The T-54/T-55tank series is the most widely used tank in the world and has seen service in over 50 countries. It has also served as the platform for a wide variety of specialty armoured vehicles.[1][2]
Abkhazia: A number of T-55s were in service at the beginning of the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia. These were all lost in the first four months of the fighting, at which point Abkhazian forces had captured 8 T-55s from the Georgians.[3] At peak strength, there were 100 T-55s and T-72s in service.[4] More than 50 T-55s and T-72s were in service in 2004.[5] 87 T-55s and T-72s were in service before the 2008 South Ossetia war.[6] Between 50 and 60 T-55s and T-72s are currently in service.
Afghanistan: 50 T-54s and 50 T-55s were ordered in 1961 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1962 and 1964 (T-54s were previously in Soviet service). 150 T-54s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1979 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 200 T-55s and 255 T-66s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1991 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] at least 400 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s were in service on 1 April 1992. The country only had one tank battalion that was in a state of decay as of 2018.
Algeria: 40 T-54s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1963 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 25 T-54s and 25 T-55s were ordered in 1965 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1966 (T-54s were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-54s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1966 and 1967 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1967. 50 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] 324 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001[8] and 320 in early 2003[9] and 2004[5] and 270 in 2006.[10]
Angola: 150 T-54s and possibly T-55s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1975 and 1978 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1987 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1987 and 1988 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service). 30 T-55s were received between 1993 and 1994 from Russia (20 in 1993 and 10 in 1994).[11] 62 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 1999 from Belarus and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 31 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service). 205 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1999 from Slovakia with 150 being delivered in 1999 and 55 in 2000 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Slovakian service).[7][12] 90 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2000.[13] Around 560 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[8] 400 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004[14] and around 200 in 2005[5] and 2006.[10]
Armenia: 3 T-54s and 5 T-55s in service as of 2023.[15]
Bosnia-Herzegovina:[17] 10 T-55s were ordered in 1997 from Egypt and delivered in 1997 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).[7] 170 T-34s, T-55s, M60A3s and AMX-30s were in service in early 2001.[18] 192 T-34s, T-54s T-55s, M60A3s, M-84s and AMX-30s were in service in early 2003. Currently, the military of Bosnia Herzegovina operates 180 T-55s.[19] 80 T-55s were in service in 2004,[20] 69 T-55s and 13 T-54s in 2005[5] and 75 T-55s in 2006.[10]
Cambodia: 10 T-54s were ordered in 1983 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1988 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1989 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service, the vehicles could be supplied by Vietnam). 15 T-55s were ordered in 1990 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1990. 40 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1994 from Czech Republic and delivered in 1994 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 50 T-55AM2BPs were ordered in 1994 from Poland and delivered in 1994 (the vehicles were previously in Polish service).[7] 150 T-55s, Type 59s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001[21] and 170 in early 2003.[22] More than 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] 103 T-54s are currently in service 2007. Cambodia has purchased 50 T-55A main battle tank from eastern Europe that arrive on 20 September 2010. Cambodia's Armoured cavalry has 220 T-54/T-55 in service in 2011 .[23]
Central African Republic – 4 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Libya and delivered in 1982 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Libyan service).[7] 4 T-55s were in service in early 2001[24] and 3 in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][25]
Chad – 60 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][26][27] Currently 60 T-55s are in service.[28]
Congo-Brazzaville – 25 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1982 from an unknown supplier and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were probably second-hand).[7] 25 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 25 T-54s and T-55s are in service.[29]
Congo-Kinshasa – [30] 20 T-55s were ordered in 2005 from Ukraine and delivered in 2006 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service).[7][11] 20 T-55s were in service in 2006.[10]
Cuba – 100 T-55s were received in 1963 from the Soviet Union as aid (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 1,200 T-55s were ordered in 1964 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1975. 25 T-55s and T-54-based ARVs were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] Currently Cuba possesses 1,100 T-55s, most of which are in storage or used as Artillery Propeller and SPAAG with SA-3 and SA-2 missiles mounted . 120 T-55s are modernized to T-55M standard and 20 more to T-55AM.[31]
Egypt – 350 T-54s were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1961 and 1966 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line). 150 T-55s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1966. Egypt lost 820 vehicles in the Six-Day War including 82 T-55s.[3] 800 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1972 (some of the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian and/or Poland production line). 550 T-55s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1973. 50 T-54s were ordered in 1972 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1973 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] 895 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003 and 2004.[5][32] 840 T-54s and T-55s were in storage as of 2023.[15] 260 Ramses IIs were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5]
Eritrea: 120 T-55As were ordered in 2004 from Bulgaria and delivered in 2005 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service).[7][11] 150 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][34]
Ethiopia: 200 T-54s and 200 T-55s were ordered in 1977 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1977 and 1978 (the T-54s were previously in Soviet service while the T-55s were possibly previously in Soviet service). 60 T-54s were ordered in 1978 from East Germany and delivered between 1979 and 1980 (the vehicles were previously in East German service). 700 T-55s were ordered in 1980 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1980 and 1988 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line). 90 T-55s were ordered in 1983 from Libya and delivered in 1984 (the vehicles were previously in Libyan service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1989 from East Germany and delivered in 1989 (the vehicles were previously in East German service, more were ordered but the order was cancelled). 40 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Belarus and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Belarusian service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, some may have been ex-Ukrainian and/or ex-Romanian vehicles sold through Bulgaria). 140 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered between 1999 and 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, some may have been ex-Ukrainian and/or ex-Romanian vehicles sold through Bulgaria, the delivery of last 40 vehicles was suspended between 2000 and 2001 due to UN embargo).[7] Around 160 T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001[35] and more than 270 in early 2003.[34] More than 250 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Georgia: 120 T-55AM2s and T-54s were ordered in 1998 from Czech Republic with 10 T-55AM2s being delivered in 2000 and the rest in 2001 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service).[7][12] 108 T-55Ms were in service at the beginning of the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia.[3] Around 40 T-55s were in service in 1992 and 1995, 48 in 2000, 59 in 2002, 55 in 2004,[5] 2005 and 2006[10] and 56 in 2008.all currently in storage or museums.[36]
Guinea: 8 T-54s were ordered in 1974 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1974 (the vehicles were probably second-hand).[7] 8 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 8 T-54s are in service.[37]
Hezbollah – Unknown number of Tiran 4 or 5 tanks and Ti-67 APCs captured from the South Lebanon Army in 2000,[38] used in conjunction with ex-Syrian Army T-55s (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service) in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.[39]
Iran: 60 T-54s and 65 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from Libya and delivered in 1981 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Libyan service). 120 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Syria and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7] Iran also bought a number of Tirans from Israel during the Iran–Iraq War.[40] Some vehicles were captured from Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War. 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 1990, 110 in 1995, 500 in 2000 and around 250 in 2002. 540 T-54s, T-55s and Type 59s were in service in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.[5][10][41] 200 T-54s, T-55s and Type 59s have been upgraded to Safir-74 (also known as T-72Z although it should not be confused with Iraqi modernization of the same name) standard (20 could possibly be Sudanese vehicles modernized for Sudan).[7]
Iraq: 250 T-54s were ordered in 1958 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1959 and 1965. 50 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1968.[7] Between 80 and 120 T-54s were lost during the Yom Kippur War.[3] 300 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1974 and 1975. 50 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1980 from East Germany and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were previously in East German service). 400 T-55s and T-54s were ordered in 1980 from Poland and delivered between 1981 and 1982 (the vehicles were probably previously in Polish service). 250 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from Egypt and delivered between 1981 and 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service). 150 TR-580s were ordered in 1981 from Romania and delivered between 1981 and 1984 (the vehicles were delivered via Egypt). 400 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1982 and 1985 (the vehicles were from the Czechoslovakian production line).[7] Around 200 T-54s and T-55s were upgraded to T-72Z standard (not to be confused with Iranian T-54/55/Type 59 modernization Safir-74 also known as T-72Z).[42] 1,500 T-54s, T-55s and TR-580s were in service with the Iraqi Regular Army in 1990 and 500 in 1995, 2000 and 2002.[43] 406 T-54 and T-55 were in service with Iraqi Regular Army in 2003. All destroyed or scrapped except for 4 T-55s which are now in service with the New Iraqi Army.[43] 76 T-55s are in service with New Iraqi Army since 2004.[44] 4 VT-55As were ordered in 2005 from Hungary and delivered in 2005 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Hungarian service).[7] Iraq also received 2 JVBT-55As in 2005 from Hungary.[11]
Kurdistan – 125 T-54's, 215 T-55's, captured from former Iraqi army. Not all are operational. 95 in active service as of 2011, and 120 in reserve. The fate of the rest of the captured tanks is unknown.[45][46]
Laos: 15 T-54s and 15 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] 15 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. T-54s and T-55s were paraded as recently as January 2019.[5][10][48]
Lebanon: 180 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1991 from Syria and delivered between 1992 and 1993 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7][49][50][51][52][53] 185 T-54s and 47 T-55s were in service as of 2023.[15]
Libya: 100 T-54s and 100 T-55s were ordered in 1970 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1971 (the T-54s were probably previously in Soviet service). 150 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1974. 500 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1976 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 200 T-54s were ordered in 1976 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1976 and 1977 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 2,000 T-55s were ordered in 1976 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1977 and 1978.[7] Around 2,200 T-55s were in service in 1986.[54] 1,600 T-54s and T-55s were in service and in storage in early 2001, 500 in service in early 2003,[55][56] 500 in service and around 1,040 in storage in 2004[5] and 2006.[10] 210 T-54s and T-55s are currently in service.[57]
Mali – 21 T-34s, T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001,[58] 33 in early 2003.[59] 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004,[5] 2006[10] and 2013 but with old or broken radios.[60]
Mauritania – 35 T-55s were ordered in 1990 from Soviet Union and delivered in 1991 (the vehicles were second-hand). 16 T-55s were ordered in 2001 from Poland and delivered in 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Polish service).[7] 35 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][58][59] As of 2023, 35 T-55s and T-45s were in service.[15]
Mongolia: 250 T-54s were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1961 and 1964. 250 T-55s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1967.[7] 650 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001 and 370 in early 2003.[58][59] Currently 370 T-54s and T-55s are in service.[15]
Mozambique: 60 T-54s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 60 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1983 and 1985 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] Around 60 T-54s were in service in 2005 and more than 60 in 2006.[5][10]
Myanmar: unknown number of T-55s Delivered from India and used for training
Namibia: Up to 20 T-34s and T-55s were in service in early 2001 and a few in early 2003.[61][62] Some T-34s, T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Nicaragua: 20 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from an unknown supplier and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were possibly previously in Libyan service). 66 T-55s were ordered in 1984 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1984 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 20 T-54s were ordered in 1984 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1985 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1986 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1987 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] 127 T-55s were in service and in storage in early 2001 and early 2003 and 62 in service and 65 in storage in 2004 and 2006.[5][10][61][62] Currently 31 T-55s are in service.
Nigeria: Between 50 and 100 T-55s were ordered in 1979 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] Around 200 T-55s and Vickers Mk. IIIs were in service in early 2001 and around 250 in early 2003.[61][62] 100 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 50 T-55s are in service and are 50% serviceable.[63]
North Korea – 400 T-54s and 250 T-55s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1970. 300 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1974 (the vehicles were probably produced or assembled in North Korea). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1970 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1972 and 1973. 500 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1975 and 1979 (The supplier may have been PRC in which case the vehicles wouldn't be T-55s but Type 59s).[7] 19 T-55s were ordered from Russia and delivered in 1992 (the vehicles were delivered through Belarus).[11][12] There were 1,600 T-54s in service in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000.[64] There were 3,500 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and Type 59s in early 2001 through 2004,[21][22][5] and more than 3,500 in 2006.[10]
Pakistan – 100 T-54s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1969 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1968.[7] As of 2010, 54 T-54/55 tanks in Reserve.[65] 282 tanks T-55H ordered from Serbia and first batch of 100 tanks where delivered to Pakistan in April 2020 (the vehicles were previously in Serbian service).[66][67]
Peru – 24 T-54s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1973. 250 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1974 and 1975.[7] At peak there were 375 T-54s and T-55s in service. 300 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001[68] and 275 (around 200 were serviceable in 2005[5] and 2006[10]) in service in early 2003,[69] 2004[5] and 2006.[10] 300 T-54s and T-55s as well as an unknown amount of T-54/55-based ARVes are currently in service.[70]
Romania – 120 TR-580s were in service with the Romanian Naval Infantry in early 2001[72] and early 2003.[73] 850 T-55s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1977. 400 TR-580s ordered in 1975 and produced between 1977 and 1981. 150 TR-580s were produced for Iraq.[7] Romania also acquired a number of T-54s which are now in reserve.[74] 398 TR-580s were in service with the Romanian Army in 1993, around 88 TR-580s in early 1999, 717 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in early 2003[73] and 2004,[5] and 268 T-55s and 43 TR-580s in 2006.[10] According to the UN register of conventional arms, Romanian Armed Forces operated 710 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in 2006, 750 T-55s and 226 TR-580s in 2007,[12] and 394 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in 2017.[75]
Russia – At least 3,000 inherited from the Soviet Union. 412 T-54s and T-55s were in active service in 1995 and 20 in 2000. 1,200 T-54s and T-55s were in storage in 2000, 2005 and 2008.[5][10][76] As of 2013 there are 100 T-55s in reserve and less than 500 in storage, however those in storage may have been scrapped already.[77] In March 2023, at least 14 T-54s were seen being moved by train, allegedly for service in Ukraine.[78] In the months following, several T-54s and 55s have been seen in use with the Russian Military, often working as fire support vehicles with one being lost in November [79][80] Since early 2024 several T-54/55s have begun seeing direct combat within Ukraine, likely hinting towards vehicle shortages.
Rwanda – 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001,[72] 30 in early 2003,[73] 24 in 2005[5] and 2006.[10] At least 10 Ti-67s in service.[81]
Serbia – 12 JVBT armoured recovery vehicles in active service in the Serbian Army.
Slovenia – As of 2014[update] 30 M-55S-1s were in service and in the process of being withdrawn. 46 T-55s (14 were in storage) and 12 M-55Ss and M-55S-1s were in service in 1998.[82] Overall 30 T-55s were modernized to the M-55S/M-55S-1 standard.[42] In late 2022, Slovenia donated 28 M-55S tanks to Ukraine.
Sri Lanka – 25 T-55As were ordered from Czechoslovakia and delivered in 1991 along with several T 55 ARVs which saw acting in its Civil War. In 2000, 40 T-55AM2s were ordered from the Czech Republic.[83]
Somalia – 100 T-54s were ordered in 1972 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1974. 50 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 35 T-54s were ordered in 1977 from Egypt and delivered in 1977 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).
