T-54/55 Operators and Variants - List of Operators

List of Operators

• Abkhazian Separatists - A number of T-55s in service at the beginning of the 1992-1993 War in Abkhazia, all of which were lost in the first four months of the fighting at which point Abhazian forces had 8 T-55s captured from the Georgians. At peak there were 100 T-55s and T-72s in service. More than 50 T-55s and T-72s were in service in 2004. 87 T-55s and T-72s were in service before the 2008 South Ossetia war. 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). 200 T-54s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1979 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 705 T-55s were ordered in 1978 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1978 and 1991 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service). 1,000 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and PT-76s were in service on 1 April 1992. Currently 600 T-55s are in service and are to be replaced with M60 Pattons.
• 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). 62 T-55Ms were ordered in 1999 from Belarus and delivered in 1999 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belorussian 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). 90 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2000. Around 560 T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and T-72s were in service in early 2001. 400 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and around 200 in 2005 and 2006.
• Armenia - 80 T-54s and T-55s in service with the armed forces in 2001 and 80 in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• Bangladesh - 15 T-54s were ordered in 1973 from Egypt and delivered in 1975 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service). 15 T-55s were ordered in 1975 from Egypt and delivered in 1975 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Egypt service). 240 T-54s, T-55s, Type 59s and Type 62s were in service in early 2001 and 180 in early 2003. 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. 122 modernized T-54s and T-55s with laser rangefinders and improved armor protection are currently in service.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - 10 T-55s were ordered in 1997 from Egypt and delivered in 1997 (the vehicles were previously in Egyptian service). 170 T-34s, T-55s, M60A3s and AMX-30s were in service in early 2001. 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. 80 T-55s were in service in 2004, 69 T-55s and 13 T-54s in 2005 and 75 T-55s in 2006.
• 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). 150 T-55s, Type 59s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001 and 170 in early 2003. More than 100 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. 103 T-54s are currently in service 2007.Cambodia has purchased 50 T-55A main battle tank from eastern Europe that arrive on September 20, 2010. Cambodia's Armoured cavalry has 220 T-54/T-55 in service in 2011 .
• Chad - 60 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006. Currently 60 T-55s are in service.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo - 20 T-55s were ordered in 2005 from Ukraine and delivered in 2006 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Ukrainian service). 20 T-55s were in service in 2006.
• Republic of the Congo - 25 T-54s and T-55s were ordered in 1982 from an unknown supplier and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were probably second-hand). 25 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. Currently 25 T-54s and T-55s are in service.
• Ivory Coast - 10 T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• 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). 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.
• 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. 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). 895 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003 and 2004. 840 T-54s and T-55s were in storage in 2006. 260 Ramses IIs were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• Eritrea - 120 T-55As were ordered in 2004 from Bulgaria and delivered in 2005 (the vehicles were previously in Bulgarian service). 150 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• 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 canceled). 40 T-55s were ordered in 1998 from Belarus and delivered in 1998 (the vehicles were previously in Belorussian 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). Around 160 T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001 and more than 270 in early 2003. More than 250 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• 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). 108 T-55Ms were in service at the beginning of the 1992-1993 War in Abhazia. Around 40 T-55s were in service in 1992 and 1995, 48 in 2000, 59 in 2002, 55 in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and 23 T-55s and 3 T-54s in 2008 and 2010.
• Guinea - 8 T-54s were ordered in 1974 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1974 (the vehicles were probably second-hand). 8 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006. Currently 8 T-54s are in service.
• 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). Iran also bought a number of Tirans from Israel during the Iraq-Iran War. Some vehicles were captured from Iraq during the Iraq-Iran 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. 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).
• 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. Between 80 and 120 T-54s were lost during the Yom Kippur War. 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). 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). 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. 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. 76 T-55s are in service with New Iraqi Army since 2004. 4 VT-55As were ordered in 2005 from Hungary and delivered in 2005 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Hungarian service). Iraq also received 2 JVBT-55As in 2005 from Hungary.
• Iraqi Kurdistan - 250-300 T-54s,T-55s and Type-59s 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.
• 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). 19 T-55s were ordered from Russia and delivered in 1992 (the vehicles were delivered through Belarus). There 1,600 T-54s in service in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000. There were 3,500 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and Type 59s in early 2001, around 3,500 in early 2003 and 2004 and more than 3,500 in 2006.
• 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). 15 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• Latvia - 5 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1999 from Czech Republic and delivered in 2001 (aid, the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). They are used for training. 3 T-55AM2s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006. Currently 3 T-55AM2s are in service.
• 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). 327 T-54s, T-55s and M48 Pattons were in service in early 2001. 200 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006. Currently 204 T-55s are in service.
• 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. Around 2,200 T-55s were in service in 1986. 1,600 T-54s and T-55s were in service and in storage in early 2001, 500 in service in early 2003, 500 in service and around 1,040 in storage in 2004 and 2006. 210 T-54s and T-55s are currently in service.
