Classic M60-Patton Main Battle Tank Now Used as “Target” in Live Fire Training

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

Known as a classic, Korean War powerhouse and a life-saving, combat-tested platform, the M60-Patton main battle tank is still being used to help the US Army’s land-war effort. Known for its high rate of fire and upgraded variants, the M60 served in combat all the way through the Gulf War and beyond before being replaced by the 1980s-era Abrams main battle tank. 

The M60 fired a 105mm cannon at a rate of seven rounds per minute, a lethal rate of fire for the Cold War era. The tank has been in service around the world with U.S. allies for many decades in places such as Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, among others.

 As a 50-ton Cold War relic, the M60-Patton Main Battle tank now operates as a “target” for weapons and radar training, after serving with distinction for many years.

The M60 tank, which was an upgraded variant of the M48 Patton tank, was not officially a Patton tank but came to be regarded as part of the Patton family.

The M60 Over the Years

The M60 was retired from combat following its performance in the Gulf War in 1991, ended service with the National Guard in 1997, and stopped being used for training in 2005.

Although roughly 20 tons less than a 70-ton Abrams tank, the M60 was not faster or more maneuverable.

The M60 fired a 105mm cannon at a rate of seven rounds per minute, a lethal rate of fire for the Cold War era. The tank has been in service around the world with U.S. allies for many decades in places such as Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, among others.