Sudan – 50 T-54s and 50 T-55s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1970. 9 T-55s were ordered in 1996 from Belarus and delivered in 1996 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 20 T-55AM2BPs were ordered in 1998 from Poland and delivered in 1999 (these were the first batch of 50 originally sold to Yemen where it was illegally diverted to Sudan after which the delivery of the remaining 30 was put on hold, the vehicles were previously in Polish service). 60 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 1999 from Belarus with 40 being delivered in 1999[11] and 20 in 2001[11] (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 20 T-72Zs ordered in 2005 from Iran and delivered in 2006 (these could possibly be Sudanese T-54s, T-55s or Type 59s modernized to the T-72Z standard).[7] 170 T-55s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001,[87] 200 in early 2003.[88] 200 T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Syria – 150 T-54s were ordered in 1956 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1957 and 1958. 300 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1972 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 75 T-55s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1968. 300 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1972. 400 T-54s and 400 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1978 (T-54s and probably T-55s were previously in Soviet service). 600 T-55s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1979 and 1981.[7] Syrian Armed Forces operate an unknown number of T-55As, T-55AMs, and T-55AMVs as of 2023.[15]
Tanzania – 32 T-54s were ordered in 1979 from East Germany and delivered between 1979 and 1980 (the vehicles were probably previously in East German service).[7] 65 T-54s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001[89] and 45 in early 2003.[88] 30 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Togo – 2 T-54s and 2 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Egypt and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were second-hand).[7] 1 T-54 and 1 T-55 were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][88][89]
Uganda – 16 T-54s were ordered in 1974 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service). 60 T-55s were ordered in 1994 from Ukraine and delivered in 1995 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service). 62 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Ukraine and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service). 28 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, part of a $35 m deal for 90 vehicles including some bought by Bulgaria from Ukraine and possibly Romania for export to Uganda). 10 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 2000 from Belarus and delivered in 2000 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service).[7] 140 T-54s and T-55s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001.[90] 180 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003,[91] 152 in 2005 and 2006.[5][10]
Ukraine – At least 700 T-54s and T-55s were originally inherited from the Soviet Union.[92] 680 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 1995 and 149 in 2000.[93] In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2010 there were 112 T-55s in service.[5][10][93] There is also an unknown number of IMRs and MTP-3s in service.[92] In October 2022 28 M55-S donated from Slovenia.[94]
Uruguay – 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shes were ordered from Israel in 1997 and delivered the same year (the vehicles were previously in Israeli service).[7] 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shs were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][90][91]
Vietnam – 1,939 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001.[95] 850 T-54s and T-55s and 350 Type-59 were in service as of 2023.[15]
Yemen – 6 T-55s were received from Bulgaria in 1994.[11] 97 T-55s and 35 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1999 from Czech Republic with T-55s delivered in 2000 and T-55AM2s in 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service and were possibly modernized prior to being delivered).[7][11][12] 990 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and M60s were in service in early 2001.[96] 450 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][97] There is an unknown number of T-55s and T-54s in service as of 2023.[15]
Zambia: 5 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1976. 20 T-55s were ordered in 1980 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (part of a $72–100M deal).[7] 60 T-55s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001 and early 2003.[98][99] 10 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Zimbabwe: 20 T-54 tanks received from USSR in September 1984.[100]
Albania – In Albania, there was a plan to export 75 T-54As to replace the T-34/85s in service, but the idea was abandoned because relations between the Soviet Union and Albania had worsened due to criticism of Stalin, and all exports were sent to the Iraqi Army. It was diverted to export. Later, the T-34/85 in Albania was replaced by the Type 59 tank [1].
Amal Movement – 50 T-55As were ordered in 1985–86 from Syria and delivered in 1985–86 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7][102] All served with the Amal Movement's regular forces until the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990-91 and passed on to the Lebanese Armed Forces or the Syrian Army.
Bangladesh – 30 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from Egypt and delivered in 1975 (as aid, the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).[7] 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Bulgaria – 900 T-54s were ordered in 1953 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1954 and 1959. 900 T-55s were ordered in 1961 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1962 and 1970.[7] 1,475 T-54s, T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[18] 1,042 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][19] Currently, up to 430 are in reserve status. Some are used for basic tank driver training.
Croatia – The majority of the Croatian T-55s were captured from the Yugoslav army forces.[104] Around 209 T-55s were in service in 1998 and 222 in 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][105]
Chile – At least four captured Egyptian T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1978 from Israel and delivered in 1979, in order to train Chilean crews to operate captured Peruvian T-55s.[106]
Czech Republic – At least 296 T-54s and T-55s, 2 MT-55s, 25 VT-55s were inherited from Czechoslovakia.[7][12] 792 T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[26] According to the UN register of conventional arms, Czech Armed Forces operated 948 T-55s and T-72s in 1997, 938 in 1998, 792 in 1999 and 652 as of 1 January 2001.[12] Last vehicles were withdrawn from service in early years of the 2000s (decade).
Czechoslovakia – 1,800 T-54s were ordered in 1957 and produced under license between 1958 and 1963. 1,700 T-55s were ordered in 1963 and produced under license between 1964 and 1973.[7] Overall 2,700 T-54s were produced under license between 1957 and 1966 and 8,300 T-55s and T-55As between 1964 and 1983 (T-55A was probably produced since 1968) (most for export). Passed on to successor states.
Ecuador – 3 T-55s were in service in early 2001,[35] 30 in early 2003,[34] more than 30 in 2004 (possibly non in operational service as of 2005)[5] and more than 30 in storage in 2006.[10]
Finland – 43 T-54s in total were bought from the Soviet Union, 12 delivered in 1959 and 31 more in 1961.[107][108] 74 T-55As were bought from the Soviet Union, 31 delivered in 1965, another 31 in 1967 and finally 12 in 1972; this included 10 T-55K command variants.[107][108] The existing 74 T-55A were modernised to a Finnish T-55M standard in the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. An additional 10 T-55AMs were bought from Poland, the chassis of which were used for the Marksman SPAAG turrets to create the ITPSV 90 (the turrets were delivered in two batches, the first one was ordered in 1988 and delivered between 1990 and 1991 and the second one was ordered in 1992 and delivered in 1993).[7][108] 230 T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[109] 74 T-55s were in service in early 2003.[9] 33 T-54s and 74 T-55Ms were in storage in 2004[110] and 74 T-55Ms in 2005.[5] 56 T-55 turrets were purchased from the Soviet Union in the late 1960s and emplaced in coastal fortifications as 100 56 TK light coastal guns. The last of these were deactivated in 2012. Finland operated 9 T-55M tanks with KMT-5 mine rollers as mine clearance tanks up to the end of 2022 when they were retired after many decades of service.[111][112]
Germany – taken from GDR's army, all scrapped, sold to other countries or given to museums.
East Germany – 202 T-54s were ordered in 1956 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1956 and 1957. 488 T-54As and T-54AMs were ordered from Poland and delivered between 1959 and 1964. 1766 T-55s and T-55As were ordered in 1964 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1964 and 1980. 333 T-55s and T-55A(P)s were ordered from Poland and delivered between 1965 and 1973. 362 VT-55s were ordered in 1964 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1965 and 1969.[7] Passed on to the unified German state.
India – 300 T-54s were ordered in 1964 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1965 and 1967. 225 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1968 and 1971. 650 T-55s were ordered in 1971 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1971 and 1974.[7] 274 T-54s, 44 T-55s and 7 T-55AKs were ordered in 1970 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1970 and 1971 (some of the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian service). 300 T-55s were ordered in 1971 from Poland and delivered in 1971 (some of the vehicles were previously in Polish service). 800 T-55s and modernized T-55s were in service in 1990, around 750 in 1995, around 700 in 2000, early 2001[96] and early 2003,[97] 450 in 2002, 2005 and 2008. The number of T-55s and modernized T-55s in service is to stay at 450 in 2010 and to be reduced to 220 by 2015.[113] There were around 550 T-55s in active service and around 200 in storage in 1999.[114] In 2004, the Indian Army had a total of 700 T-55s, 450 of which were in operational service.[5] In 2006, the Indian Army Had 715 T-55s, modernized with night-fighting equipment and new fire control systems, around 67 of them were in reserve.[10] In May 2011, the last T-55s were retired from active service and moved to reserve storage.[115]
Israel – The Israeli army captured during the Six-Day War, repaired, modernized and put into service around 200 T-54s, T-55s and PT-76s. T-54s and T-55s were modernized to Tiran 4 or 5 standard prior to the Yom Kippur War.[3] During that conflict, Israel captured additional T-54s and T-55s. Tirans were withdrawn from active service at the end of the 1980s. Some were sold and some were converted into Achzarit APCs.[40][117] However, some Tirans are still in possession of the Israeli Army, possibly in reserve or in storage. The Israeli Army had 1,500 T-54s and T-55s in 1990, 300 in 1995, 200 in early 2001[96] and early 2003[97] and 114 in 2004,[5] 126 T-54s, T-55s and Tiran 6s in 2006[10] and 2008 and 488 Tirans in 1990, 300 in 1995, 200 in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and 261 in 2006 and 2008. The Achzarits are in service with the Israeli Army since at least 1995. There were 270 Achzarits in service in 2004, 276 in 2006 and 2008.[5][10][118]
Lebanese Forces: 40 Ti-67 Tirans (Israeli-modified T-54/55s) were supplied by Israel after 1980,[119] another 20 T-54/55s were captured from the Syrian Army in summer 1982[120] and 64 more were supplied by Iraq between 1986 and 1989 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Iraqi service).[121][122] A few VT-55KS Armoured Recovery Vehicles were also captured from the Syrian Army.[123] All served with the Lebanese Forces until the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1991–94.[7] Passed on to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Syrian Army or returned to Israel.
Latvia – 5 T-55AMs Mérida were donated by Poland in 1999. 3 T-55AMs were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][55][56] The last T-55AM2s are in service.[56] (Three remaining tanks were reported to have come from the Czech Republic in 2000.)[124]
Morocco – 40 T-54Bs were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1962. 80 T-54s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1968 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line) mostly lost in wars (Western Sahara war) or scrapped due to lack of spare parts.[7]
North Macedonia – Between 58 and 114 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, up to 56 of the vehicles were bought for spares). 36 T-55AM-2s were ordered in 1999 and delivered in 1999 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service).[7][11] 94 T-55s were in service in early 2001,[58] 125 T-55s and T-72s in early 2003,[59] 30 T-55As in 2004[5] and 2006.[10]
North Vietnam – 400 T-54s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1972 (aid). 600 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1975 (aid).[7] Passed on to the successor state.
People's Liberation Army (Lebanon) – 4 T-55As provided on loan by the DPFLP and Fatah in 1983 (aid, the vehicles were previously in DPFLP service).[129] 70 T-55As were ordered in 1986–87 from Syria and Libya and delivered in 1986–87 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian and Libyan service),[130][131][132] along with a number of BTS-4 and VT-55KS Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV).[133] All served with the PLA until the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990-91 and passed on to the Lebanese Armed Forces or the Syrian Army.
Poland – 3,000 T-54, T-54A, T-54AD and T-54AM produced between 1956 and 1964. 7,000 T-55, T-55L, T-55AD-1 and T-55AD-2 produced between 1964 and 1979. Some T-54A upgraded to T-55 standard. 200 T-54 tanks have been upgraded to T-55LD in 1975, 10 of which were later sold to Libya. In 1980 Ludowe Wojsko Polskie (LWP) operated 1,207 T-55L, T-55LD, T-55AD-1 and T-55AD-2, 146 T-55, 986 T-55U and 340 T-54, T-54A, T-54AD and T-54AM. Eventually almost all T-54 and T-55 tanks have been upgraded to T-55AM "Merida" standard (there are some not upgraded ones in the museums). Last 839 were withdrawn from service in 2002. All Polish T-54 and T-55 that were withdrawn from service were either used as shooting targets at proving grounds, sold to other countries or given to museums.
Republika Srpska – 72 T-55s were in service and in storage in 2005.[5] Passed on to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Slovakia – At least 206 were inherited from Czechoslovakia.[134] 1 T-55AM2B received from Czech Republic in 2000. 1 T-55AM2 received from Czech Republic in 2001.[12] 2 T-55AM2s received from Czech Republic in 2005.[11][12] 275 T-55s and T-72s were in service in 1999.[12] 3 T-55s were in service in early 2001.[87]
Soviet Union – 35,000 T-54-1 (T-54 Model 1946), T-54-2 (T-54 Model 1949), T-54 (T-54-3 or T-54 Model 1951), T-54A, T-54B, T-54AK1, T-54AK2, T-54BK1 and T-54BK2. produced between 1946 and 1958. 27,500 T-55, T-55A, T-55K1, T-55K2, T-55K3, T-55AK1, T-55AK2 and T-55AK3 produced between 1955 and 1981. Passed on to successor states.
Sweden – 34 T-55 BLG-60M2 Bridge Layers were ordered in 1994 from Germany, originally inherited from East Germany. The Swedish designation was Brobv 971 (Brobandvagn 971 or Tracked bridge vehicle 971). The bridge layers were in service from 1997 until 2011 when they were replaced by a model based on the Leopard 2.[137]
South Africa: 10 Polish-built T-55LD tanks (part of a batch of 200 T-54s rebuilt in 1975) seized from a French ship, the Astor, which had been transporting a heavy weapons consignment from Libya for Idi Amin in Uganda. Amin's regime collapsed on the day that the ship docked in Mombasa, and it was redirected to Angola. The ship called in to Durban where the cargo was seized. Two T-55LD tanks have been kept by the South Africans for evaluation while eight were given to Rhodesia, together with SADF advisers for the purpose of training Rhodesian crews. The rumour was spread that the tanks had been captured in Mozambique in order to obscure South Africa's part in the deal.[42]
Turkey: Single T-55A received from Germany in 1991 for intended to use for familiarisation purposes and OPFOR (Opposing Forces) training, is currently on display in the Etimesgut Tank Museum in Ankara.[140]
[edit]T-54-1 in Verkhnyaya Pyshma war museum in Russia.
T-54-1 (Ob'yekt 137)orT-54 Model 1946 Produced 1946–1948. With a streamlined turret and wide gun mantlet, similar to T-44, new V-54 engine, unstabilized D-10T 100 mm main gun, and two SG-43 machine guns in bins on the fenders.[141] Only a small number were built for trials that were a fiasco; as a result, the production of the T-54 series was halted until the implementation of modifications.[142]
T-54-2 in Museum of National Military History in Russia.
