Thanks to Britain, tanks joined combat on 15 September 1916 during the WWI Battle of the Somme. While many early models have retired, some are so resilient and well-built that they’re still in active service and combat, even after 80 years. Here are the oldest military tanks still working for their nations.

AMX-30 (1966 – present)

After France unveiled the AMX-30 in 1966 to win the Cold War, it refused to fade out. It still fought during the Gulf War in 1991, firing high-explosive anti-tank rounds from its 105mm CN-105-F1 rifled cannon. This tank weighed 36 tons, so it was lighter and faster than its contemporaries and outlived them.

Leopard I (1965 – present)

Since West Germany deployed the Leopard I in 1965, it has served in the armed forces of several countries, including Belgium, Greece, and Brazil. Smaller nations like Ecuador still use this tank because it has a deadly combination of speed and agility. Though ancient, its 105mm Royal Ordnance L7A3 rifled gun is still reliable.

ZSU-23-4 Shilka (1964 – present)

Shilka was used during the Yom Kippur War and Middle East conflicts. This self-propelled air defense system was armed with four 23mm autocannons and could fire 4,000 rounds per minute. It earned a cold reputation as a deadly anti-aircraft weapon, especially against low-flying planes and helicopters. After decades, its radar-guided targeting system remains useful.

T-62 (1961 – present)

The T-62 was the first tank to mount a 115mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. It first saw combat during the Six-Day War in 1967 before being used in the Yom Kippur War. Countries like North Korea and Syria keep the T-62 in their lineup because of its battle-proven reliability and adaptability.

BTR-60 (1960 – present)

The Soviet Union’s BTR-60 was its first mass-produced, 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC). It had a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun, and a carrying capacity of about 14 troops. Despite its age, this tank stayed active in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

M113 APC (1960 – present)

Since its introduction in 1960, the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier has improved mechanized infantry worldwide. This APC has a lightweight aluminum body for easy maneuvering and an amphibious capability. After being used in Vietnam and Iraq, it has been modified to meet new challenges, especially in nations like Brazil and the Philippines.

Type 59 (1959 – present)

This Chinese tank is a direct descendant of the Soviet T-54. Thanks to a 100mm rifled gun and a top speed of 50 km/h, it became the backbone of the People’s Liberation Army. Type 59 is a common sight in China’s armored forces and is also used in countries such as Bangladesh and North Korea.

M60 Patton (1959 – present)

The M60 Patton entered service in 1959 and became a Cold War mainstay. It had a 105mm M68 rifled gun and diesel engine for long-range operations. The tank’s thick armor and powerful weaponry saw combat from the Yom Kippur War to Desert Storm. Decades later, it is still operational in Egyptian and Jordanian armies.

M41 Walker Bulldog (1953 – present)

Bulldog was named after American General Walton Walker, a four-star general who fought with distinction in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. The agile tank is used in nations like Uruguay and Thailand for patrols and rapid deployment. The Bulldog may be compact, but its 76mm M32 gun remains fierce.

M48 Patton (1952 – present)

The M48 Patton proved its worth during the Vietnam War and Cold War, earning a solid reputation with its 90mm gun. Over 11,000 units were produced, and many were upgraded to extend their service life. Today, the M48 is still active in countries like Turkey and Taiwan.

M47 Patton (1951 – present)

This Patton tank fought in the Cold War and Indo-Pakistani conflicts. Besides its 90mm M36 gun and reinforced armor, the M47 had innovations like an internal range finder, a notable advancement. Although the M47 never saw extensive combat with US forces, it was exported to over 19 countries, including Turkey and Iran.

T-54/T-55 (1948 – present)

Though these tanks were produced separately, they’re the same models except for slight modifications and a name change. They were featured in countless conflicts, including the Hungarian Revolution and Vietnam War, and are one of the most-produced tank series in history. Many countries, including Syria and Yemen, still deploy them because they’re reliable pieces of Soviet engineering.

Centurion (1946 – present)

The Centurion emerged from post-war Britain in 1946 and set the standard for modern armored vehicles with its 105mm Royal Ordnance L7 gun and versatile Chobham armor. It was involved in active combat in several conflicts, including the Korean War and Gulf War. Today, Centurion still serves countries like Jordan and South Africa.

M3 Stuart (1941 – present)

During WWII, the M3 Stuart participated as reconnaissance and infantry support in almost every major theater. This light tank weighed 15.2 tons and had a 35 mph Continental W-670 engine. Although it struggled against heavier German tanks, the Stuart was a force in the Pacific and North Africa with a 37 mm gun and twin .30 caliber machine guns.

T-34 (1940 – present)

When the T-34 rolled onto the battlefield in 1940, it became a game-changer for the Soviet Union during WWII. It outclassed early German tanks with sloped armor, a 76.2mm gun, and a powerful V-2 diesel engine. Even after decades, the T-34 can still be found in countries like Cuba and North Korea.