As the war in Ukraine continues to evolve, recent estimates reveal that over 40% of Russia’s prewar tank fleet has been lost. This significant loss highlights the critical role of military vehicles in modern conflicts. For more than a century, vehicles have been essential in warfare, offering mobility, protection, and tactical advantages. Here's a look at some of the most influential military vehicles in history and their impact on warfare.
Early Innovations: World War I
GMC Model 15Introduced during World War I, the GMC Model 15 truck is considered one of the first mass-produced land vehicles used in warfare.
The British Army utilized these three-quarter-ton trucks starting in 1916, and their success led to the U.S. deploying thousands of the Model 16 trucks the following year. This marked a shift from using horses and mules to motorized vehicles for transporting troops, providing tactical support, and serving as ambulances.

Mark I TankThe Mark I, introduced by the British Navy in 1916, was the world’s first tank.
Designed to break the stalemate of trench warfare, it featured continuous tracks to traverse difficult terrain. Although early models were unreliable, by the end of World War I, over 2,500 Mark I tanks had been deployed, setting the stage for future armored warfare.
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