T-54-2 (Ob'yekt 137R)orT-54 Model 1949 – Produced 1949–1952. It incorporated a number of improvements to the turret, as well a wider track (580 mm) and modernized transmission. The turret is dome-shaped with flat sides (inspired by the IS-3 heavy tanks), similar to later T-54s but with a distinctive overhang at the rear. The hull machine gun replaced the fender bin mounted ones. It also had a shorter bustle.[141][142][143]
T-54-3 (Ob'yekt 137Sh)orT-54 Model 1951 – Produced 1952–1954, in Poland 1956–1964. Adopted the familiar, fully egg-shaped turret and new TSh-2-22 telescopic gunner's sight instead of the TSh-20.[141][142] Also, early T-54s lacked a snorkel. The tank is also able to use its engine exhaust smoke system to create smokescreen by injecting vaporized diesel fuel onto the exhaust system. This feature was continued throughout the entire T-54/T-55 series and was used in the T-62 series.[42][144]
T-54A (Ob'yekt 137G)[141][145] – Produced 1955–1957, in Poland 1956–1964, in Czechoslovakia 1957–1966, and in China as the Type 59. Added STP-1 "Gorizont" vertical-plane gun stabilizer to D-10T tank gun and this new weapon was designated D-10TG. Originally had a small muzzle counter-weight, which was later replaced with a fume extractor.[143] Also introduced were the OPVT wading snorkel, the TSh-2A-22 telescopic sight, the TVN-1 infrared driver's periscope and IR headlight, the new R-113 radio, a multi-stage engine air filter and radiator controls for improved engine performance, an electrical oil pump, bilge pump, automatic fire extinguisher and extra fuel tanks.[42]
T-54B (Ob'yekt 137G2)[142][145][146] – Produced from 1957 to 1958. It is armed with the D-10T2S tank gun with STP-2 "Tsyklon" 2-plane stabilization.[143] From 1959, infrared night-fighting equipment was added: L-2 "Luna" infrared searchlight, TPN-1-22-11 IR gunner's day-and-night sight, OU-3 IR commander's searchlight. NATO code: T-54(M).[42]
T-54K1, T-54K2, T-54AK1, T-54AK2, T-54BK1, T-54BK2, T-54MK1, T-54MK2 were command tanks corresponding to the main production models, with extra communications equipment at the expense of 5 tank rounds.[146]K1 version had a second R-113 (or R-123) radio for company commanders, K2 version had 10 m semi-telescoping antenna mast, for battalion and regimental commanders, and regimental chiefs-of-staff.[42] They were also equipped with the TNA-2 navigational system and AB-1-P/30 reloading device.[143]
T-55 (Ob'yekt 155)[147] – Produced 1958–1963,[148] in Poland 1958–1964, in Czechoslovakia from 1958 to 1983. It has a new turret with floor, PAZ nuclear-blast protection and over-pressure NBC system, gamma ray detector, improved V-55 engine developing 580 horsepower (430 kW) (the engine output was boosted by increasing both pressure of injected fuel and degree of compression) and power-assisted clutch, MC-1 internal oil filter, AK-150S compressor which allows pneumatic start of the engine (the electric starter was removed), new internal fuel tanks with a capacity of 300 L situated in the front of the hull (this increased the overall capacity of the internal fuel tanks to 680 L), ammunition load for the main gun was increased from 34 rounds to 43 (18 of which are stored in "wet containers" situated inside the hull fuel tanks), "Rosa" fire-protection system and TDA exhaust smoke generator. The engine compartment was equipped with a heating system. To compensate for the increase in mass caused by the new equipment the rear hull armour was thinned. The loader's DShK 1938/46 antiaircraft heavy machine gun was removed. The T-55 also lacks a turret dome ventilator. Early units had flush loader's hatch. "Starfish" road wheels replaced earlier "spider" style. Also a snorkel can be placed on T-55 (unlike its predecessors) to allow it to cross 5.5 m depths at a speed of 2 kilometres per hour (1.2 mph) (without preparation T-55 can cross 1.4 m depths). This equipment takes about 30 minutes' preparation, but can be jettisoned immediately on leaving the water.[42][143][144][149]
T-55A (Ob'yekt 155A)[147] – Produced 1963–1981, in Poland 1964–1979. The T-55A MBT was primarily developed to incorporate a new antiradiation lining and full PAZ/FVU chemical filtration system. One of the major internal additions was the use of a plasticized lead sheeting for antiradiation protection. This was evident externally due to use of an enlarged driver's hatch and enlarged combings over the commander's and loader's hatch to accommodate the new material. Improved POV anti-radiation protection (leading to visibly protruding turret hatches) and NBC filtration, dispensed with bow machine gun. The coaxial SGMT machine gun was replaced with a PKT machine gun. The hull machine gun was removed, which made room for six more 100 mm gun rounds[150] Since 1970, T-55A tanks began to receive a new turret fitting for the 12.7mm DShK 1938/46 antiaircraft heavy machine gun.[151]
T-55K1 (Ob'yekt 155K1), T-55K2 (Ob'yekt 155K2), T-55K3 (Ob'yekt 155K3), T-55AK1 (Ob'yekt 155AK1), T-55AK2 (Ob'yekt 155AK2), T-55AK3 (Ob'yekt 155AK3), T-55MK1 (Ob'yekt 155MK1), T-55MK2 (Ob'yekt 155MK2), T-55MK3 (Ob'yekt 155MK3) – Command tanks, fitted with additional radio sets. Sub-versions are the K1 and K2 models with two R-123 (or R-123M) and used at company and battalion level respectively. They carry five fewer rounds for the main gun than the standard tanks. The regiment commander's K3 is equipped with an R-130M, an R-123M, a 10-metre antenna mast and an AB-1-P/30 generator at the expense of twelve 100 mm rounds.[147][152] Early models had the R-113 and R-112 sets instead of the R-123 and R-130, the upgraded M series is fitted with R-173 and R-143T2 sets respectively.
The T-55AM2B has turret brow armour, laser rangefinder over the main gun, rubber side skirts, and thicker front hull armour than the T-55A. Panzermuseum Munster
T-54-2 fitted with the ZET-1 vehicle protection system. It has a net structure centered on vehicle's main armament and flipper-type side plates.[42]
T-54M (Ob'yekt 137M) (mid-1960s) – Upgrade program to bring T-54s up to T-55 standard.
T-54M (Ob'yekt 137M) (1977) – Additional upgrades, including OPVT snorkel and KTD-1 laser rangefinder.
T-54AM (Ob'yekt 137M) (mid-1960s) – Further upgrades, including increased ammunition, new radios, new V-55 engine. Some received new RMSh track and drive sprocket developed for the T-72 tank in the late 1970s and early 1980s.[146] Similar programs were carried out in other countries (T-54Z, T-54AZ, T-54AMZ for Zusatzausrüstung, 'additional equipment' in East Germany, T-54AR Řeka/Reka, 'river', with fording snorkel in Czechoslovakia).
T-55
[edit]Schematic of a T-55A fitted with a laser rangefinder over the main gun.
Early on during the production T-55s were fitted with the TSh-2B-32P sight. Starting in 1970 T-55s were being armed at Uralwagonzavod with either a 12.7 mm DShK 1938/46 or KPVT loader's anti-aircraft heavy machine guns. These tanks were known as Model 1970, or sometimes T-55AM. KTD-1 or KTD-2 laser rangefinders and R-123 or R-123M radio sets were fitted to older tanks starting in 1974 (Model 1974).[143][147] At the same time efforts were made to modernize and prolong the life of the drive train.[143]
T-55 fitted with the ZET-1 vehicle protection system. It has net structure centred on vehicles main armament and flipper-type side plates.[42]
T-55M (Ob'yekt 155M)/T-55AM (Ob'yekt 155AM)[147] – Modernization of respectively T-55 and T-55A with new "Volna" fire control system, 9K116-1 "Bastion" ATGM system with new 1K13 BOM guidance device/sight, improved "Tsiklon-M1" gun stabilization system and TShSM-32PV sights, V-55U engine,[150] improved suspension and RMSh tracks, increased armour, anti-mine, anti-napalm and improved anti-radiation protection and new R-173/173P radio set. Visual differences include a laser range-finder in an armoured box fitted over the main armament, side skirts, 81 mm "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers, BDD turret brow armour and glacis appliqué, and rear RPG screens (only used rarely in Afghanistan).[42]
T-55M-1 (Ob'yekt 155M-1)/T-55AM-1 (Ob'yekt 155AM-1)[147] – The "-1" suffix was applied to later modified tanks that are powered by the 691 hp (515 kW) V-46-5M engine, which was derived from the T-72's 780 hp (582 kW) V-46-6.
T-55AD "Drozd" (Ob'yekt 155AD)[147][153] – T-55A fitted with Drozd ('thrush') active protection system (KAZ – kompleks aktivnoj zashchity). Soviet Naval Infantry saved money by installing "Drozd" on a small number of tanks instead of opting for appliqué armour, or acquiring newer T-72s. About 250 were kept in stores for secrecy, but later switched to simpler reactive armour. T-55AD is also fitted with the radio set R-173, sight TShSM-32PV, "Tsiklon-M1" stabilizer etc. of the T-55AM.
T-55AD-1 (Ob'yekt 155AD-1) – Version powered by the 691 hp (515 kW) V-46-5M engine, which was derived from the T-72's 780 hp (582 kW) V-46-6.
T-55MV (Ob'yekt 155MV)/T-55AMV (Ob'yekt 155AMV)[147][153] – "V" for vzryvnoj ('explosive') designated tanks, which carried "Kontakt-1" explosive reactive armour (ERA) instead of the passive BDD armour. The ERA bricks (EDZ or elementi dinamicheskoj zashchity) are normally mounted on the turret front, hull front and the hull sides. This variant was adopted by Soviet Naval Infantry first, and by the Russian Army after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The T-55MV is a modernized T-55M and the T-55AMV is a modernized T-55AM.
T-55MV-1 (Ob'yekt 155MV-1)/T-55AMV-1 (Ob'yekt 155AMV-1)[147] – Versions powered by the 691 hp (515 kW) engine V-46-5M.
T-55M5 (Ob'yekt 155M5) – This modernization kit adds convex explosive reactive armour "Kontakt-5" panels around turret front, armour panel on glacis plate, a longer hull, a new style fire control equipment with stabilized TVK-3 and TKN-1SM sights for the gunner and commander, an improved V-55U engine (or V-46-5M) and a main gun stabilization system. The original 100 mm D-10T2S gun is maintained. Combat weight is less than 40 tonnes.[42]
T-55M6 (Ob'yekt 155M6) – A more radical upgrade with longer chassis with 6 road wheels each side, a 690 hp V-46-5M diesel engine and with the complete turret with automatic loader and the 2A46M 125 mm main gun of the T-72B. Also, the protection was increased to T-80U level. Optionally, the tank can be equipped with the 1A40-1 fire control system with the 9K120 "Svir" ATGM system (as per the T-72B) or with the 1A42 and 9K119 "Refleks" systems (as per the T-80U). Combat weight is 43 tonnes.[42]
T-54M (Ob'yekt 139) - Not to be confused with the T-54M modernization program. This was a testbed for the new rifled 100mm D-54, It had the "Raduga" stabilization systems, which were later used in the T-62. These were not completely successful, so further T-55 developments continued to use the D-10 series guns. It is based on the T-54A.[154]
Ob'yekt 141 - Developed by the Kharkiv design bureau from 1952 to 1954 as a testbed for the D-54. In 1955, the "Raduga" stabilizer was installed; however, due to a malfunction work on it was stopped. In the spring of 1959, the Ob'yekt 141 was used as a testbed for the U-5TS; however, due to excessive gas in the crew compartment and a low ammo count of 28 rounds, work on it was stopped.[155]
Ob'yekt 137ML - Prototype of the T-54 with 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO code: AT-3 Sagger) ATGM.
Ob'yekt 155ML - Prototype of the T-55 with a launcher for three 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO code: AT-3 Sagger) ATGM mounted on the turret rear.[147]
T-55K used as a testbed for the "Uran" television apparatus. The tank was fitted with a video camera and the footage was transmitted to a receiver in a BTR-50PU command vehicle.[143]
7.62 mm SGMT coaxial 7.62 mm SGMT bow mounted 2 × 7.62 mm SG-43 fender mounted 12.7 mm DShK anti-aircraft
7.62 mm SGMT medium coaxial 7.62 mm SGMT medium bow mounted 12.7 mm DShK anti-aircraft
7.62 mm PKT tank coaxial 7.62 mm SGMT bow mounted 12.7 mm DShK 1938/46 anti-aircraft (added during routine maintenance since 1972)
7.62 mm PKT tank coaxial 12.7 mm DShK 1938/46 anti-aircraft (added to the newly produced tanks since 1970, added to the old T-55A tanks during routine maintenance since 1972)
Engine
V-54 12-cylinder 38.88 liter water-cooled diesel 523 hp (390 kW)
6.85 km/h in 1st gear[148] 14.66 km/h in 2nd gear[148] 20.21 km/h in 3rd gear[148] 28.99 km/h in 4th gear[148] 55 km/h (34 mph) in 5th gear[144] 6.85 km/h in reverse gear[148] on road
ZSU-57-2 (Ob'yekt 500) – Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG); significant changes from T-54 such as much thinner armour and one less road wheel, with a new turret armed with two 57 mm guns.
Armoured Recovery Vehicle
[edit]Russian BTS-4s transported using train in 2009
BTS-1 (Bronetankoviy Tyagach Sredniy – Medium Armoured Tractor) – T-54A converted into an ARV equipped with a stowage basket.[42][156]
BTS-2 (Ob'yekt 9) (Bronetankoviy Tyagach Sredniy – Medium Armoured Tractor) – BTS-1 fitted with a hoist and a small folding crane with a capacity of 3 tonnes. It was developed on the T-54 hull in 1951; series production started in 1955. The prototype Ob'yekt 9 had a commander's cupola fitted with a DShK 1938/46 heavy machine gun, but the production model has a square commander's hatch, opening to the right. It has a combat weight of 32 tonnes. Only a very small number remains in service.[141]
BTS-4 (Bronetankoviy Tyagach Sredniy – Medium Armoured Tractor) – ARV similar to the BTS-2 but equipped with a snorkel. In the West it is known as the T-54T. There are many different models, based on the T-44, T-54, T-55 and T-62.[157][158]
BTS-3 (Bronetankoviy TyagachSredniy – Medium Armoured Tractor) – JVBT-55A in service with the Soviet Army.[42]
BTS-4B – T-54-1s and T-54-2s converted into an armoured recovery vehicle equipped with a dozer blade.[42]
BTS-4BM – Experimental version of the BTS-4B with the capacity to winch over the front of the vehicle.[42]
Bridge-layer
[edit]MTU-20 bridgelayer at the Yad la-Shiryon Museum in Latrun, Israel.MTU-12 bridgelayer at the Military-historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
MT-55orMTU-55 (Tankoviy Mostoukladchik) – Soviet designation for the Czechoslovakian MT-55A bridge-layer tank equipped with a scissors-type bridge.
MTU-12 (Tankoviy Mostoukladchik)[159] – Bridge-layer tank equipped with a 12 m long single-span bridge with a capacity of 50 tonnes. It entered service in 1955; today only a very small number remains in service. It has a combat weight of 34 tonnes.
MTU-20 (Ob'yekt 602) (Tankoviy Mostoukladchik)[141] – T-54 converted into a bridge-layer tank. It has a twin-treadway superstructure mounted on a modified chassis. Each treadway is made up of a box-type aluminum girder with a folding ramp attached to both ends to save space while the bridge is in the travel position. The vehicle with the bridge in the traveling position is 11.6 m long. When set up, the bridge is 20 m long. This is an increase of about 62% over that of the older MTU-1. The bridge is launched using the cantilever method. First, the ramps are lowered and fully extended before the treadways are forward with the full load of the bridge resting on the forward support plate during launch. The span is moved out over the launching girder until the far end reaches the far bank. Next, the near end is lowered onto the near bank. This method of launching gives the bridgelayer a low silhouette, which makes it less vulnerable to detection and destruction.[42]
T-54/T-55 fitted with BTU dozer blade for clearing soil, obstacles and snow in combat situations. It was used by the tank units requiring specialized engineer support. The dozer blade itself can be mounted in 1 hour and 30 minutes and dismounted in 1 hour. In the west it is known as T-54/T-55 Dozer.[144][failed verification]
ALT-55 – T-55 converted into an armoured tracked bulldozer. It has a large flat-plate superstructure, angular concave dozer blade mounted in the front and hydraulic rams for the dozer blade.[42]
T-55 converted into a tracked armoured excavator. The turret has been replaced by a rotatable armoured cab with a boom and a bucket. A dozer blade is fitted to the front of the hull.[42]
T-55 MARRS – T-55 converted into an engineering vehicle fitted with the MARRS Vickers armoured recovery vehicle kit. The turret has been replaced by a new design: large flat-plate with slightly chamfered sides, vertical rear, very chamfered front, and a large A-frame crane mounted in the front. The crane has cylindrical winch rope feer between legs of the crane. A dozer blade is fitted to the hull front.[42]
IMR (Ob'yekt 616) (IMR stands for Inzhenernaya Mashina Razgrazhdeniya) – T-55 converted into a combat engineer vehicle. The turret was replaced with a hydraulically operated crane that has a capacity of 2 tonnes, capable of 360° rotation, and operated from an armoured cupola with a visor. The crane can also be fitted with a small bucket and used as excavator arm, or with a pair of pincer-type grabbers (as pictured) for removing obstacles like trees. Its jib is telescopic, which when mobile gets retracted and placed onto a cradle on the rear of the hull, that in turn gets folded down against the engine deck when the crane is in use. A hydraulically operated dozer blade is mounted to the front of the hull; it can be used in a straight or V-configuration only. The vehicle is also fitted with a searchlight.[42][144] The IMR was developed in 1969 and entered service five years later.
