Key Points and Summary – The M60 Patton, long retired in the U.S., remains a frontline main battle tank for numerous militaries worldwide, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan.
-Its enduring service is due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability compared to expensive modern tanks.
M60 Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-These are not vintage models; extensive upgrade packages have kept them combat-relevant.
-Key modernizations include replacing the original 105mm gun with a powerful 120mm smoothbore cannon, installing new engines, adding advanced fire control systems, and fitting explosive reactive armor.
-For many nations, an upgraded M60 is a practical and lethal solution for countering regional threats.
The M60 Patton Tank, An Old Warhorse, Still With a Heartbeat
If you visit many military museums—or even some VFWs or American Legions—you are bound to run into quite a few M60 Patton main battle tanks on display.
That is because the M60 was a good tank that served well for a long time. It is also because there are a lot of them, with about 15,000 M60s produced before the M1 Abrams came along.
In fact, a number of countries still operate the M60.
Countries That Still Use the M60
Despite the M60 being long retired in the United States, the tank continues to be an important asset for militaries around the world.
The largest operators of the M60 are Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Another user of note is Taiwan, which has actively upgraded its fleet of M60A3s in response to the growing Chinese military threat. Other countries still using the tank include Brazil, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Spain, and Thailand.
M60A3 Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Why do these countries continue to field the M60 Patton as a main battle tank, when it has been relegated to a museum piece in the United States?
These Aren’t Your Grandad’s M60 Tanks
Many countries still operate the M60 tank because, despite its age, it is a reliable armored vehicle—and an affordable one.
Further, the M60s still in service are not necessarily the same vehicles that the U.S. military retired decades ago. Significant upgrades have modernized the tank’s combat systems, allowing it to remain effective against potential adversaries that also use older equipment.
For some militaries, upgrading the M60 is a more practical option than purchasing expensive new tanks.
New tanks also require new and improved maintenance facilities, and new, more expensive spare parts.
Below are the main factors keeping the M60 Patton in service.
The Cost of Buying and Maintaining New Tanks Can Be Prohibitive
The primary reason for the M60’s continued use is that it remains a cost-effective solution for many nations that cannot afford the high cost of modern main battle tanks like the M1 Abrams or Leopard 2.
Modern MBTs can cost more than $10 million per tank. Once they are purchased, they demand high operating and maintenance expenses.
M60 Tank U.S. Army. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Upgrades Are Much Cheaper
Service Life Extension Programs, such as those offered by companies like Raytheon and Leonardo, are far less expensive than other options.
These packages can include new engines, fire control systems, and improved armor, providing the M60 with enhanced capabilities at a fraction of the cost of a new tank.
The original 750-horsepower diesel engine can be replaced with more powerful models, increasing the tank’s speed and mobility.
For example,the Israeli Sabra I tank uses the General Dynamics AVDS-1790-5A diesel engine (908 hp), while the Sabra Mk. II is powered by a German MTU MT 881 KA-501 diesel engine that produces 1,000 hp.
Since more than 15,000 M-60s were produced, a robust international market exists for parts and upgrades, making it simpler and cheaper to keep the tanks running.
Operators have developed extensive upgrade programs to enhance the M60’s firepower, mobility, and protection.
120-mm Smoothbore Guns
Upgrade packages from contractors and national militaries (such as the Israeli Sabra) have replaced the original 105-mm gun with a modern 120-mm smoothbore cannon. The Israelis have equipped the tank with the 120-mm MG253 gun.
Modern Fire Control
Digital computers, laser rangefinders, and thermal sights have replaced the original M60’s systems. These upgrades dramatically improve first-shot accuracy, even at extended ranges that would not have been possible before.
Explosive Reactive Armor
Older M60 models with reactive armor have proven capable of defeating more modern threats in combat.
The Israeli Sabra’s armor is a modular composite armor system that provides enhanced protection over the original M60 tank, with specific versions such as the Sabra Mk. 2 (M60T) featuring explosive reactive armor (ERA).
While the composite armor excels against high-explosive anti-tank rounds and anti-tank guided missiles, the steel sides and rear remain vulnerable. The armor is a significant upgrade that can include passive and ERA, automatic fire suppression, and active protection systems in some configurations.
Regional Needs
For many countries, the M60 remains a viable deterrent because it is used against threats that also employ aging equipment.
A country whose neighbors operate older, first- or second-generation Soviet tanks such as the T-55 or T-72 does not need the most advanced, expensive tank on the market. An upgraded M60 can be a cost-effective countermeasure.
Some militaries have begun to incorporate newer armor into their armored formations. But even then they still use M-60s for infantry support or other missions where they are not expected to fight modern, well-equipped forces. The Pattons can also be used as training vehicles to preserve newer tanks.
The M60 Tank in One Word: Upgrades
The M60’s simpler systems make it easier to maintain than modern tanks, particularly for countries with less developed industrial and logistical infrastructure.
The M60 was designed for service during the Cold War, but it has lasted much longer than anyone ever envisioned.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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