The M60 is one of the most successful American Main Battle tanks produced by the West during the Cold War. With over 15,000 units produced, it was one of the most widely produced American tanks behind the M4 Sherman.
The tank saw service in 22 different armies and is still in use in nations like Turkey, Israel, and Iran. Introduced in the middle of the Cold War, the M60 saw combat in a number of conflicts across the globe and performed admirably in all of them.
The M60 was developed as a second-generation main battle tank (MBT) to replace the aging M48 Patton. It featured several improvements, including a more powerful 105mm M68 gun, enhanced armor protection, and a more reliable Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 diesel engine. These upgrades made the M60 a formidable opponent on the battlefield, capable of engaging and defeating contemporary Soviet tanks such as the T-62 and even the T-72.
The M60 in Israeli Service
The first significant combat use of the M60 was by Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Under the designation “Magach 6,” the M60 performed admirably against Soviet-supplied Arab forces.
The tank’s gun depression elevation allowed the M60 to hit its Soviet counterparts in mountainous terrain, while the Arab tanks’ guns could not elevate high enough to hit them back. Israeli M60s could hold their ground and inflict heavy losses on enemy armor, demonstrating the tank’s superior firepower and survivability.
The M60’s 105mm gun proved effective against the T-62 tanks, and its armor provided adequate protection against enemy fire.
The M60 saw further action during the 1982 Lebanon War. In this conflict, it was equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA) to enhance its protection against anti-tank missiles. It was one of the first tanks to field ERA in active combat conditions, a trend the Soviets soon followed.
The ERA significantly improved the M60’s survivability, allowing it to withstand hits from anti-tank rounds that would have otherwise penetrated its armor. The tank’s urban and mountainous terrain performance showcased its versatility and adaptability in different combat environments.
The Gulf War and Beyond
The other notable use of the M60 was during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and the Gulf War. The M60A3 variant played a crucial role in the coalition forces’ armored operations. Although the M1 Abrams was the primary MBT, the M60A3 was still widely used by several allied nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The M60A3’s upgraded fire control system and improved armor protection enabled it to engage Iraqi T-72 tanks effectively. The tank’s reliability and ease of maintenance were also highlighted during the conflict, as it performed well in the harsh desert conditions.
The M60 has since been used in multiple civil wars in the Middle East and is still in use by many countries today. Countries like Iran and Turkey have been constantly maintaining and modernizing their M60s, ensuring they still have a place on the modern battlefield.
Why the M60 Was So Reliable
What was it that made the M60 so successful in all its combat outings? Several factors contributed to the tank’s battlefield successes, but the largest factor is that the tank’s design was incredibly reliable overall. The 105mm M68 gun provided the M60 with a significant advantage over many contemporary tanks.
Its ability to fire a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds, made it a versatile weapon on the battlefield. The M60’s armor was designed to withstand hits from enemy tank guns and anti-tank missiles. Additionally, the introduction of ERA further enhanced its survivability, allowing it to operate effectively in high-threat environments.
One of the key strengths of the M60 platform is its adaptability and potential for modernization. Over the years, various upgrades have been implemented to keep the tank relevant in modern combat scenarios.
The M60A1 and M60A3 variants introduced improvements such as better fire control systems, enhanced armor protection, and more powerful engines. These upgrades have allowed the M60 to remain in service with several countries, including Taiwan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
In terms of mobility, the Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 diesel engine provided the M60 with adequate speed and agility, enabling it to maneuver across various terrains. Its torsion bar suspension system also contributed to its smooth ride and stability.
The M60 was known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. Its robust design and straightforward mechanical systems made it a dependable asset in prolonged combat operations.
The M60 Tank Deserves Respect and Still Serves
The M60’s legacy is evident in how many countries still use it today. Despite all the advances in technology, the M60’s robust and reliable design ensured that it was well-equipped to meet the needs of any army around the world.
Today, the M60 is considered obsolete and has been overshadowed by the Abrams’ glamorous combat record.
However, the platform deserves its spot in the Tank Hall of Fame for its endurance and reliability.
About the Author
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.