SPK-12G (SPK stands for Samokhodniy Pod’yomniy Kran) – Heavy crane mounted on T-55 chassis.[42] Only two were built.
MTP-3 (MTP stands for Mashina Tekhnicheskoj Pomoshchi) – SU-122-54 converted into a technical support vehicle fitted with a light crane. This conversion was carried out beginning in 1973. It is sometimes known in the West as ARV M1977 and T-62T.
BMR-1 (Bronirovannaya Mashina Razminirovaniya) – MTP-3 converted into a mine-clearing vehicle. This conversion was carried out beginning in 1975.[42] It is equipped with KMT-5M mine-clearing systems and fitted with a machine gun turret, from BTR-60. The BMR-1s were used by the Soviet army during the war in Afghanistan and more recently by Ukraine's UNIFIL contingent in Lebanon.
BMR-2 (Boyevaya Mashina Razminirovaniya) – Mine clearing tank based on T-55 chassis. This vehicle has no turret but a fixed superstructure, armed with an NSVT machine gun. It is fitted with a KMT-7 mine clearing set and entered service around 1987 during the war in Afghanistan.[42]
BMR-2 fitted with a wide variety of mine roller designs.[42]
OT-54 (Ob'yekt 481) – T-54 armed with ATO-54 flamethrower instead of 7.62 mm SGMT coaxial medium machine gun.[143][160]
TO-55 (OT-55, Ob'yekt 482[161]) – This flame-thrower version of the T-55 tank incorporates the ATO-200 flame projector. The flame thrower is ignited by pyrotechnic charges, and 12 charges are the basic load. The stowage tank, which replaces the hull ammunition rack besides the driver, contains 460-litres of flammable liquid, and each burst averages 36 liters. The maximum effective range of the system is 200 meters, with the stream having an initial muzzle velocity of about 100 mps.[42][144][148]
Ob'yekt 483 – Flame-thrower tank prototype, based on the T-54B. This version featured installation of the ATO-1 flame-thrower in short stubby barrel with internal tube instead of the main gun, resulting in a decrease of the tank's firepower. There's also a circular vertical vent on the rear of turret and a sight mount level with top of mantlet aperture. Following trials with the prototype vehicle, development work on this ceased.[148]
SU-122-54 (Ob'yekt 600) (Samokhodnaya Ustanovka) – Self-propelled 122 mm gun, based on the T-54A and sometimes known as IT-122. Between 1955 and 1957, 77 vehicles were built with minor differences between production lots (different commander's cupola etc.). The SU-122-54 had a modified chassis, with small spaces between the first, second and fourth pair of wheels and a large gap between the third, similar to the T-62's; and a superstructure, built into the hull, housing the 122 mm D-49 L/48.4 gun for which the vehicle carries 35 rounds. The secondary armament consisted of two KPVT heavy machine guns, one mounted as an anti-aircraft machine gun near the commander's hatch and the other mounted coaxially with the main gun. The vehicle carried 600 rounds for the machine guns. The main gun has a fume extractor positioned right behind the muzzle brake, some vehicles did not have the fume extractor. Other variations included a different commander's cupola.[42]
GPM-54 [ru] (gusenichnaya pozharnaya mashina – tracked fire fighting vehicle) – T-54 converted into a tracked fire fighting vehicle. It is equipped with a dozer blade in the front of the vehicle, water tank and a spray unit mounted on the front of tank's top.[42]
T-55 "Big Wind" modified to fight major oil fires. Turret was replaced with twin-jet-engine mount and multiple water nozzles.[42]
T-55s have been in service with the Afghan Army for a number of years. Since there wasn't any kind of care taken as to what variant an individual tank may be, many T-55s have mixed parts from a number of different variants.[42]
T-55 modernization developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by the Argentinian company TENSA for Peru. The tank was fitted with appliqué armour on the turret, rubber side skirts, laser range finder over the main armament and a fire control system with a ballistic-computer and a mast with weather sensors mounted on the top of the turret.[42]
Type 59 Durjoy - Type 59 modernization fitted with an ATGM-capable 125mm smoothbore gun, combined modular composite armor with ERA, and a new 730 hp diesel engine.
T-55 converted into the S-75 DvinaTEL.[42] The vehicle has a wheeled support frame for the nose of the missile.[162]
T-55 converted into the S-125 TEL.[42] The vehicle is fitted with a large aft-mounted cable spool.[162]
Czechoslovakia
[edit]T-55AM2 on Bahna military show, Czech republicA T-55AM2B in tank museum in Munster.VT-55A at RAF Duxford, 23 September 2006.ŽS-55A on Bahna military show, Czech republic
T-54A produced under license in Czechoslovakia. Because it was of higher quality when compared to the Soviet produced T-54A, it became a hit on the export market. Unlike the Soviet produced T-54A, it had a redesigned engine access plates, three plates fitted to the hull to reduce track shedding and oval engine grills in the engine decks.[42]
T-54AK produced in Czechoslovakia under license. It was fitted with a base plate on the turret roof for the radio mast.[42]
T-54AR "Rieka" (Rieka - river) - T-54 modernization with a fording snorkel. It is similar to soviet T-54AM.
T-54AM - T-54B produced under license in Poland and Czechoslovakia.[42]
T-54AMK - T-54BK command tank produced in Czechoslovakia.[42]
T-55AMB - Czechoslovak upgraded T-55A with Czechoslovakia-produced laser rangefinder, fire control system and wind sensor mast with thickened center section mounted on rear of turret roof.[42]
T-55AM1 - Czechoslovakian version of the T-55AM with Czechoslovak-produced "Kladivo" fire control system with a ballistic computer, a laser range finder (different from the Russian KTD-1) on top of the gun and a cross-wind sensor mast mounted on rear of turret roof.
T-55AM1K3 - Command tank version of the T-55AM1.[42]
T-55AM2 - T-55AM1 fitted with the passive BDD appliqué armour for turret (horseshoe shape) and hull front (fitted to upper glacis plate), sideplates fitted with extensions protecting catwalk fuel tanks, the improved V-55U engine with an integral supercharger delivering 620 hp and the R-173P radio system. The BDD armour panels consist of armoured steel boxes filled with Penpolyurethane. In addition there are cavities which can be filled with water or sand for additional protection. The BDD armour panels consist of armoured steel boxes filled with Penpolyurethane and thin HHS steel plates. The BDD semi-reactive armor adding 120mm of protection against APDS and 200-250mm of protection against HEAT ammunition, thus these tanks had similar protection as early versions of T-72. There is also a cluster of 8 smoke-grenade launchers on the right-hand-side of turret. T-55AM2 is fitted with additional headlights on the front fenders.[42][163][164]
T-55AM2 Dyna-1 - T-55AM2 fitted with new armour array.[42]
T-55AM2B - T-55AM2 with the ability to fire the laser-guided 9M117 "Bastion" (AT-10 Stabber) ATGM via the main gun. The T-55AM2B is fitted with the 1K13 BOM gunner's sight in place of the original TPN-1M-22.
T-55AM2K1 - command tank for company commanders with an additional radio set R-173.
T-55AM2K2 - command tank for battalion commanders with an additional radio set R-173.
T-55AM2K3 - regiment commander's version with radio sets R-173 and R-143T2, a generator NS1250B and a slim 10m antenna mast. Carries 12 rounds less than a standard tank.
VT-55A (vyprošťovací tank - recovery tank) - Czechoslovak ARV built on T-55A hull and fitted with a crane with 15 tonnes capacity, a main winch with 44 tonnes capacity and a secondary winch with 800 kg capacity. It was first called MT-55 but this designation was given to the bridge laying tank and therefore the designation had to be changed.[42][158]
VT-55KS (kapitalistické státy) - Export version for non-Warsaw Pact countries like Iraq and Syria. A total of 2,321 was produced between 1967 and 1983.
ZS-55A (ženijní stroj) - VT-55A fitted with dozer blade BTU-55.[42]
MT-55A (Mostni Tank - bridge layer tank) - Czechoslovakian redesigned version of MT-55. According to some Western sources there are two models, namely the basic model - also known as MT-55K - and the MT-55L with a longer bridge. Between 1969 and 1983, 1,278 MT-55As were built by TS Martin.
MT-55KS (kapitalistické státy) - Export version for non-Warsaw Pact countries like India, Iraq and Syria. 183 vehicles built from 1971.
PM-55L (přepravník mostu) - Lightweight version that uses a Tatra T-813 truck as carrier and launch platform.
JVBT-55A (jeřábový vyprošťovací buldozerový tank) - Czechoslovakian crane tank, fitted with a big 15t crane, a winch and a BTU-55 dozer blade. Combat weight is 42 tons. From 1967, 508 were produced.
JVBT-55KS (kapitalistické státy) - Export version of JVBT-55A for non-Warsaw Pact states like Iraq. 172 produced.
T-55C-1 "Bublina" - Turret-less engineer vehicle with BTU-55 dozer blade.
T-55C-2 "Favorit" - Czech driver training tank.[42]
SPOT-55 (Speciální POžárnický Tank) - Czech fire-fighting conversion with large tank with chamfered edges placed on T-55 chassis, two spray units mounted on front of tank top and dozer blade fitted to hull front.[42] It was developed by VOP 025 and has two water tanks for a total of 11,000 liter. Weight is 45 tons.[165]
T-54Z (Z for Zusatzausrüstung - additional equipment) - East German modernization of T-54 similar to T-54AM.
T-54AZ (Z for Zusatzausrüstung - additional equipment) - East German modernization of T-54 similar to T-54AM.
T-54AMZ (Z for Zusatzausrüstung - additional equipment) - East German modernization of T-54 similar to T-54AM.
T-54T (Panzerzugmaschine ohne Bergesatz) - East German development with recovery and welding equipment. 10 made on Polish-made T-54A chassis. NATO code: T-54(A).[166]
T-54TB (Panzerzugmaschine mit Bergesatz) - similar to T-54T, but with 140-t winch. 10 made on Polish-made T-54A chassis. NATO code: T-54(B).[166]
T-55AM2B with bin on left-hand-side of turret.[42]
T-55T - Modified VT-55A with push bar and splashboard across glacis plate in service with the NVA.[42]
T-55T with towing unit on the glacis plate with a mount that protrudes over front of vehicle. Front towing unit also has a flexible 'eye' permanently fitted. NATO code: T-55T.[42][166]
Minenräumfahrzeug (Pz) - Prototype mine clearing vehicle developed by the East Germany. Two Versions:
equipped with KMT-6 M2, EMT-5 electronic mine clearer and a lane clearer WLWD.[42][167]
T-54 M1975/1 - Experimental East German roller/flail combination mine clearing vehicle.[42]
T-54 M1975/2 - Flail only variant of the M1975/1.[42]
T-55TK - East-Germany received 119 Czechoslovakian JVBT-55As between 1968 and 1979 and called them Kranpanzer T-55TK.
BLG-60 (Brückenlegegerät) - East German scissors-type bridge layer.[42] Development started in 1965 (one year after the BLG-34 project was cancelled [168]) and the first vehicle was delivered in 1967. Almost 200 BLG-60s were built by STAG Genthin and SKET Magdeburg.
BLG-60M - Improved BLG-60 that makes it possible to attach 2 bridges together to bridge gaps of up to 36 m. Entered service from 1973.[168]
BLG-60M2 - Because of the introduction of the bigger T-72 tank, some 30 BLG-60Ms bridges had to be widened by 20 cm. It is possible to attach 3 bridges together to bridge gaps of up to 52 m now.
T-55E Mark 0 ("E" stands for Egyptian variant) - T-55 modernization fitted with a new Russian engine developing 580 hp. It came in two variants:
T-55E Mark 0 fitted with a German AEG infrared/white searchlight on the right hand side of the main armament and a Yugoslav "Iskra" laser rangefinder.[42][144]
T-55E Mark 0 fitted with DShK 1938/46 antiaircraft heavy machine gun and German AEG searchlight.
T-55E MK I ("E" stands for Egyptian variant) - T-55 modernization fitted with a more powerful engine developing 650 hp, fire control system (which includes a ballistic computer), searchlight, laser rangefinders and appliqué armour. All those additions resulted in weight increasing to 41 tonnes. It retains the original 100 mm tank gun but the performance and ammunition were improved.
T-55E MK II ("E" stands for Egyptian variant) - Refurbished and modernized T-55 in the mid-1990s. It is fitted with a German engine developing 880 hp, M68 105 mm tank gun, Italian fire control system (which includes an Italian ballistic computer), infrared device, laser rangefinder, stabilization system, modernized suspension, six smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret, NBC protection system, appliqué armor and armored side skirts. All those additions resulted in weight increasing to 44 tonnes. Conversions were scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008.
Ramses II - T-54 modernization. In November 1984, US Teledyne Continental Motors corporation (taken over by General Dynamics Land Systems conglomerate) was awarded a contract to upgrade the firepower and mobility of a single T-54. The modernization initial designation was T-54E but it was subsequently renamed as Ramses II. The first prototype was sent to Egypt for extensive firepower and mobility trials in January 1987 and with them ending later that year. In late 1989 Egypt signed a technical assistance agreement with TCM to support continued Egyptian trials of the Ramses II. The new set of trials began in summer of 1990. Ramses II entered production and service between 2004 and 2005.
T-55M - 70 Finnish T-55A/T-55K tanks were upgraded to T-55M/MK level. The upgrade consists of Bofors FCS-FV/K fire control system, Mecar M-1000 APFSDS-T ammunition, 71 mm Bofors Lyran illumination grenade mortar, 8x 76 mm Wegmann smoke grenade dischargers, thermal sleeve around gun barrel, 1 million cd IR searchlight, new side skirts and storage boxes, RMSh tracks similar to T-72 and a 12.7 mmITKK 96 machine gun for the loader. Additional armour was tested, but not included in the final upgrade. Some are equipped with KMT-5M mine rollers.[169]
T-55MK - command version of the T-55M upgrade.
KAM-1 - Finnish medium recovery tank built on T-54 hull, developed in 1984. Prototype only.[158][170]
KAM-2 - Finnish light recovery tank built on T-54 hull, developed in 1985. Prototype only.[158][170]
T-54 upgrade developed in 1991 by Jung Jungenthal to meet the requirements of the Egyptian army (but was never purchased). The upgraded T-54 is equipped with additional passive armour, a new transmission LSG 3000, an improved cooling system, a new all-electric gun control system, under-armour fuel tanks "Superflexit" on either side of the hull and 76mm smoke grenade discharges. The original 100mm gun is retained.[42]
T-54A, a proposal by Royal ordnance to upgrade the T-54As of the Egyptian Army to the standard NATO 105mm gun.[42]
T-55 upgrade package made by A F Budge, FFG and Perkins it included a Perkins Condor V8 800TCA engine, XTG-411-5 transmission, new cooling system oil-cooled brakes, Pilkington fire control system, IR25 thermal sight, and L7 105mm gun.[42]
T-55AM was a 1980s modernization of the basic T-55 tank. The 144 T-55AM tanks received Czechoslovak-produced "Kladivo" fire control system, thermal sleeve on gun, new mounting for 12,7mm HMG, a laser rangefinder, mounted over the barrel, inside a large rectangular armoured box. Hungarian tanks fitted with BDD add-on armour blocks on the turret front-sides area and glacis (known as the "horse-shoes" or the "Brezhnev's eyebrow" armour). The BDD armour panels consist of armoured steel boxes filled with Penpolyurethane and thin HHS steel plates. The BDD semi-reactive armor adding 120mm of protection against APDS and 200-250mm of protection against HEAT ammunition, thus these tanks had similar protection as early versions of T-72 (similarly to the Czech AM2s). The type was partly unsuccessful due to the unreliable Kladico FCS and inadequate mobility (Hungarian vehicles never received new engines). T-55AM tanks were withdrawn from service during the early years of the 2000s (decade), some scrapped, some mothballed, leaving only a handful of T-72B and T-72M vehicles in active Hungarian army service.[163][164]
T-54/T-55 fitted with sheet steel tubes placed on the barrels to imitate fume extractors during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war to distinguish them from Pakistani Type 59s.[144] Later with Project Gulmohar in 1984–1999, they were up-gunned with the Vijayanta tank 105 mm guns which had real fume extractors.[3][172]
Tarmour - Heavy armored personnel carrier, weighing 45 tons. Capacities for driver, gunner and additional 9 infantrymen, armed with a 12.7mm RCWS.[173]
Iraq
[edit]Enigma, an Iraqi command tank widely reinforced with appliqué armor.
