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Yeah, like the article says, "if a coup or fratricidal civil war breaks out in one of Moscow’s current or former beneficiaries, there’s good chances T-54 or T-55s are taking part." That doesn't speak well of the tank itself just the fact that it has rarely gone up against anything other than some peasant carrying an RPG. The T-72M's that the Iraqis had were slaughtered during the Gulf War so I wouldn't want to think what would happen to anyone driving the 54' and 55's against a sophisticated force.
It's a great tank for fighting any country that doesn't own tanks. Against a country that does own tanks... you're probably better leaving it parked in the museum.
It's a great tank for fighting any country that doesn't own tanks. Against a country that does own tanks... you're probably better leaving it parked in the museum.
Part of the enduring appeal is that also China manufactured tens of thousands of T-59s, a pirated version of the Soviet T-55. Likewise, I licensed T-55 variants were made in then Czechlslovakia and Poland. The end result is a huge production run.
You know I failed to answer the question, the influence of the these tanks has been horrific. The flood of small arms into developing countries has been bad enough, but armor as well... The 2nd amendment writ large!
The U.S. M-48 (first fielded in 1951), is still in service in many nations around the globe.
This is not to diminish the honors of the M-60 tank first fielded in 1960 and used by the United States Marine Corp, up to and including the first Gulf War.
Like the M-48, the M-60 continues to "soldier on" in numerous nations to this very day.
In fact, somewhat recent reports on ISIS combat in northern Syria, showed Turkish M-60's massing along the border.
Tanks truly, only show their age when they come up against more modern armor.
Tanks of equal generations will likely perform just as effectively as ever, with similar outcomes, (allowing for training, modernization, ammunition etc.).
And, this says nothing of how effective they continue to be on ground forces.
They will shred infantry just as well today, as the day they were made, be they Russian or American made.
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