), Cuban-led Angolan forces using Soviet tanks managed to hold off and push back South African armoured units, marking a strategic victory.
Ethiopian-Eritrean War (1998-2000)—T-55 vs. M60
Ethiopia, operating Soviet-made T-55s, faced Eritrean forces equipped with American-made M60 Pattons. Ethiopian T-55s, with numerical superiority and effective tactics, managed to penetrate Eritrean defensive positions and destroy several M60s in intense battles.
South Ossetia War (2008)—T-72 vs. Georgian T-72 (Israeli Upgraded)
During the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, Russian T-72B and T-72B3 tanks engaged Georgian T-72SIM1 tanks, which had been upgraded with Israeli technology. Despite the Georgian tanks having better fire-control systems, Russian tanks managed to outmanoeuvre and destroy a significant number of them, aided by superior battlefield coordination and artillery support.
Syrian Civil War (2011-Present)—T-90 vs. M60, Leopard 2A4
In the Syrian conflict, Russian-supplied T-90A tanks operated by the Syrian Army have faced Turkish M60 Sabra and Leopard 2A4 tanks. The T-90A’s Kontakt-5 ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) proved highly resistant to American TOW anti-tank missiles and Turkish Leopard 2 rounds. In 2016, Syrian T-90s were reported to have destroyed several Turkish Leopard 2A4s during clashes near Al-Bab.
Yemen Civil War (2015-Present) – T-72/T-80 vs. Abrams M1A2
In the Yemeni conflict, Houthi forces using captured T-72 and T-80 tanks have successfully destroyed Saudi M1A2 Abrams using a combination of direct tank fire and guided missiles. Saudi Abrams tanks have suffered heavy losses, partially due to their lack of Trophy APS (Active Protection System), making them vulnerable to Soviet and Russian anti-tank weapons.
Libyan Civil War (2011-Present)—T-72 vs. M60 & AMX-30
During the Libyan Civil War, Soviet-supplied T-72s used by pro-Gaddafi forces engaged American-made M60 tanks and French AMX-30s operated by Libyan rebel forces. Despite suffering from poor logistics, T-72s managed to knock out several Western tanks before NATO airstrikes decimated Gaddafi’s forces.
The history of Soviet and Western tank battles reveals a constant arms race in armour, firepower, and tactics. While Western tanks often had superior technology, Soviet designs proved resilient and adaptable. Drones, active protection systems, and precision-guided munitions will likely define future tank engagements as warfare continues to evolve.
References
- Global Security—www.globalsecurity.org
- Military Today – www.military-today.com
- Tank Encyclopedia – www.tanks-encyclopedia.com
- The National Interest—www.nationalinterest.org
- Defence Blog – www.defence-blog.com
- War History Online – www.warhistoryonline.com
- Jane’s Defence—www.janes.com