T-55 Enigma - T-55, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks used by Iraqi Brigade commanders had appliqué armour on turrets and hulls composed of 3 (hull) or 6 (turret) layers of local-designed NERA (Non-explosive reactive armor) enclosed in steel boxes, this composite armor named unofficially as "Haji". Every NERA layer consists of 3 sublayes: a 10mm thick aluminium plate, a 4mm thick natural rubber (as reactive element) then a 4.7mm thick high hardness steel plate.[174] This crude type of bulging armor is less effective than Burlington or BDD ones,[citation needed] but it was successful at defeating modern shaped charge warheads, During the battle of Khafji one unit is reported to have survived several hits from MILAN missiles (which can knock out a T-72M1 frontwise) before being dispatched by a helicopter.[175]
T-55QM - T-55 armed with NATO-standard 105 mmL7 or M68 gun instead of the old 100 mm gun. The tank was fitted with a French laser range-finder. The upgrades were done in the mid-to-late 1980s.
T-55QM2 - T-55 upgraded by Soviet technicians with a Soviet 125 mm/L52 smoothbore gun and French laser range-finder, 1986–1991.
Type-72Z - At the International Arms Exhibition, which took place in Baghdad between 28 April and 2 May 1989, a T-55 equipped with the 2A46 125mm gun with fume extractor one third of the way down the barrel from the T-72 tank was displayed. This modernized vehicle was designated as T-72Z, which at first mislead foreign experts since it was believed that the project was based on the T-72 tank. In fact, the number "72" originated from the year of modernization - 1372 according to the Muslim calendar.[clarification needed] The loading mechanism of this vehicle was also taken from T-72. The fitting of the loading mechanism required increasing the aft section of the turret. A stub case ejection port on rear of turret. The tank's armour protection was also reinforced through the use of add-on armour on the tank's front glacis. The vehicle also mounted the EFCS-3 fire control system developed by the Slovenian firm 'Fotona' and a new transmission. A set of explosive reactive armour is an optional extra. It is believed that around 200 T-54/T-55 tanks and 150 Chinese Type-59 tanks were brought up to the T-72Z standard. Not to be confused with Iranian modification of the same name.[42]
T-55 modified to fire 122 mm rockets by removing the main armament and fitting a multi-barrel-rocket launcher on the rear of the turret. Reloads appear to have been stowed in the turret and passed out through a crudely cut access on the rear of the turret. It has a square sided platform mount with drop down sides and rear.[42]
Al Kafil 1 - The new Iraqi tank is based on a T-55 MBT, or, more exactly, on a Chinese Type 59, but largely upgraded. The turret seems to be completely new, namely smaller: its original shape has been completely modified and shows both additional and reactive armor, anti-RPG chain protection hanging from the rear side, a remotely controlled weapon station armed with a heavy machine gun, and grenade launchers. The hull has also been modified with reactive armor, a new rear shape (additional armor plates or modified original armor?) and new mudguards. More modifications are likely, mostly in the turret and driver's compartment. The original engine and transmission remain probably untouched. As no official technical details are available, one can not take the risk of making groundless assumptions.[176]
T-55 fitted with the S-60 anti-aircraft gun in a square sided platform mount with drop down sides and rear.[42]
BTS-2 - Rebuilt late production BTS-2 fitted with antiaircraft heavy machine gun pintle mount and additional stowage boxes.[42]
BTS-Saddam - Iraqi produced armoured recovery vehicle based on obsolete T-54 chassis. It's equipped with small fixed turret on left of driver fitted with antiaircraft heavy machine gun, large winch in fighting compartment covered with metal sheet framework, earth anchor on rear of hull. Like most Iraqi produced equipment it was named in honour of Saddam Hussein.[42]
T-55/130 - Unofficial name for a self-propelled gun used by the People's Mujahideen of Iran. Essentially a T-55 with a 130mm Type 59-1 field gun mounted in a crude superstructure in place of the turret.[177]
T-72Z/Type 72Z/Safir-74 - Iranian upgraded T-54/55 and Type-59 (Chinese copy of the T-54A), T-72Z being the name given to the upgraded T-55s, Safir 74 being the name given to the upgraded T-54s and Type 72Z being the name given to the upgraded Type-59s. The upgrades Include the new fire control system Fotona EFCS-3B (with laser rangefinder, cross-wind sensor, ballistic computer and gunner's passive night vision device), a 105mm tank gun, side skirts, smoke grenade launchers, ERA package, a new power-pack with 780 hp 12-cylinder V-46-6 diesel engine and new tracks. Iranian sources state there was also a plan to arm the tanks with a 2A46 125mm tank gun, but it seems as if this project was cancelled.[42]
Safir-86 - Standard T-55 fitted with an ERA kit developed by Iran.[42]
[edit]Tiran-5Sh with a dozer blade at the Yad la-Shiryon Museum, Israel.Tiran-5Sh at the Yad la-Shiryon Museum, Israel.IDF Achzarit heavy armored personnel carrier
Tiran-1 - Virtually unmodified T-54 was in Israeli Army service.[42]
Tiran-2 - Virtually unmodified T-55 was in Israeli Army service.[42]
Ti-67 - a collective designation for the Israeli-upgraded T-54s and T-55s built on tanks captured in 1967 and 1973. No longer in service in Israel but many were sold off.
Tiran-4 - Modified T-54 with original 100 mm gun.[42] It has two water cans fitted to the rear of the turret, new fenders, new loader's hatch that opens to the rear and a new antenna mount. Later fitted were a rounded stowage bin on the rear of the turret, pintle-mounted .30 cal M1919A4 Browning medium machine gun in front of the loaders hatch and gas cans fitted to the front fenders.[117]
Tiran-4Sh - upgraded Tiran-4, fitted with Sharir 105 mm gun. It also was fitted with a newer type of antenna mount in, new infrared spotlight for the commander, an aiming system from the Sherman medium tank, fire extinguisher mounted in front of the searchlight, new headlights, centrally mounted .30 cal M1919A4 Browning medium machine gun, signal flag holders and an oil can mounted on the rear of the left fender.[117] It also has ammunition racks modified to suit the 105mm ammunition, new communications equipment, modified commander's seat, new gunner's seat, azimuth indicator installed, driver's hatch modified so that it can opened from the outside, coaxial machine gun replaced by a 7.62mm Browning machine gun and the cupola mounted DShK 1938/46 antiaircraft heavy machine gun replaced by a 12.7 mm Browning heavy machine gun, new fire control, night vision equipment, electrical system, air-conditioning system, antennae mounts on the rear of the turret, infantry tank-telephone on the rear of the hull, exhaust outlet angled upwards, additional track stowage and fire-extinguishing system installed.[42]
Tiran-5 - Modified T-55 with original 100 mm gun.[42] It has two water cans are fitted to the rear of the turret, new fenders, a rounded stowage bin on the rear of the turret and pintle-mounted .30 cal M1919A4 Browning medium machine gun in front of the loader's hatch. Later fitted were the .50 cal M2 heavy machine gun over the barrel of the tank gun, extra gas cans, first aid box, ring around the loader's hatch for the .30 cal, new lights similar to the ones used in the M60 Patton, a folded stretcher on the left hand side of the vehicle and an infantry tank-telephone on the rear of the hull.[117]
Tiran-5Sh - upgraded T-55, fitted with Sharir 105 mm gun. It also has ammunition racks modified to suit the 105mm ammunition, new communications equipment, modified commander's seat, new gunner's seat, azimuth indicator installed, driver's hatch modified so that it can opened from the outside, coaxial machine gun replaced by a 7.62mm Browning machine gun and the cupola mounted DShK 1938/46 antiaircraft heavy machine gun replaced by a 12.7 mm Browning heavy machine gun, new fire control, night vision equipment, electrical system, air-conditioning system, antennae mounts on the rear of the turret, exhaust outlet angled upwards, additional track stowage and fire-extinguishing system installed. It is also known as T-55S.[42]
Tiran-5Sh fitted with a dozer blade.
Nota bene: the Tiran 6 is an Israeli adaptation of the Soviet T-62, not the T54/T55, see here.
Ti-67s - This is the Ti-67 with many other improvements in addition to all of the previous modifications. They include fitting the American Detroit Diesel 8V-71T engine developing 609 hp, new semi-automatic hydromechanical transmission equipped with a torque converter, new air cleaners, Blazer explosive reactive armor added to the hull and turret, Cadillac-Gage-Textron gun stabilization system, installation of EL-OP Matador computerized fire control system, low-profile commander's cupola, IR detectors, Image-intensifier night vision equipment for the commander, gunner and driver, Spectronix fire detection and suppression system, new turret basket, extensive external stowage, modernized driver's station including replacement of tillers by a steering wheel, new final drives, new all-internal fuel system and improved suspension.[42]
VT-55A captured from Egyptians or Syrians and modified to meet the needs of Israeli Army. It has a post mount forward of commanders cupola for 50cal HMG.[42]
VT-55KS captured from Egyptians or Syrians and modified to meet the needs of Israeli Army.[42]
MT-55 captured from Egyptians or Syrians and modified to meet the needs of Israeli Army. It is fitted with an extended antenna.[117]
T-54 converted into an improvised APC. Rebuilt/modified by the Israeli Army who quickly passed them on to the South Lebanon Christian militias. The turret is replaced by armour screens around the turret ring and armour shields are fitted to either side of drivers hatch. Known as the Tiran or T-54 APC, it has a five-person crew and carries an unknown number of troops.[42]
T-55M3 - Designed by Israel for the Vietnamese People's Army. Around the turret, the tank fitted with composite armour plate protection. The T-55M3 main battle tanks equipped with an L7 105 mm tank gun, an NSVT 12.7 mm machine gun, a PKT 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, Swiss MAWS6056B Idram SA meteorological sensors, a German 1000 horsepower engine, and a British gearbox and transmission system. The tank can also be equipped with a 60 mm mortar. This variant was rejected by the Vietnamese military, however, selected elements of this variant was inherited by the Vietnamese-designed T-54M (formally T-54B cải tiến (lit.'T-54B improved'), not to be confused with the Soviet T-54M)
Al-Zarrar - Type 59 modernization which can also be applied to T-54s and T-55s. In June 2015, Serbia sold its 282 modernized T-55 tanks to Pakistan.[179]
Type 59G/VT-3 - Chinese hyper-modernization of Type 59, fitted with 125mm smoothbore main gun and heavy ERA. Used by at least Chad and Tanzania.
Peru
[edit]T-55M1 Leon 1 (right) with Peruvian M113 APC (left-center) in action in 2008T-55M8A2 TIFÓN-2
T-55 modernization which replaces the V-55 diesel engine with a Caterpillar diesel one. It was not accepted by the Peruvian Army.
T-55M1 Leon 1 - T-55 modernization designed by the Peruvian engineer Sergio Casanave. The project was named DIEDE 2005. The Peruvian Army assisted project since it began. This modernization fits the T-55 with a new fire control system, laser rangefinder and twin SACLOS 9M14-2T HEAT tandem system Malyutka 2MATGM launchers on each side of the turret. Also the main gun is modified to fire 100 mm M-43A1 APFSDS. At least three physical demonstrator were made, but none become an operational prototype. Rejected by the Peruvian Army.[citation needed]
T-55M2A1 Leon 2 - Also designed by the Peruvian engineer Sergio Casanave, this proposed upgrade include a new thermal fire control system and optics, ability to fire M-43A1/M-43A3 APFSDS ammo (up to 2,600 m) and the launcher for the 9M117 (3UBK23-1) Bastion laser beam-guided anti-tank missiles with a range up to 6,000 m and 750 mm RHAe penetration after ERA, new engine developing 630 hp and new night vision system. At least three physical demonstrators were made, but none become an operational prototype. Rejected by the Peruvian Army.
T-55M8A2 Tifón 2 ((in English)Typhoon-2) - T-55 modernization designed by engineer Sergio Casanave and developed jointly by the Desarrollos Industriales Casanave de Perú (DICSA), (Casanave Industrial Developments Peru) and Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau of Ukraine. It's based on the Ukrainian T-55AGM and is almost identical with the exception of the engine, the main armament, Fire Control System with 1G46M gunner sight, PKN-5 Commander sight, and both integrated with the Buran - Catherine Thermal sight, air conditioned system, Deflek Ceramic special alloy steel armor, and Nosh explosive reactive armor. The tank is powered by the new 5TDFMA two-stroke liquid-cooled multi-fuel supercharged diesel engine with boxing pistons developing 1,050 hp and has maximum speed of over 75 km/h on the road in forward gear and over 35 km/h in the reverse gear. The main armament is the 125 mm KBM-1M 48 caliber smoothbore gun capable of firing conventional ammunition with enhanced performance which can destroy modern tanks from a range of up to 3,500 m (APFSDS and HEAT-TANDEM) and barrel-launched Kombat ATGMs [uk; ru] which have a penetration of 800 mm RHAe after ERA and are capable of destroying modern tanks from a distance up to 5,000 m. The gun weighs 2,5 tonnes, has a barrel length of 6 m (48 calibers) and can fire APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG rounds.[180] The gun has a normal recoil length of 26–30 cm and maximum recoil length of 31 cm. Is not being considered as an option for upgrade by the Peruvian Army.[181]
T-55 Fire Support - Uralvagonzavod is offering the Peruvian Army an upgrade for its T-55s as an alternative to replacement with new tanks. The proposal is to replace the turret of their current tanks with the turret of the BMPT. The BMPT turret is equipped with two 2A42 30 mm autocannons, two AGS-17 grenade launchers, four 9M120 Ataka-VATGMs, and a PKTM machine gun. Every operator in the turret has a scope, and the main armament operator has a thermal camera, an optical sight, and a panoramic camera. It is also equipped with a laser detection system. Although the BMPT design fits onto a T-72 tank chassis, it can be adapted to fit on a T-55.[182]
Polish-produced tanks often have different stowage arrangements. The arrangement includes a rectangular box mounted on the left side of the turret, a smaller square stowage box on the left side of the turret-rear, and a slightly different rear decking.[144]
T-54AD - Polish T-54A command tank with additional radios and a radio range of 100 miles.[183]
T-54AM - Polish and Czechoslovak production of the T-54B under license.[42]
T-54 fitted with stand-off armour plates fitted to hull front and wire mesh screens around the turret to provide protection against ATGM.[42]
T-55L - New-build Polish versions of the T-55A.[42]
T-55LD - Polish T-54 tanks rebuilt to T-55A standard. 200 T-54 tanks have been rebuilt in 1975.[42]
T-55AD-1 - Polish T-55A command tank with additional R-130 radio and reduced ammo storage to 38 rounds.[158][185]
T-55AD-2 - Polish T-55A command tank with additional R-123 radio and reduced ammo storage to 38 rounds.[158][185]
T-55AM "Merida" - Polish version of T-55AM developed between the late 1970s and early 1980s, fitted with a new SKO "Merida" (SKO stands for System Kierowania Ogniem - fire control system) fire control system with cross-wind sensor and a new CDDN-1 (CCDN stands for celownik-dalmierz dzienno-nocny - day/night sight-rangefinder) day/night sight-rangefinder system. The tank is also equipped with additional passive armour (type BDD) on the hull and turret front, and with a protection system that consists of a laser-warning system WPL-1 "Bobrawa" (Wykrywacz Promieniowania Laserowego) and WWGD-1 "Erb" (Wyrzutnia Wybuchowych Granatów Dymnych) and WPD-1 "Tellur" (Wyrzutnia Pocisków Dymnych) 81 mm smoke grenade launchers, both in clusters of 8 on each side of the turret. Finally, the original engine has been replaced by an upgraded W-55 WAX developing 613 hp (457 kW).[186] Some were fitted with new radio sets like the R-123 or R-173. Considered to be a second generation MBT because of the high degree of modernization.[42][144][158] In 2016 T-55AM Merida also became the first tank ever to be fitted with a LPG (autogas) alternative fuel installation. This was done as a publicity stunt and R&D project of STAG company from Białystok.[187][188][189]
T-55AMS - Version without armour on the hull front, can be fitted with mine-clearing systems ZB/WLWD or KMT-5 or a dozer blade USCz-55. One per company.
