Comparing: Type 61 vs. WZ-120

The first tank developed in Japan after WWII. It was developed from 1954 through 1961 on the basis of the American M47 tank. The dimensions of the vehicle were decreased and the armor was reduced. As a result, the weight of the tank was lighter, and the tank complied with the requirements of the Japanese armed forces.

Initially, the WZ-120 (Type 59) tank was a copy of the Soviet medium T-54A tank. In later modifications the tank was upgraded. Between 6,000 and 9,500 vehicles of all variants were manufactured from 1958 through 1987.