Article Summary: Which tanks stand above the rest in history? From the revolutionary Renault FT of WWI to the battle-proven M1 Abrams and Merkava Mk.4, these five have left a lasting impact on warfare.
Key Point #1 – The Centurion set the standard for post-WWII armored warfare, while the Tiger I’s fearsome firepower terrorized Allied forces. The Abrams dominates modern battlefields with unmatched firepower and protection, and Israel’s Merkava Mk.4 stands as the pinnacle of tank survivability.
Key Point #2 – Each tank on this list has shaped military history, proving that superior design and battlefield performance define the best of the best.
The 5 Best Tanks of All Time: Which One Dominates the Battlefield?
Creating a list of the best tanks ever is a challenging endeavor.
How does one determine which tank is “better” or “worse” than the other? I have decided to judge each entry on the list based on its overall reliability, combat performance, and effects on tank history.
I am not evaluating platforms that are still in development (sorry, Abrams X), nor am I evaluating tanks that have not seen combat as I deem combat to be the most comprehensive test of a tank’s merits (sorry, Leclerc).
5. Renault FT (France)
The Renault FT is, without a doubt, one of the most important tanks ever built.
Built in WW1 by Renault Automobile Company, The Renault FT-17 was a two-man crewed light tank. Armed with a 37mm cannon, and equipped with a 39hp gasoline engine, the tank reached a staggering high speed of 7km an hour!
With its armor light enough to be pierced by machine guns, and a pathetically weak main armament, why exactly is the Renault FT on this list? Despite its underwhelming appearance, the Renault FT revolutionized tank design.
Renault FT. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Being the first tank to feature a 360-degree rotating turret, and independent tracks, the light tank is rightly considered the father of all modern tanks. Tank designers in the future would copy Renault’s blue prints and create their own tanks based on the FT-17’s layout.
4. Centurion (United Kingdom)
An often-overlooked contender, the Centurion tank, introduced in the late 1940s, is considered one of the best post-World War II platforms and the first Main Battle Tank (MBT).
It saw action in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various Middle Eastern wars.
Centurion Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Centurion Tank Firing. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Centurion’s design emphasized a balance of firepower, protection, and mobility. Its 105mm gun was highly effective, and its armor provided excellent protection against contemporary threats.
The Centurion’s reliability and adaptability allowed it to remain in service for many decades, with various upgrades extending its operational life.
3. Tiger I (Germany)
The Tiger I was one of the most feared weapons of World War II. Its 88mm gun was capable of destroying any Allied tank at long range, and its thick armor made it nearly impervious to most enemy fire.
Despite its formidable capabilities, the Tiger I was plagued by mechanical issues and was expensive to produce.
Troops of Division Das Reich, Tiger I tank, in June 1943 before the battle.
However, its impact on tank warfare and its psychological effect on enemy troops cannot be overstated, hence its inclusion on this list.
The Tiger I set a new standard for tank design and influenced post-war tank development. Its shortcomings were thoroughly analyzed and influenced the creation of the future Leopard line of tanks
2. M1 Abrams (United States)
The M1 Abrams is a modern marvel of tank engineering. Introduced in the 1980s, it has seen extensive use in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan.
The Abrams is renowned for its powerful 120mm smoothbore cannon, advanced composite armor, and exceptional mobility.
M1 Abrams Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Its gas turbine engine provides a high power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to maneuver quickly on the battlefield. The M1 Abrams has proven to be highly reliable in various combat situations, making it a staple of the U.S. military and several allied forces.
1. Merkava Mk.4 (Israel)
Building upon the tried-and-true Merkava platform, The Merkava Mk.4 is a masterpiece of engineering in all regards.
It entered service with the IDF in 2004 and has proved itself time and again in various combat situations.
Israel’s Merkava IV tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
With advanced composite armor and the and the combat tested Trophy Active Protection System (APS), the Merkava deserves its spot as perhaps the best tank in the world due to its reliability and survivability
About the Author Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