T-55AD-1M - T-55AM "Merida" command tank with additional R-130 radio and reduced ammo storage to 38 rounds.[186]
T-55AD-2M - T-55AM "Merida" command tank with additional R-123 radio and reduced ammo storage to 38 rounds.[186]
T-55AM2BP - Polish licence version of the Czech T-55AM2B. For export only.
W-125SC - T-55A, or WZT-1 and BLG-67, converted into a transporter erector launcher of the S-125SC "Newa-SC" air-defence missile system. A fully rotating launcher for 4 missiles 5V27 is replacing the turret. Outer launcher arms fold against inner when moving and because of that two missiles are carried when moving and four when the vehicle is holding position.[42]
WZT-1 (Wóz Zabezpieczenia Technicznego - Armoured recovery vehicle) - Polish ARV based on soviet BTS-2. It was built on T-55 and later T-55A hull. It was produced between 1970 and 1978.[156]
WZT-2 (Wóz Zabezpieczenia Technicznego - Armoured recovery vehicle) - Polish ARV built on T-55 hull. It was built to perform repairs on T-55 and T-55A tanks. When it entered service in 1973 it was not only the best ARV in the whole Warsaw Pact but probably in the whole world. It is still able to carry out tasks that NATO gives ARVs of its class. Unlike the T-55 and the WZT-1, the WZT-2 is still the basic ARV of the Polish army used for field repairs. It's able to perform repairs not only on Soviet tanks like the T-54/T-55 and T-72 but also on Polish PT-91 and German Leopard 2A4. However, because all tanks currently in Polish service weigh more than 40 tons it is unable to tow them. It is used to tow lighter vehicles like BWP-1 and 2S1. A total number of 600 was produced. 80 were in service as of 2004. Some are used by Ratownictwo Kolejowe (Railroad emergency respond services). Many have private owners who bought them from the Polish Army. 196 of these vehicles were also sold to India. The vehicles were also bought by Iraq and Yugoslavia.[158][190]
T-55A engineer tank, with KMT-4 mine plow on the front and boxes containing PW-LWD rapid explosive breaching system (similar to Giant Viper).
IWT (Inżynieryjny Wóz Torujący) - Polish combat engineer vehicle, based on the WZT-2 and fitted with a hydraulic dozer blade, a hydraulic arm and mine-clearing systems PW-LWD and KMT-5. It uses DShK 1938/46 heavy machine gun for antiaircraft protection. Entered service in very small numbers in 1978.
BLG-67 [pl] - Polish version of the East German bridge layer BLG-60.[191][192]
BLG-67M - Similar to BLG-60M: improved model that makes it possible to attach 3 bridges together to bridge gaps of up to 52 m.
BLG-67M2 - Similar to BLG-60M2: improved model, widened by 20 cm.
SO 76 M-18 Mod - Late T-55 MBTs which were fitted by Bosnian Serbs with a turret of the M18 Hellcat tank destroyer. They were used for mechanic training before the war. Bosniak forces captured at least one.[42][193]
T-55 converted by Bosnian Serbs into a SPAAG armed with a Bofors AA gun.
T-55LD with South African FM tactical radio sets adopted from the Eland armoured car. The Eland's communications utilised throat-activated microphones and was considered superior to Soviet models; this system was also unique in that radios were operated by a Rhodesian tank commander, rather than loaders as was standard to T-55 doctrine.[42] Eight Polish-made T-55 tanks destined for Idi Amin's regime in Uganda were diverted to Rhodesia by the South Africans, in the last year of the Rhodesian Bush War.[194]
T-55AM or - General designator for three different models in Romanian service: the Russian T-55AM with "Volna" fire control system, the Czech T-55AM2 with "Kladivo" FCS and a locally upgraded model with "Ciclop" FCS (the T-55AM2R).[42]
TR-580orTR-77-580 - Romanian tank sometimes confused for a local-built T-55 version. Because of Romania's cold relations with the USSR at the time, which were a result of Romania refusing to take part in the Prague Spring, the country never acquired the license to build a Soviet tank. Therefore, the TR-77-580 isn't a locally-built T-55, despite being related to it. It seems to have Western influences, such as the extended chassis with 6 road wheels, like seen on the Centurion and Patton series. This was because the tank was intended to use the same engine as the Leopard 1 (which is also why some prototypes feature a Leopard-like extended engine deck – their elongated turret rear also looks Western-influenced). The refusal of Krauss-Maffei to deliver technology to a Warsaw Pact member and political desire to reach certain production figures meant that the V-55 engine of the T-55 was used instead.[195] 227 TR-580s were in service in 2017.[75]
T-55H - Mobility improvement is: engine of increased power by building-in new, domestically produced, high pressure pump, installing new water cooler and oil cooler and modification of transmission by installing new toothed wheels. Firepower improvement: installing antiaircraft machine gun 12,7mm M-87 and installing coupled machine-gun 7,62mm M-84. Protection improving in: installing explosive protective armor, installing anti cumulative shields, installing new fire extinguisher using halon, modernization of device for nuclear protection, installing of smoke screen laying active protection system (active masking) and installing assembly block for fixing crewis cupola lid partly closed. Other improvements include installing device for self-entrenching, installing device for digging and deactivating mines KMT-6, installing assembly block for fixing crew's cupola lid, partly closed and modernization of active IR (infrared) devices and converting them into passive. In June 2015, Serbia sold its 282 modernized T-55 tanks to Pakistan. The Frontier Corps Paramilitary force of Pakistan also received ex-Serbian T-55M Tanks in 2020.[196][179]
UOS-155 "Belarty" (Univerzálny Odtarasovací Stroj) - Slovak combat engineer vehicle fitted with mine cleaner. The vehicle consist of a T-55 chassis with the armoured turret (with a hydraulic excavator fitted with shovel) of the UDS-214 engineer vehicle.[42][197]
UOS-155B (Univerzálny Odtarasovací Stroj) - UOS-155 "Belarty" with hydraulic excavator fitted with mine clearing device.[42]
SPOT-55 fire fighting tank with 2 water cannons and 11.000 litres of water, refurbished by the Voluntary Fire Brigade POLE to be used in special operations.[198]
M-55S - T-55 modernization developed by the STO RAVNE company and engineers of the Israeli company Elbit. Slovenia modernized 30 T-55 tanks in the inventory of its armed forces. The last T-55 was modernized to the M-55S standard in May 1999. The original 100 mm tank gun was replaced by the NATO-standard105 mm L7 with a thermal sleeve. The armour protection of the tank was improved considerably by attaching Rafael ERA blocks to the hull and the turret. A digital ballistic computer was installed in order to improve the fire control system (FCS). The gunner has the Fotona SGS-55 two-axis stabilized day-and-night sight with an integral laser rangefinder. In addition to the integral optic sight the commander has the Fotona COMTOS-55 sight with an independent line-of-sight stabilization, which allows him to acquire targets and lay the gun independently if required. The driver has the Fotona CODRIS combined day/night observation periscope. The LIRD-1A laser illumination warning receiver was mated with front-mounted IS-6 smoke grenade launchers (of which there are six in two clusters, one per side of the turret) and can be automatically activated in an emergency. Modernization of the V-12 diesel engine resulted in an increase in power from 520 hp to 600 hp. The running gear has rubber side skirts and the tank was outfitted with new rubber and metal tracks. Improvements were also made to the communications aids.[42] In October 2022, Slovenia gave 28 M-55S to Ukraine; Germany provides 40 transport vehicles to Slovenia, as Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arranged some weeks ago. The vehicles will also serve for protection and rescue.[199] On 14 July 2023, a Ukrainian M-55S was hit by a guided Krasnopol 152mm Russian artillery shell, making it the first known time an M-55S saw combat,[200] the tank was damaged but still drivable.[201] On July 22 an M-55S was destroyed by a Russian artillery strike, making it the first time an M-55S was confirmed destroyed.[202]
M-55S-USP - M-55S converted into a driver trainer vehicle. The turret has been replaced by a training enclosure with seats for an instructor and two trainee drivers. A third driver is in the normal driving position of the vehicle. It is also known as LM-55, M-55USP and USP9.[42]
T-55 - version modernized by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau fitted with 4 smoke grenade discharges cluster fitted to each side of turret front and laser rangefinder fitted above main armament.[42]
T-55 - version modernized by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau fitted with 125mm KBM1 smoothbore gun.[42]
T-55AGM - Ukrainian T-54/T-55 modernization. It brings up the T-54/T-55 tanks to T-80 standard. It can also be applied to Chinese made Type 59 and Soviet T-62. It is fitted with 5TDFM, two-stroke liquid-cooled multi-fuel supercharged diesel engine with opposed pistons which develops 850 hp (634 kW), improved running gear, automated movement control system with a steering handlebar control, additional passive protection, built-in explosive reactive armour, countermeasures system, new fire suppression system with over-ride facilities at the commander's station, automatic loader which holds 18 rounds and anti-aircraft machine gun that can be aimed and fired from within the turret under a complete armour protection. The anti-aircraft machine gun is installed on the commander's cupola and is intended to be fired at air and ground targets. The buyer can choose between two main armament options: 125 mm KBM1 smoothbore gun or 120 mm KBM2 smoothbore gun. Both of them with use of enhanced performance conventional ammunition and barrel-launched ATGM can defeat modern tanks from distance of 2000–3000 m and up to 5,000 m using the ATGM. The tank can carry at least 30 rounds. The 125 mm KBM1 smoothbore gun weighs 2,5 tonnes, has a barrel length of 6 m (48 calibers) and can fire APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG rounds while 120 mm KBM2 smoothbore gun weighs 2,63 tonnes, has a barrel length of 6 m (50 calibers) and can fire all types of ammunition that meet the requirements of NATO standards and Ukrainian-made ATGM. Both guns have normal recoil length of 26–30 cm and maximum recoil length of 31 cm. The tank can be armed with either the KT-7.62 or the PKT-7.62 coaxial machine gun and can carry 3,000 rounds for it. The tank can also be armed with either KT-12.7 or NSVT-12.7 heavy machine gun for AA protection and can carry 450 rounds for it. The approximate successful range is 2 km during day and 800 m during night. The AA HMG can be elevated between -5 and +70 degrees. The remote control for anti-aircraft machine gun is stabilized in the vertical axis during automatic mode (by using the TKN-5 sight) and is using the PZU-7 sight for semi-automatic mode.[42][204]
T-55-64 - With T-64 suspension and powerplant.
T-55MV - The former Soviet Army tank repair plants number 7 in Kyiv and number 17 in Lviv in Ukraine have been promoting the T-55MV on the world market for several years. The turret, hull front section and side skirts of this version are protected by the Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour capable of withstanding hits from the American M829 120mm armour-piercing depleted uranium ammunition. The main armament of the T-55MV was improved by employing the 9M117 "Bastion" (AT-10 Stabber) ATGM which can be launched through the barrel of the standard T-54/55 rifled gun. With an effective range of 4,000 m, the 9M117 is capable of penetrating armour equivalent to 550mm of steel plate. If the missile is equipped with a tandem warhead, its armour penetration capability increases. The Volna fire control system with its digital ballistic computer was also fitted. Syria was the first country to order 200 of its T-55s upgraded into the T-55MV.[42]
T-54M (Vietnamese: T-54B cải tiến, lit. 'T-54B improved') - Vietnamese T-54B and T-54M (Ob'yekt 137M) modernization program developed in the Z153 factory based on the experienced from the T-55M3 program designed by Israel for the Vietnamese People's Army. The armour protection of the tank was improved considerably by attaching Vietnamese second-generation ERA blocks to the upper front hull and the turret.[206] The tank received Spain-produced Indra TIFCS-3BU fire control system.[207] The original 100 mm tank gun D-10T2S received thermal sleeve, a DShK 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, a PKT 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, laser rangefinder system which works in conjunction with a thermal imaging camera for increased accuracy and operated in the dark. A computer system is also installed, allowing the vehicle to have stability control, calculate the tilt, the speed of the vehicle. In the driver's position installed with a hydraulic power steering system allowing the steering column, brakes and clutch become much easier. In terms of communication, the tank is equipped with a Russian-produced RF2050 multi-band system and/or the indigenously produced systems made by Viettel.[208][209][210]
TZI-JVBT - Czechoslovak JVBT-55A in service with Yugoslav Army.[42]
T-55TZI - Yugoslavian modification of the VT-55A armored recovery vehicle.[42]
T-55AI "Igman" - Yugoslav upgrade of the T-55A, intended for modernization of YPA's aging fleet of T-55s. It was using sophisticated components from M-84, local produced advanced versions of T-72, with whom it was in parallel development. Major improvements included external mounting of 2 rails for AT-3 Sagger missiles, an engine from T-72, a simplified SUV with meteosensor and laser rangefinders from M-84, addition of spaced armor on turret and front body, and installation of smoke dispensers. About 20 were made before break-up of Yugoslavia. Prototypes were impressed into regular service, however there is no data of them being used in combat. A variant of this modification, intended for export, was armed with L7A1 105 mm gun.
^Czołgi Świata (Tanks of the World or World's Tanks) (in Polish). Vol. 25. Poland: Amercom. 2008. pp. 11–13. ISBN978-83-252-0022-0.
^Ivan Bajlo. "Croatian Armor". vojska.net. Archived from the original on 4 July 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
^Carvallo, Mauricio (30 November 2008). "La guerra no contada desde la primera línea de fuego" [The Untold War From the Front Line]. El Mercurio (in Spanish). Chile. Retrieved 21 September 2014. Pero como nos faltaban tanques para el norte, mandamos a buscar al Medio Oriente cuatro tanques T-54 y T-55. La idea era preparar con ellos a sus eventuales tripulaciones para que, cuando atacaran los peruanos, dañar los tanques lo menos posible y así poder aprovecharlos
^ abcdMarkov, David Andrew Hull, Steven Zaloga Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945 to Present. Darlington Productions. 1999 ISBN1-892848-01-5, pp. 22–27
^ abcdefghiCzołgi Świata (Tanks of the World or World's Tanks) (in Polish). Vol. 25. Poland: Amercom. 2008. pp. 03–05. ISBN978-83-252-0022-0.
^Gau, Lutz-Reiner Jürgen Plate, Jörg Siegert Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge – Bundeswehr und NVA. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 1 October 2001 ISBN3-613-02152-8
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^ abDr C Kopp, SMAIAA, SMIEEE, PEng (14 June 2009). "Legacy Air Defence System Upgrades". ausairpower.net: 1. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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Abi-Chahine, Bassel (2019). The People's Liberation Army through the eyes of a lens, 1975–1991. Jdeideh (Beirut): Éditions Dergham. ISBN978-614-459-033-1.