• Mali - 21 T-34s, T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001, 33 in early 2003. 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• 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). 35 T-55s were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006. Currently 35 T-55s are in service.
• 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. 650 T-54s, T-55s and T-62s were in service in early 2001 and 370 in early 2003. 370 T-54s and T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. Currently 370 T-54s and T-55s are in service.
• 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). Around 60 T-54s were in service in 2005 and more than 60 in 2006.
• Namibia - Up to 20 T-34s and T-55s were in service in early 2001 and a few in early 2003. Some T-34s, T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.
• 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). 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. 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). Around 200 T-55s and Vickers Mk. IIIs were in service in early 2001 and around 250 in early 2003. 100 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006. Currently 50 T-55s are in service and are 50% serviceable.
• 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. At peak there were 375 T-54s and T-55s in service. 300 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001 and 275 (around 200 were serviceable in 2005 and 2006) in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006. 300 T-54s and T-55s as well as an unknown amount of T-54/55-based ARVes are currently in service.
• Romania - 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. At least 632 TR-85s were produced. Romania also acquired a number of T-54s which are now in reserve. 398 TR-580s and 632 TR-85s were in service with the Romanian Army in 1993, around 88 TR-580s in early 1999, 717 T-55s, 314 TR-85M1s and 227 TR-580s in early 2003 and 2004, 268 T-55s, 43 TR-580s and 157 TR-85M1s in 2006. According to the UN register of conventional arms Romanian Armed Forces operated 710 T-55s, 227 TR-580s, 312 TR-85s in 2006, 750 T-55s, 226 TR-580s and 269 TR-85s in 2007 and 748 T-55s, 226 TR-580s and 265 TR-85s. 120 TR-580s were in service with the Romanian Naval Infantry in early 2001 and early 2003.
• Rwanda - 12 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2001, 30 in early 2003, 24 in 2005 and 2006.
• Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic - 50
• Somaliland - 85
• South Ossetian Separatists - At peak there were 12 T-55s and 75 T-72s in service. 15 T-55s and T-72s were in service before the 2008 South Ossetia war.
• Sri Lanka - 27 T-55s were ordered in 1991 from Czechoslovakia and delivered in 1991 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovak service). 18 T-55AM2s were ordered in 1995 from Czech Republic with 15 being delivered in 1996 and 3 in 1997 (the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 2 MT-55s were ordered in 2000 from Czech Republic and delivered in 2001 (aid against the LTTE rebels, the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 36 T-55AM2s were ordered in 2000 from Czech Republic and with 11 being delivered in 2000 and 25 in 2001 (possibly aid against the LTTE rebels, the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 16 VT-55s were ordered in 2000 from Czech Republic and delivered between 2002 and 2003 (aid against the LTTE rebels, delivered via and possibly modernized in Slovakia, the vehicles were previously in Czechoslovakian and later Czech service). 25 T-55s were in service in early 2001 and 65 in early 2003. 62 T-55As and T-55AM2s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• 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 Belorussian 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 were ordered in 1999 from Belarus with 40 being delivered in 1999 and 20 in 2001 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belorussian 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). 170 T-55s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001, 200 in early 2003. 200 T-54s and T-55s in service in 2004 and 2006.
• Sudan People's Liberation Army - Some captured T-54s and T-55s.
• 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. 2,050 T-54s and T-55s were in service and in storage in 1990, 2,100 in 1995, 2,150 in 2000, 2,000 in 2001, 2003 and around 2,000 in 2005.
• 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). 65 T-54s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001 and 45 in early 2003. 30 T-54s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• Togo - 2 T-54s and 2 T-55s were ordered in 1982 from Egypt and delivered in 1982 (the vehicles were second-hand). 1 T-54 and 1 T-55 were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• 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 were ordered in 2000 from Belarus and delivered in 2000 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet and later Belorussian service). 140 T-54s and T-55s and PT-76s were in service in early 2001. 180 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 152 in 2005 and 2006.
• Uruguay - 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shes were rodered from Israel in 1997 and delivered in 1997 (the vehicles were previously in Israeli service). 15 Tiran-4Shes and Tiran-5Shs were in service in early 2001, early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• Vietnam - 1,939 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001. 850 T-54s and T-55s and 350 Type-59 were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• Yemen - 6 T-55s were received from Bulgaria in 1994. 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). 990 T-34s, T-54s, T-55s, T-62s and M60s were in service in early 2001. 450 T-54s and T-55s were in service in early 2003, 2004 and 2006.
• 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 $72–100 m deal). 60 T-55s, PT-76s and Type 59s were in service in early 2001 and early 2003. 10 T-55s were in service in 2004 and 2006.
• Zimbabwe - 20 T-54 tanks received from USSR in September 1984.