Combat Tank in Southeast Asia, 2024

A recent report by Global Firepower (GFP) reveals a significant disparity in combat tank numbers among Southeast Asian countries. Viet Nam leads the region with 2,029 tanks, far surpassing its neighbors in armored warfare capabilities. This substantial number reflects Viet Nam’s emphasis on maintaining a strong land defense force.

Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia Follow Behind

While no other country in the region comes close to Viet Nam’s tank fleet, Myanmar ranks second with 705 tanks, followed by Thailand with 648 tanks. Cambodia secures fourth place with 322 tanks, maintaining a notable presence in the region.

Indonesia Ranks Fifth in Tank Numbers

Despite being the largest country in Southeast Asia by land area, Indonesia ranks fifth with 313 tanks. The country has historically focused more on maritime and aerial defense rather than armored warfare, given its vast archipelagic geography.

Singapore’s Compact but Strong Armored Force

Although Singapore is a small nation, it maintains a considerable tank fleet of 170 tanks. This reflects the country’s highly modernized and well-equipped military strategy, which prioritizes quality and advanced technology over sheer numbers.

Modest Tank Numbers in Laos and Malaysia

Countries with smaller land forces, such as Laos (130 tanks) and Malaysia (48 tanks), have invested less in armored warfare, focusing instead on other military capabilities like naval and aerial defense.

The Philippines Has the Fewest Tanks

Among the countries listed, the Philippines has the fewest tanks, with only 10 in its arsenal. As an archipelagic nation, the Philippines has traditionally prioritized naval and coast guard assets over land-based armored forces.

Data Unavailable for Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste

The GFP report did not provide data on the combat tank numbers for Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste, likely due to their small military forces and limited investment in armored vehicles.

Defense Strategies Vary Across Southeast Asia

These figures highlight the different defense priorities across Southeast Asian nations. While countries like Viet Nam and Myanmar have built large armored forces, others such as Indonesia and the Philippines have focused on maritime and aerial defense. Singapore, despite its smaller size, maintains a technologically advanced military, proving that strategy and modernization are just as crucial as numbers.