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Ed Nash & Alaric Searle, Kurdish armour against ISIS – YPG/SDF tanks, technicals and AFVs in the Syrian Civil War, 2014–19, New Vanguard series 299, Osprey Publishing Ltd, Oxford 2021. ISBN978-1-4728-4758-4
James Kinnear, Stephen Sewell & Andrey Aksenov, Soviet T-54 Main Battle Tank, General Military series, Osprey Publishing Ltd, Oxford 2018. ISBN978-1-4728-3330-3
James Kinnear, Stephen Sewell & Andrey Aksenov, Soviet T-55 Main Battle Tank, General Military series, Osprey Publishing Ltd, Oxford 2019. ISBN978-1-4728-3855-1
Moustafa El-Assad, Blue Steel: T-55 tanks in South Lebanon, Blue Steel books, Sidon 2006. ASINB000JEI5ZY
Kassis, Samer (2003). 30 Years of Military Vehicles in Lebanon. Beirut: Elite Group. ISBN9953-0-0705-5.
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Samer Kassis, Tiran in Lebanese Wars (Ammo_A.MIG-6000), AMMO of Mig Jimenez S.L., 2018. ASINB00KFUXRGE
Steven J. Zaloga, Tank battles of the Mid-East Wars (2): The wars of 1973 to the present, Concord Publications, Hong Kong 2003. ISBN962-361-613-9
Sex, Zachary; Abi-Chahine, Bassel (2021). Modern Conflicts 2 – The Lebanese Civil War, From 1975 to 1991 and Beyond. Modern Conflicts Profile Guide. Vol. II. AK Interactive. EAN8435568306073.
Abkhazia: A number of T-55s were in service at the beginning of the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia. These were all lost in the first four months of the fighting, at which point Abkhazian forces had captured 8 T-55s from the Georgians.[3] At peak strength, there were 100 T-55s and T-72s in service.[4] More than 50 T-55s and T-72s were in service in 2004.[5] 87 T-55s and T-72s were in service before the 2008 South Ossetia war.[6] Between 50 and 60 T-55s and T-72s are currently in service.
Afghanistan: 50 T-54s and 50 T-55s were ordered in 1961 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1962 and 1964 (T-54s were previously in Soviet service). 150 T-54s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1979 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 200 T-55s and 255 T-66s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1991 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] at least 400 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s were in service on 1 April 1992. The country only had one tank battalion that was in a state of decay as of 2018.
Algeria: 40 T-54s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1963 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 25 T-54s and 25 T-55s were ordered in 1965 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1966 (T-54s were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-54s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1966 and 1967 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1967. 50 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] 324 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001[8] and 320 in early 2003[9] and 2004[5] and 270 in 2006.[10]
Angola: 150 T-54s and possibly T-55s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1975 and 1978 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1987 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1987 and 1988 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service). 30 T-55s were received between 1993 and 1994 from Russia (20 in 1993 and 10 in 1994).[11] 62 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 1999 from Belarus and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 31 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service). 205 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1999 from Slovakia with 150 being delivered in 1999 and 55 in 2000 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Slovakian service).[7][12] 90 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2000.[13] Around 560 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[8] 400 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004[14] and around 200 in 2005[5] and 2006.[10]
Armenia: 3 T-54s and 5 T-55s in service as of 2023.[15]
Azerbaijan: Used as an indirect-fire platform[16]
Bosnia-Herzegovina:[17] 10 T-55s were ordered in 1997 from Egypt and delivered in 1997 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).[7] 170 T-34s, T-55s, M60A3s and AMX-30s were in service in early 2001.[18] 192 T-34s, T-54s T-55s, M60A3s, M-84s and AMX-30s were in service in early 2003. Currently, the military of Bosnia Herzegovina operates 180 T-55s.[19] 80 T-55s were in service in 2004,[20] 69 T-55s and 13 T-54s in 2005[5] and 75 T-55s in 2006.[10]
Cambodia: 10 T-54s were ordered in 1983 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1988 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1989 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service, the vehicles could be supplied by Vietnam). 15 T-55s were ordered in 1990 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1990. 40 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1994 from Czech Republic and delivered in 1994 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 50 T-55AM2BPs were ordered in 1994 from Poland and delivered in 1994 (the vehicles were previously in Polish service).[7] 150 T-55s, Type 59s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001[21] and 170 in early 2003.[22] More than 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] 103 T-54s are currently in service 2007. Cambodia has purchased 50 T-55A main battle tank from eastern Europe that arrive on 20 September 2010. Cambodia's Armoured cavalry has 220 T-54/T-55 in service in 2011 .[23]
Central African Republic – 4 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Libya and delivered in 1982 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Libyan service).[7] 4 T-55s were in service in early 2001[24] and 3 in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][25]
Chad – 60 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][26][27] Currently 60 T-55s are in service.[28]
Congo-Brazzaville – 25 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1982 from an unknown supplier and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were probably second-hand).[7] 25 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 25 T-54s and T-55s are in service.[29]
Congo-Kinshasa – [30] 20 T-55s were ordered in 2005 from Ukraine and delivered in 2006 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service).[7][11] 20 T-55s were in service in 2006.[10]
Cuba – 100 T-55s were received in 1963 from the Soviet Union as aid (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 1,200 T-55s were ordered in 1964 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1975. 25 T-55s and T-54-based ARVs were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] Currently Cuba possesses 1,100 T-55s, most of which are in storage or used as Artillery Propeller and SPAAG with SA-3 and SA-2 missiles mounted . 120 T-55s are modernized to T-55M standard and 20 more to T-55AM.[31]
Egypt – 350 T-54s were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1961 and 1966 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line). 150 T-55s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1966. Egypt lost 820 vehicles in the Six-Day War including 82 T-55s.[3] 800 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1972 (some of the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian and/or Poland production line). 550 T-55s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1973. 50 T-54s were ordered in 1972 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1973 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] 895 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003 and 2004.[5][32] 840 T-54s and T-55s were in storage as of 2023.[15] 260 Ramses IIs were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5]
Equatorial Guinea: Currently 3 T-55s are in service.[33]
Eritrea: 120 T-55As were ordered in 2004 from Bulgaria and delivered in 2005 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service).[7][11] 150 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][34]
Ethiopia: 200 T-54s and 200 T-55s were ordered in 1977 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1977 and 1978 (the T-54s were previously in Soviet service while the T-55s were possibly previously in Soviet service). 60 T-54s were ordered in 1978 from East Germany and delivered between 1979 and 1980 (the vehicles were previously in East German service). 700 T-55s were ordered in 1980 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1980 and 1988 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line). 90 T-55s were ordered in 1983 from Libya and delivered in 1984 (the vehicles were previously in Libyan service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1989 from East Germany and delivered in 1989 (the vehicles were previously in East German service, more were ordered but the order was cancelled). 40 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Belarus and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Belarusian service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, some may have been ex-Ukrainian and/or ex-Romanian vehicles sold through Bulgaria). 140 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered between 1999 and 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, some may have been ex-Ukrainian and/or ex-Romanian vehicles sold through Bulgaria, the delivery of last 40 vehicles was suspended between 2000 and 2001 due to UN embargo).[7] Around 160 T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001[35] and more than 270 in early 2003.[34] More than 250 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Georgia: 120 T-55AM2s and T-54s were ordered in 1998 from Czech Republic with 10 T-55AM2s being delivered in 2000 and the rest in 2001 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service).[7][12] 108 T-55Ms were in service at the beginning of the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia.[3] Around 40 T-55s were in service in 1992 and 1995, 48 in 2000, 59 in 2002, 55 in 2004,[5] 2005 and 2006[10] and 56 in 2008.all currently in storage or museums.[36]
Guinea: 8 T-54s were ordered in 1974 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1974 (the vehicles were probably second-hand).[7] 8 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 8 T-54s are in service.[37]
Hezbollah – Unknown number of Tiran 4 or 5 tanks and Ti-67 APCs captured from the South Lebanon Army in 2000,[38] used in conjunction with ex-Syrian Army T-55s (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service) in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.[39]
Iran: 60 T-54s and 65 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from Libya and delivered in 1981 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Libyan service). 120 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Syria and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7] Iran also bought a number of Tirans from Israel during the Iran–Iraq War.[40] Some vehicles were captured from Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War. 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 1990, 110 in 1995, 500 in 2000 and around 250 in 2002. 540 T-54s, T-55s and Type 59s were in service in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.[5][10][41] 200 T-54s, T-55s and Type 59s have been upgraded to Safir-74 (also known as T-72Z although it should not be confused with Iraqi modernization of the same name) standard (20 could possibly be Sudanese vehicles modernized for Sudan).[7]
Iraq: 250 T-54s were ordered in 1958 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1959 and 1965. 50 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1968.[7] Between 80 and 120 T-54s were lost during the Yom Kippur War.[3] 300 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1974 and 1975. 50 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1980 from East Germany and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were previously in East German service). 400 T-55s and T-54s were ordered in 1980 from Poland and delivered between 1981 and 1982 (the vehicles were probably previously in Polish service). 250 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from Egypt and delivered between 1981 and 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service). 150 TR-580s were ordered in 1981 from Romania and delivered between 1981 and 1984 (the vehicles were delivered via Egypt). 400 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1982 and 1985 (the vehicles were from the Czechoslovakian production line).[7] Around 200 T-54s and T-55s were upgraded to T-72Z standard (not to be confused with Iranian T-54/55/Type 59 modernization Safir-74 also known as T-72Z).[42] 1,500 T-54s, T-55s and TR-580s were in service with the Iraqi Regular Army in 1990 and 500 in 1995, 2000 and 2002.[43] 406 T-54 and T-55 were in service with Iraqi Regular Army in 2003. All destroyed or scrapped except for 4 T-55s which are now in service with the New Iraqi Army.[43] 76 T-55s are in service with New Iraqi Army since 2004.[44] 4 VT-55As were ordered in 2005 from Hungary and delivered in 2005 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Hungarian service).[7] Iraq also received 2 JVBT-55As in 2005 from Hungary.[11]
Ivory Coast: 10 T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][22]
Laos: 15 T-54s and 15 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (aid, the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] 15 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. T-54s and T-55s were paraded as recently as January 2019.[5][10][48]
Lebanon: 180 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1991 from Syria and delivered between 1992 and 1993 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7][49][50][51][52][53] 185 T-54s and 47 T-55s were in service as of 2023.[15]
Libya: 100 T-54s and 100 T-55s were ordered in 1970 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1971 (the T-54s were probably previously in Soviet service). 150 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1974. 500 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1976 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 200 T-54s were ordered in 1976 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1976 and 1977 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 2,000 T-55s were ordered in 1976 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1977 and 1978.[7] Around 2,200 T-55s were in service in 1986.[54] 1,600 T-54s and T-55s were in service and in storage in early 2001, 500 in service in early 2003,[55][56] 500 in service and around 1,040 in storage in 2004[5] and 2006.[10] 210 T-54s and T-55s are currently in service.[57]
Mali – 21 T-34s, T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001,[58] 33 in early 2003.[59] 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004,[5] 2006[10] and 2013 but with old or broken radios.[60]
Mauritania – 35 T-55s were ordered in 1990 from Soviet Union and delivered in 1991 (the vehicles were second-hand). 16 T-55s were ordered in 2001 from Poland and delivered in 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Polish service).[7] 35 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][58][59] As of 2023, 35 T-55s and T-45s were in service.[15]
Mongolia: 250 T-54s were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1961 and 1964. 250 T-55s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1967.[7] 650 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001 and 370 in early 2003.[58][59] Currently 370 T-54s and T-55s are in service.[15]
Mozambique: 60 T-54s were ordered in 1981 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1983 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 60 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1983 and 1985 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] Around 60 T-54s were in service in 2005 and more than 60 in 2006.[5][10]
Myanmar: unknown number of T-55s Delivered from India and used for training
Namibia: Up to 20 T-34s and T-55s were in service in early 2001 and a few in early 2003.[61][62] Some T-34s, T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Nicaragua: 20 T-55s were ordered in 1981 from an unknown supplier and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were possibly previously in Libyan service). 66 T-55s were ordered in 1984 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1984 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 20 T-54s were ordered in 1984 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1985 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1986 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1987 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).[7] 127 T-55s were in service and in storage in early 2001 and early 2003 and 62 in service and 65 in storage in 2004 and 2006.[5][10][61][62] Currently 31 T-55s are in service.
Nigeria: Between 50 and 100 T-55s were ordered in 1979 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service).[7] Around 200 T-55s and Vickers Mk. IIIs were in service in early 2001 and around 250 in early 2003.[61][62] 100 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10] Currently 50 T-55s are in service and are 50% serviceable.[63]
North Korea – 400 T-54s and 250 T-55s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1970. 300 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1974 (the vehicles were probably produced or assembled in North Korea). 50 T-55s were ordered in 1970 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1972 and 1973. 500 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1975 and 1979 (The supplier may have been PRC in which case the vehicles wouldn't be T-55s but Type 59s).[7] 19 T-55s were ordered from Russia and delivered in 1992 (the vehicles were delivered through Belarus).[11][12] There were 1,600 T-54s in service in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000.[64] There were 3,500 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and Type 59s in early 2001 through 2004,[21][22][5] and more than 3,500 in 2006.[10]
Pakistan – 100 T-54s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1969 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 100 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1968.[7] As of 2010, 54 T-54/55 tanks in Reserve.[65] 282 tanks T-55H ordered from Serbia and first batch of 100 tanks where delivered to Pakistan in April 2020 (the vehicles were previously in Serbian service).[66][67]
Peru – 24 T-54s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1973. 250 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1974 and 1975.[7] At peak there were 375 T-54s and T-55s in service. 300 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001[68] and 275 (around 200 were serviceable in 2005[5] and 2006[10]) in service in early 2003,[69] 2004[5] and 2006.[10] 300 T-54s and T-55s as well as an unknown amount of T-54/55-based ARVes are currently in service.[70]
Polisario Front – around 70 T-55As[71]
Romania – 120 TR-580s were in service with the Romanian Naval Infantry in early 2001[72] and early 2003.[73] 850 T-55s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1977. 400 TR-580s ordered in 1975 and produced between 1977 and 1981. 150 TR-580s were produced for Iraq.[7] Romania also acquired a number of T-54s which are now in reserve.[74] 398 TR-580s were in service with the Romanian Army in 1993, around 88 TR-580s in early 1999, 717 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in early 2003[73] and 2004,[5] and 268 T-55s and 43 TR-580s in 2006.[10] According to the UN register of conventional arms, Romanian Armed Forces operated 710 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in 2006, 750 T-55s and 226 TR-580s in 2007,[12] and 394 T-55s and 227 TR-580s in 2017.[75]
Russia – At least 3,000 inherited from the Soviet Union. 412 T-54s and T-55s were in active service in 1995 and 20 in 2000. 1,200 T-54s and T-55s were in storage in 2000, 2005 and 2008.[5][10][76] As of 2013 there are 100 T-55s in reserve and less than 500 in storage, however those in storage may have been scrapped already.[77] In March 2023, at least 14 T-54s were seen being moved by train, allegedly for service in Ukraine.[78] In the months following, several T-54s and 55s have been seen in use with the Russian Military, often working as fire support vehicles with one being lost in November [79][80] Since early 2024 several T-54/55s have begun seeing direct combat within Ukraine, likely hinting towards vehicle shortages.
Rwanda – 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001,[72] 30 in early 2003,[73] 24 in 2005[5] and 2006.[10] At least 10 Ti-67s in service.[81]
Serbia – 12 JVBT armoured recovery vehicles in active service in the Serbian Army.
