Some were turned into coastal defense bunkers. They formed part of the Independent Recon Companies that were integrated into Tank Battalions. They formed the 392nd and 393rd Tank Regiments in Macedonia as well as Independent Armored Companies, notably the 2nd, 6th, and 10th Companies integrated respectively with the II, VI and X Infantry Divisions.Īfter 1962, they were gradually transferred to the Aegean islands and by 1975 this transfer was complete.

The US Government sent 206 M24 Chaffee light tanks to Greece between 1950-51. It had modern torsion bar suspensions, completely revised welded steel armor, improved protection and, more importantly, a much more potent lightweight 75 mm (2.95 in) main gun.Īlthough late in the game (just in time for the Battle of the Bulge, winter 1944), the Chaffee was so successful, being efficient, simple, reliable and rugged, that that it was largely exported after the war and stayed in service with many armies until the 1980s and beyond, encompassing most of the Cold War.

The M24 Chaffee, the replacement for the M3/M5 Stuarts, was a leap forward in light tank design, improving the concept in all directions. A main battle tank (MBT) is the type of powerful, heavily armoured and highly mobile tank which is the backbone of a mechanized land force. It is known for its agility but also for its state-of-the-art defense systems in its new versions. Photos by James Dixon, submitted to and used by permission List of main battle tanks by country This is a list of main battle tanks, and other vehicles serving that role, in active military service with countries of the world. This tank is used by many nations, including Germany, Spain, and Greece.

Greek main battle tank