While an exact global number of all Sherman tanks remaining is difficult to ascertain, as of November 2016, 30,996 M4 Series Sherman tanks were reported to still exist.
Understanding the Numbers
The M4 Sherman tank, a pivotal piece of military hardware, was produced in vast quantities, making a precise current global count challenging due to its widespread distribution and long operational history.
Why an Exact Global Count is Elusive
- Vast Production: Excluding prototypes, an astonishing 49,234 Sherman tanks of various models were built.
- Global Reach: These tanks were operated by 43 different nations and governments across the world.
- Long Operational Life: Some nations continued to operate Sherman variants well into the 21st century. For instance, Paraguay retired its last three Sherman tanks as recently as 2018, highlighting their remarkable longevity in service.
Known Figures for M4 Series Tanks
Despite the overall difficulty in tracking every single Sherman tank globally, a specific count for the M4 Series tanks was documented in recent years:
| Category | Number | Date/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sherman Tanks Built | 49,234 | Excluding prototypes |
| M4 Series Tanks Still Existing | 30,996 | As of November 2016 |
| Nations Operating Shermans | 43 | Different nations and governments |
| Last Known Operational Use | 2018 | Paraguay retired its last three tanks |
This figure of 30,996 for the M4 Series tanks in 2016 represents a significant portion of the total production, indicating a high survival rate for these iconic vehicles, whether in museums, private collections, or as static displays.
