When no longer in use, tanks become scrap metal, enduring decades of rain and sun.
1. The Giant Tank Graveyard in Kharkiv, Ukraine
In Ukraine, there is a vast area known as the “tank graveyard,” located at the Kharkiv factory, about 40 km from the Russian border. This site is home to over 400 outdated war machines that the military has retired from active service.
This is where over 400 war machines that the army has retired are gathered.
According to Dailymail, this “tank graveyard” was once a large tank repair factory, but after its bankruptcy in 1991, it fell into disrepair and gradually faded into obscurity. In the early 1960s and 1970s, the Kharkiv factory repaired over 60 tanks and 55 engines each month. Now, dozens of tank engines and other outdated machinery are scattered around, worn down by the harshness of weather and time.
The turrets of many tanks have collapsed.
Everywhere, old machines are lined up and lying still. The turrets of many tanks can no longer stand upright and have fallen. Over time, weeds have grown thick and high, reaching the turret height of many vehicles. Even the spare parts of these iron monsters are scattered within the workshops.
2. Sierra Army Depot – The Storage Facility of the U.S. Army
Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) was originally a storage facility before becoming the repository for the “iron monsters” of the U.S. Army. Established in 1942, located near the unincorporated community of Herlong, California, Sierra Army Depot is one of several ammunition storage facilities deep inland to ensure safety from potential attacks.
This area has low rainfall, which helps minimize the risk of rust on machinery.
According to atlasobscura, the site is described as “close enough to the Pacific ports, but far enough from the coast to avoid potential attacks.” It also experiences low rainfall, reducing the risk of rust on machines. Later, this location met the requirements for being dry and isolated, making it suitable for the U.S. Army’s weapons and supplies storage.
It is estimated that this massive base houses over 26,000 armored vehicles, becoming a significant component of the 36,000-acre storage area, which serves as a resting place for numerous armored vehicles, tractors, trucks, and other military equipment.
It is estimated that this massive base houses over 26,000 armored vehicles.
Currently, Sierra Army Depot also carries out various logistical and long-term maintenance tasks. From receiving equipment, care, storage to repairs, it establishes and maintains all fuel systems. SIAD has extensive experience in resetting equipment, operating new equipment assembly, conducting training operations, maintaining active project storage, and redistribution missions for various items. SIAD has also established an End-of-First Life Center for both combat and non-combat vehicles.
3. The Tank Graveyard in Rockensussra, Germany
Deep in the Thuringia forest of Germany, approximately 300 km southwest of Berlin, there is a vast tank graveyard. This is where thousands of old German tanks and armored vehicles are neatly lined up, resting until they are completely dismantled for scrap metal.
This is where thousands of old German tanks and armored vehicles rest.
The facility is operated by Battle Tank Dismantling GmbH Koch, established in 1991, and is the only unit in Europe licensed by NATO for tank dismantling. The process of dismantling these “iron monsters” began after the reunification of Germany. By mid-2012, 16,000 vehicles had been successfully dismantled here, including 880 Leopard 1 tanks, 203 T-72 tanks, and over 1,000 Marder vehicles.
Most of the dismantling work will be conducted by hand.
Many parts are returned to manufacturers for use as spare parts. At the same time, high-quality precious metals are also collected and recycled. Most of the dismantling work is carried out manually by the staff.
