In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then. - US CIA World Factbook

"Ina" on display in Paraguay as a war prize.---"Ina" as displayed on a postcard. - Photo courtesy of Dr. André Louis Maurois.

Vickers 6 ton monument at Asuncion 18 January 1972. - Photo by Dr. Georg V. Rauch and provided by Dr. André Louis Maurois.---Vickers 6 ton monument at Asuncion 18 January 1972. - Photo by Dr. Georg V. Rauch and provided by Dr. André Louis Maurois.
The Vickers E Type, 6 Ton Tank

The tank in the photograph has an interesting history. The name of the tank is "Ina". Captured by the Paraguayans in their war with Bolivia, she was made a war trophy. Many years later the tank was retured to Bolivia as an overture of peace and friendship. What became of the tank after it's return is unknown.

Paraguayan M3 on parade in Asunción in 1972 - Photo research by Dr. Georg V. Rauch and courtesty of Dr. André Louis Maurois.---Photo research by Dr. Georg V. Rauch and courtesty of Dr. André Louis Maurois.
U.S. M3A1 "Stuart" Light Tank

Nine units obtained from Brazil.

(no photo possible)
Argentine Nahuel DL 43  Medium Tank

Two Nahuel DL Model 43 tanks were donated by Argentina according to some references. This is under doubt by TANKS! as I have yet to find a Paraguayan picture of Paraguayan soldiers operating the tank. In a nation with as little armor as this, surely a photo or two would have been proudly taken - especially since they were gifts by Argentina to this nation. If you have one (a actual official photo), please send it to us as some very serious  historians eyebrows would be raised! However, as it stands, a Paraguayan Nahuel is considered a myth by TANKS! - much the same as a Polish A7V tank.

(no photo)
U.S. M4 "Sherman" Medium Tank

These units were of various marks. At least 3 units were Fireflys, later exchanged for 3 "Modified: Shermans. These were the Shermans modified in Argentina with a locally made DGFM 105mm L. 44 gun, new engine, new electronics, an interim measure until TAM production got underway.

(no photo)
U.S. M2

All I have is a M2 designator for this entry. It is unknown what kind of M2 was obtained.

The Semag 20mm Model 1923 A.A. & A.T. Gun. - Courtesy of Dr. André Louis Maurois.
The Semag 20mm Model 1923 A.A. & A.T. Gun

The Semag 20mm model 1923 was a development of the World War I Becker 20mm gun. The Semag was purcased by Bolivia prior to the Chaco War (1932-1935) (12 guns), of these at least five were captured by the Paraguayans who used them primarily in the A.A. role until captured ammunition was exhausted. Aside from Bolivia and Paraguay, the weapon was employed by the armies of Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The Japanese used a close copy of the Semag, under the deisgnation of  Army Type 98 20mm machine cannon.
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Last Update: Thursday, February 13, 2003