Comparing: M48A1 Patton vs. 121

The most successful American medium tank in the immediate post-war period. Development started in 1950. In April 1953, the vehicle entered service. A total of 11,703 vehicles of different variants were produced from 1952 through 1959.

Development began in 1962 on a new medium tank based on the Type 59. The new tank was expected to feature improvements in firepower and armor protection. However, the project was canceled shortly after. Some technical innovations were applied later, in the development of the Type 69 tank. All 121 tank prototypes were destroyed during Chinese nuclear weapon testing.