Slovenia – As of 2014[update] 30 M-55S-1s were in service and in the process of being withdrawn. 46 T-55s (14 were in storage) and 12 M-55Ss and M-55S-1s were in service in 1998.[82] Overall 30 T-55s were modernized to the M-55S/M-55S-1 standard.[42] In late 2022, Slovenia donated 28 M-55S tanks to Ukraine.
Sri Lanka – 25 T-55As were ordered from Czechoslovakia and delivered in 1991 along with several T 55 ARVs which saw acting in its Civil War. In 2000, 40 T-55AM2s were ordered from the Czech Republic.[83]
Somalia – 100 T-54s were ordered in 1972 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1974. 50 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 35 T-54s were ordered in 1977 from Egypt and delivered in 1977 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).
Somaliland– 85[84]
South Ossetia – At peak there were 12 T-55s and 75 T-72s in service.[4] 15 T-55s and T-72s were in service before the 2008 South Ossetia war.[6][85][86] All T-55 in reserve since 2011.
South Sudan – Some captured T-54s and T-55s.[5]
Sudan – 50 T-54s and 50 T-55s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1970. 9 T-55s were ordered in 1996 from Belarus and delivered in 1996 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 20 T-55AM2BPs were ordered in 1998 from Poland and delivered in 1999 (these were the first batch of 50 originally sold to Yemen where it was illegally diverted to Sudan after which the delivery of the remaining 30 was put on hold, the vehicles were previously in Polish service). 60 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 1999 from Belarus with 40 being delivered in 1999[11] and 20 in 2001[11] (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service). 20 T-72Zs ordered in 2005 from Iran and delivered in 2006 (these could possibly be Sudanese T-54s, T-55s or Type 59s modernized to the T-72Z standard).[7] 170 T-55s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001,[87] 200 in early 2003.[88] 200 T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Syria – 150 T-54s were ordered in 1956 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1957 and 1958. 300 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1972 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 75 T-55s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1968. 300 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1972. 400 T-54s and 400 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1978 (T-54s and probably T-55s were previously in Soviet service). 600 T-55s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1979 and 1981.[7] Syrian Armed Forces operate an unknown number of T-55As, T-55AMs, and T-55AMVs as of 2023.[15]
Tanzania – 32 T-54s were ordered in 1979 from East Germany and delivered between 1979 and 1980 (the vehicles were probably previously in East German service).[7] 65 T-54s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001[89] and 45 in early 2003.[88] 30 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Togo – 2 T-54s and 2 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Egypt and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were second-hand).[7] 1 T-54 and 1 T-55 were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][88][89]
Uganda – 16 T-54s were ordered in 1974 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1975 (the vehicles were probably previously in Soviet service). 60 T-55s were ordered in 1994 from Ukraine and delivered in 1995 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service). 62 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Ukraine and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service). 28 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, part of a $35 m deal for 90 vehicles including some bought by Bulgaria from Ukraine and possibly Romania for export to Uganda). 10 T-55Ms[11] were ordered in 2000 from Belarus and delivered in 2000 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belarusian service).[7] 140 T-54s and T-55s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001.[90] 180 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003,[91] 152 in 2005 and 2006.[5][10]
Ukraine – At least 700 T-54s and T-55s were originally inherited from the Soviet Union.[92] 680 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 1995 and 149 in 2000.[93] In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2010 there were 112 T-55s in service.[5][10][93] There is also an unknown number of IMRs and MTP-3s in service.[92] In October 2022 28 M55-S donated from Slovenia.[94]
Uruguay – 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shes were ordered from Israel in 1997 and delivered the same year (the vehicles were previously in Israeli service).[7] 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shs were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][90][91]
Uzbekistan – 80
Vietnam – 1,939 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001.[95] 850 T-54s and T-55s and 350 Type-59 were in service as of 2023.[15]
Yemen – 6 T-55s were received from Bulgaria in 1994.[11] 97 T-55s and 35 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1999 from Czech Republic with T-55s delivered in 2000 and T-55AM2s in 2002 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service and were possibly modernized prior to being delivered).[7][11][12] 990 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and M60s were in service in early 2001.[96] 450 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][97] There is an unknown number of T-55s and T-54s in service as of 2023.[15]
Zambia: 5 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1976. 20 T-55s were ordered in 1980 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1981 (part of a $72–100M deal).[7] 60 T-55s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001 and early 2003.[98][99] 10 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Zimbabwe: 20 T-54 tanks received from USSR in September 1984.[100]
Albania – In Albania, there was a plan to export 75 T-54As to replace the T-34/85s in service, but the idea was abandoned because relations between the Soviet Union and Albania had worsened due to criticism of Stalin, and all exports were sent to the Iraqi Army. It was diverted to export. Later, the T-34/85 in Albania was replaced by the Type 59 tank [1].
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula – operated small numbers of T-55s captured from Yemeni stocks.[101]
Amal Movement – 50 T-55As were ordered in 1985–86 from Syria and delivered in 1985–86 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Syrian service).[7][102] All served with the Amal Movement's regular forces until the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990-91 and passed on to the Lebanese Armed Forces or the Syrian Army.
Bangladesh – 30 T-54s were ordered in 1975 from Egypt and delivered in 1975 (as aid, the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service).[7] 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.[5][10]
Belarus[103]
Bulgaria – 900 T-54s were ordered in 1953 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1954 and 1959. 900 T-55s were ordered in 1961 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1962 and 1970.[7] 1,475 T-54s, T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[18] 1,042 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][19] Currently, up to 430 are in reserve status. Some are used for basic tank driver training.
Croatia – The majority of the Croatian T-55s were captured from the Yugoslav army forces.[104] Around 209 T-55s were in service in 1998 and 222 in 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][105]
Chile – At least four captured Egyptian T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1978 from Israel and delivered in 1979, in order to train Chilean crews to operate captured Peruvian T-55s.[106]
Czech Republic – At least 296 T-54s and T-55s, 2 MT-55s, 25 VT-55s were inherited from Czechoslovakia.[7][12] 792 T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[26] According to the UN register of conventional arms, Czech Armed Forces operated 948 T-55s and T-72s in 1997, 938 in 1998, 792 in 1999 and 652 as of 1 January 2001.[12] Last vehicles were withdrawn from service in early years of the 2000s (decade).
Ecuador – 3 T-55s were in service in early 2001,[35] 30 in early 2003,[34] more than 30 in 2004 (possibly non in operational service as of 2005)[5] and more than 30 in storage in 2006.[10]
Finland – 43 T-54s in total were bought from the Soviet Union, 12 delivered in 1959 and 31 more in 1961.[107][108] 74 T-55As were bought from the Soviet Union, 31 delivered in 1965, another 31 in 1967 and finally 12 in 1972; this included 10 T-55K command variants.[107][108] The existing 74 T-55A were modernised to a Finnish T-55M standard in the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. An additional 10 T-55AMs were bought from Poland, the chassis of which were used for the Marksman SPAAG turrets to create the ITPSV 90 (the turrets were delivered in two batches, the first one was ordered in 1988 and delivered between 1990 and 1991 and the second one was ordered in 1992 and delivered in 1993).[7][108] 230 T-55s and T-72s were in service in early 2001.[109] 74 T-55s were in service in early 2003.[9] 33 T-54s and 74 T-55Ms were in storage in 2004[110] and 74 T-55Ms in 2005.[5] 56 T-55 turrets were purchased from the Soviet Union in the late 1960s and emplaced in coastal fortifications as 100 56 TK light coastal guns. The last of these were deactivated in 2012. Finland operated 9 T-55M tanks with KMT-5 mine rollers as mine clearance tanks up to the end of 2022 when they were retired after many decades of service.[111][112]
Germany – taken from GDR's army, all scrapped, sold to other countries or given to museums.
East Germany – 202 T-54s were ordered in 1956 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1956 and 1957. 488 T-54As and T-54AMs were ordered from Poland and delivered between 1959 and 1964. 1766 T-55s and T-55As were ordered in 1964 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1964 and 1980. 333 T-55s and T-55A(P)s were ordered from Poland and delivered between 1965 and 1973. 362 VT-55s were ordered in 1964 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1965 and 1969.[7] Passed on to the unified German state.
Hungary
India – 300 T-54s were ordered in 1964 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1965 and 1967. 225 T-55s were ordered in 1968 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1968 and 1971. 650 T-55s were ordered in 1971 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1971 and 1974.[7] 274 T-54s, 44 T-55s and 7 T-55AKs were ordered in 1970 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1970 and 1971 (some of the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian service). 300 T-55s were ordered in 1971 from Poland and delivered in 1971 (some of the vehicles were previously in Polish service). 800 T-55s and modernized T-55s were in service in 1990, around 750 in 1995, around 700 in 2000, early 2001[96] and early 2003,[97] 450 in 2002, 2005 and 2008. The number of T-55s and modernized T-55s in service is to stay at 450 in 2010 and to be reduced to 220 by 2015.[113] There were around 550 T-55s in active service and around 200 in storage in 1999.[114] In 2004, the Indian Army had a total of 700 T-55s, 450 of which were in operational service.[5] In 2006, the Indian Army Had 715 T-55s, modernized with night-fighting equipment and new fire control systems, around 67 of them were in reserve.[10] In May 2011, the last T-55s were retired from active service and moved to reserve storage.[115]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – operated small numbers captured from Syrian and possibly Iraqi stocks.[116]
Israel – The Israeli army captured during the Six-Day War, repaired, modernized and put into service around 200 T-54s, T-55s and PT-76s. T-54s and T-55s were modernized to Tiran 4 or 5 standard prior to the Yom Kippur War.[3] During that conflict, Israel captured additional T-54s and T-55s. Tirans were withdrawn from active service at the end of the 1980s. Some were sold and some were converted into Achzarit APCs.[40][117] However, some Tirans are still in possession of the Israeli Army, possibly in reserve or in storage. The Israeli Army had 1,500 T-54s and T-55s in 1990, 300 in 1995, 200 in early 2001[96] and early 2003[97] and 114 in 2004,[5] 126 T-54s, T-55s and Tiran 6s in 2006[10] and 2008 and 488 Tirans in 1990, 300 in 1995, 200 in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and 261 in 2006 and 2008. The Achzarits are in service with the Israeli Army since at least 1995. There were 270 Achzarits in service in 2004, 276 in 2006 and 2008.[5][10][118]
Lebanese Forces: 40 Ti-67 Tirans (Israeli-modified T-54/55s) were supplied by Israel after 1980,[119] another 20 T-54/55s were captured from the Syrian Army in summer 1982[120] and 64 more were supplied by Iraq between 1986 and 1989 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Iraqi service).[121][122] A few VT-55KS Armoured Recovery Vehicles were also captured from the Syrian Army.[123] All served with the Lebanese Forces until the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1991–94.[7] Passed on to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Syrian Army or returned to Israel.
Latvia – 5 T-55AMs Mérida were donated by Poland in 1999. 3 T-55AMs were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.[5][10][55][56] The last T-55AM2s are in service.[56] (Three remaining tanks were reported to have come from the Czech Republic in 2000.)[124]
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam - One T-55A captured from the Sri Lanka Army used from 1993 to 2008, until it was recaptured.
Montenegro – 61 T-55s Scrapped.[125]
Morocco – 40 T-54Bs were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1962. 80 T-54s were ordered in 1966 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1968 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line) mostly lost in wars (Western Sahara war) or scrapped due to lack of spare parts.[7]
North Macedonia – Between 58 and 114 T-55s were ordered in 1999 from Bulgaria and delivered in 1999 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service, up to 56 of the vehicles were bought for spares). 36 T-55AM-2s were ordered in 1999 and delivered in 1999 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service).[7][11] 94 T-55s were in service in early 2001,[58] 125 T-55s and T-72s in early 2003,[59] 30 T-55As in 2004[5] and 2006.[10]
National liberation army – In the insurgency in Macedonia, the NLA captured one T-55 when the Macedonian army abandoned the tank during the Battle of Raduša. After the insurgency, the NLA handed over the T-55 to NATO and was destroyed with plastic explosive charges.[126][127]
North Vietnam – 400 T-54s were ordered in 1969 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1970 and 1972 (aid). 600 T-55s were ordered in 1973 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1973 and 1975 (aid).[7] Passed on to the successor state.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) – 20 T-54/55s operated by the Palestinian guerrilla factions during the 1982 Lebanon War. All but 4 were either captured or destroyed by the Israelis.[128]
Poland – 3,000 T-54, T-54A, T-54AD and T-54AM produced between 1956 and 1964. 7,000 T-55, T-55L, T-55AD-1 and T-55AD-2 produced between 1964 and 1979. Some T-54A upgraded to T-55 standard. 200 T-54 tanks have been upgraded to T-55LD in 1975, 10 of which were later sold to Libya. In 1980 Ludowe Wojsko Polskie (LWP) operated 1,207 T-55L, T-55LD, T-55AD-1 and T-55AD-2, 146 T-55, 986 T-55U and 340 T-54, T-54A, T-54AD and T-54AM. Eventually almost all T-54 and T-55 tanks have been upgraded to T-55AM "Merida" standard (there are some not upgraded ones in the museums). Last 839 were withdrawn from service in 2002. All Polish T-54 and T-55 that were withdrawn from service were either used as shooting targets at proving grounds, sold to other countries or given to museums.
Republika Srpska – 72 T-55s were in service and in storage in 2005.[5] Passed on to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rhodesia – 8 T-55LD tanks given by the Republic of South Africa after being seized on a ship en route for Uganda, together with SADF advisers for the purpose of training the Rhodesian crews. The tanks were assigned to purpose-created E Squadron of the Rhodesian Armoured Corps. It is unknown whether these tanks were passed on to the successor state or destroyed during the Rhodesian Bush War.[42]
Slovakia – At least 206 were inherited from Czechoslovakia.[134] 1 T-55AM2B received from Czech Republic in 2000. 1 T-55AM2 received from Czech Republic in 2001.[12] 2 T-55AM2s received from Czech Republic in 2005.[11][12] 275 T-55s and T-72s were in service in 1999.[12] 3 T-55s were in service in early 2001.[87]
Soviet Union – 35,000 T-54-1 (T-54 Model 1946), T-54-2 (T-54 Model 1949), T-54 (T-54-3 or T-54 Model 1951), T-54A, T-54B, T-54AK1, T-54AK2, T-54BK1 and T-54BK2. produced between 1946 and 1958. 27,500 T-55, T-55A, T-55K1, T-55K2, T-55K3, T-55AK1, T-55AK2 and T-55AK3 produced between 1955 and 1981. Passed on to successor states.
Sweden – 34 T-55 BLG-60M2 Bridge Layers were ordered in 1994 from Germany, originally inherited from East Germany. The Swedish designation was Brobv 971 (Brobandvagn 971 or Tracked bridge vehicle 971). The bridge layers were in service from 1997 until 2011 when they were replaced by a model based on the Leopard 2.[137]
Tigray Defense Forces[138] − Surrendered to the Ethiopian forces in the aftermath of the Tigray War[139]
Yugoslavia – 160 T-54s and 1600 T-55s in service in 1991. Passed on to successor states.
South Africa: 10 Polish-built T-55LD tanks (part of a batch of 200 T-54s rebuilt in 1975) seized from a French ship, the Astor, which had been transporting a heavy weapons consignment from Libya for Idi Amin in Uganda. Amin's regime collapsed on the day that the ship docked in Mombasa, and it was redirected to Angola. The ship called in to Durban where the cargo was seized. Two T-55LD tanks have been kept by the South Africans for evaluation while eight were given to Rhodesia, together with SADF advisers for the purpose of training Rhodesian crews. The rumour was spread that the tanks had been captured in Mozambique in order to obscure South Africa's part in the deal.[42]
Turkey: Single T-55A received from Germany in 1991 for intended to use for familiarisation purposes and OPFOR (Opposing Forces) training, is currently on display in the Etimesgut Tank Museum in Ankara.[140]
