You have been hired as a armored warfare expert for a Africa nation, they are up grading their tank force from T-54/55 to : M-60's, Leo1's, AMX-30's, South Afircan Olifant, Cheiftaits, Vickers MBT, EE-T2 (105 model), TAM, Arjun (they have got the bugs out), or Japan's T-74's.

The reason for you being hired is because a large oil reserve has been found in that nation and its neighors want it and are upgrading their T54 to T62 and AMX 30's. Russia has said they bought first and won't sell to you. The leader of this nation is building schools and helping his people get into the 21 century. The people are better than average with techical things (by African standards). If this works out for the best you may get the contract to start the Armor warfare school (with a five year contract multri million dollars US) and contract for their IFV choice, plus SPAA system, And Recon Vechile or vechiles.

In other words, A cold waris brewing,and you must help pick out this nation's new MBT.

The Arjun is a contemporary of the M1, Challenger, and LeoII while the EE-T2 is a contemporary of the M1A1, Challenger II, and LeoII. So one might be inclined to ask why are they included and the M1s, challengers, and LeoII aren't. Or, why are the early 1960 vehicles included with tanks from the 1980s, EE-T2 and 21st century, Arjun.

Thanks, I didn't know that, please take them off the list. I hope this thread is better than some of mine. Thank you sir

The Japanese do not export weapons. So how about Korean K-2s instead?

Actual hardware matters less than other variables. A good tactical airforce is worth a whole lot of tanks. Having a (reliable) alliance and defensive pact with a large patron (US, EU, China, etc) is even better.

But getting back to your point, M-60s with lots of Israeli goodies might be nice. Ever popular used T-72s or Leo-2s work too. M-1s in qualtities needed aren't likely to be available (~500 in under a year). Likewise new production front line tanks are still not likely within reasonable budget of an African nation, even with new found oil wealth.

I forget that about Japan and i figured the same as you did about the big five and the K-2 is almost as costly as a Western MBT. But the K-1 can replace the Japan T-74. Plus, I wanted something different than the old Chaddy, Leo, Abrams, T-90, and Leclerc fight was fought out here and other sites. I also say in th OP that Russia has said no sales. They are supporting the other guys.

Interesting or unique are not qualities that deter or win wars.

Russia isn't the only country with lots of late model T-series tanks for sale. Ukrane, assorted East European countries, the mid-east, etc. The Chinese are likely to sell you as many Type 98s (or whatever designation they have this week) as you would like especially if there are oil concessions involved. They should be decent enough for the price.

Europeans won't sell Leos somewhere in Africa where they might actually get used in anger. Same likely with British armor.

Actually both sides ought to just save their money and have an old fashioned slug fest with their old school T-55s (HEAT and AP at 500 paces ARrrrrr!)

Well, as Iunderstand it "my" country is preparing for a defensive war, not on invading another country and it seems to be more desert like, then jungle (otherwise tanks make little sense. So I would upgrade my T54-55 with NV equipemnt, LR finder and gun launched ATGMs and reactive armor, then add a fleet of "wheeled" vehicles to work in open terrain. Stryker MGS+ATGM or that Italian 105mm carrier+ ATGM version in addiiton to an APC version makes sense, Add modern ATGMs and short range AT weapons for the infantry and a healthy number of attack helicopters. Mil-24 or perhaps A129s. The T-55 could form strong pooint in built-up terrain together with the infantry, while the wheeled "deathtraps" could range wide and attack the sides of the enemies advance.

Save money on tanks; even old and almost retired Korean M48A5Ks would do just fine as armored core.

How about
Milans, HOTs, TOWs + various armed pickup trucks conveniently called technicals?

IIRC, Chad once had a field day using these against Lybian tanks.

Africa? Buy T-55AM2 or T-62M (with BDD armor) and spend surplus money on half-decently training crews and accompanying infantry, unless you want to face off South Africa or some of the North African countries with really modern tanks, you are good to go conquering neighbors.

Maybe best choice will be T-62M with that APFSDS ammo used by Egypt and optional gun-launched ATGM.

What? No Uber-everything Gav!ns?

Considering this is Africa, Russian tanks would probably be best for maintenance and spare parts availability. So as long as the T-55s have any life left in them, upgrade them. Get any T-72 if available, preferably from Ukraine (just don't ship them near Somalia) or failing that buy upgrade kits separately for older models.

If Russian equipment for some reason isn't available I think the options are either allying with the US to get some second-hand M60s (are there any left?) or with China and get anything they have to offer.

Used T-72Ms from Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia.... All those countries might also cheaply modernize your stuff if needed (1/2 gen ERA against HEAT, passive night sights, new communication systems), of course proper training and ammo. Lots of them on the market.
As far as IFV, BMP-2, lots of modernization options available, or if you can't get BMP-2, BMP-1 with Slovak turret.
SPAA? Osa-AKM would be probably the best (but the latest version, older have malfunctions), or Roland-2/3, both more than enough against opponent w/o PGMs, also MANPADS and SP short range radar system would be welcome.
In arty 2S1.