Why Countries Still Use the T-55 Tank in 2025

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Image description:The T-54/55 is the first Main Battle Tank produced by the Soviet Union or Russia, officially in service from 1948 to 1982. This tank is still in use today, especially in former Soviet or Warsaw Pact countries, as well as in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

The T-55 tank, a design rooted in Cold War pragmatism, continues to defy expectations by remaining in active use in several military forces across the globe in 2025. Despite being designed over six decades ago, it plays a surprisingly persistent role in modern warfare—especially in low-intensity conflicts and by countries with limited defense budgets.

Legacy of a Soviet Giant

The T-55 was developed from the T-54, and entered service with the Soviet Union in 1958. It was an advancement in both protection and performance, incorporating nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection systems, improved armor layout, and a 100mm rifled D-10T gun. More than 100,000 units were built, making it the most-produced tank in history.

It became the standard tank for the Warsaw Pact and saw widespread exports to allied nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. From the Vietnam War to the Yom Kippur War, the T-55 saw action across multiple theaters, often with mixed results against Western MBTs.

Global Operators in 2025

While many NATO-aligned nations have long retired the T-55, several countries still operate it today, either in frontline or reserve roles. Countries where the T-55 remains in service include:

• North Korea: Operates the Chonma-ho and other variants derived from the T-55.
• Sudan and South Sudan: Deployed in internal conflicts, often with modifications.
• Yemen: Used by both government and Houthi forces.
• Serbia: Maintains T-55s in reserve or for training purposes.
• Russia: Deployed a limited number of modernized T-55s during the Ukraine conflict for auxiliary roles.

Non-state actors, such as militias and paramilitary groups, also maintain a small number of operational T-55s due to their ease of maintenance and availability.

Reasons Behind Continued Use

1. Affordability and Cost-Efficiency

Modern main battle tanks like the M1A2 Abrams or Leopard 2A7 cost upwards of $8–10 million per unit. By contrast, surplus T-55s can be obtained for a fraction of that cost, and the cost to maintain and operate them is significantly lower. For countries with limited defense spending, the T-55 remains a viable armored solution.

2. Simplicity and Ease of Training

The T-55's mechanical simplicity allows for easier crew training and maintenance. In militaries with limited technical infrastructure or experience, simpler systems are often preferred. Many mechanics and tank crews in these countries have decades of experience maintaining this platform.

3. Abundant Spare Parts and Global Support

Due to the sheer number of T-55s produced, spare parts are widely available, including on the black market. In addition, a number of countries and private firms still produce replacement components or offer refurbishment services.

4. Versatility Through Upgrades

Over the years, the T-55 has been subject to numerous upgrade programs. These include:

• ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) packages
• Thermal imaging and night vision optics
• Modern communication systems
• Upgraded engines and powertrains
• Enhanced fire control systems

While such upgrades don't make the T-55 comparable to a modern MBT, they significantly enhance its combat survivability and usefulness in limited-scale conflicts.

5. Adequate for Asymmetric Warfare

In many low-intensity or insurgency-based conflicts, the battlefield threats are primarily RPGs, small arms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In these environments, the T-55 provides sufficient firepower and armored protection without the logistical burden of deploying a modern MBT.

6. Strategic Reserve and Psychological Use

Even when not deployed to active combat zones, T-55s serve as part of strategic reserves. They are used in parades, reserve units, and internal security roles. The psychological effect of a tank—any tank—rolling through the streets can be significant in both wartime and peacetime scenarios.

Modern Comparisons and Limitations

Despite its continued use, the T-55 is vastly inferior to modern MBTs in almost every domain. Modern tanks feature composite armor, autoloaders, active protection systems, and networked combat integration. The T-55’s thin armor, lack of modern electronics, and relatively weak gun make it vulnerable in high-intensity peer conflicts.

In a direct confrontation with modern tanks like the Abrams, Challenger 3, or the Russian T-90M, the T-55 would stand little chance. Even advanced anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) like the Javelin or Spike would easily penetrate its armor.

Notable Conflicts Featuring the T-55 in the 21st Century

• Syrian Civil War: Both the Syrian Arab Army and rebel forces employed T-55s. Often, tanks were retrofitted with DIY armor and machine gun mounts.
• Yemen Conflict: Several factions used T-55s with varying degrees of success. Many were destroyed by drone strikes or ATGMs.
• Ukraine Conflict: Russia reportedly pulled T-55s from storage for auxiliary roles due to armor shortages in 2023–2024.

What the Future Holds for the T-55

While the T-55 is unlikely to see action in any NATO or Chinese army in the future, its presence in smaller, developing nations is expected to continue at least through the end of this decade. Its future will depend largely on:

• The availability of donor tanks and parts
• The development of cheaper, modern alternatives
• The evolution of modern warfare, especially drone-based combat

Countries that continue to use the T-55 will eventually be faced with a stark decision: invest in modern armor or remain vulnerable to evolving threats. However, for now, the T-55 still fulfills a unique niche—cheap, reliable, and battle-proven.

Conclusion

The T-55 is more than just an outdated relic—it’s a testament to a time when simplicity, mass production, and utility were the cornerstones of tank design. Though it cannot match modern MBTs, it remains useful in specific scenarios where cost and availability outweigh technological edge.

In the end, the T-55’s continued presence on the battlefield is a lesson in military pragmatism: in the right context, even a tank from the 1950s can still have a role to play in 2025.