Jay Leno Drives Tank Down City Street, on Video

Jay Leno doesn’t just bring comedic firepower to any place he shows up … he’s bringing literal firepower, too — ’cause he rolled around the L.A. streets in a freaking tank!

The comedian was caught by a couple locals driving slowly down a residential street … with his head popping out the beast. Unclear if its the real deal or a ride tricked out to look like a tank — but he’s steering it like a pro, regardless.

It’s outfitted with a massive gun … though we doubt Jay could actually conquer any territories with it. However, it’s certainly intimidating — even if Leno isn’t since he pulled over to have a fun convo with the dudes filming him.

General Leno jokes he’s on patrol in the neighborhood … keeping everyone safe in his new armored vehicle.

The guys ask him when he bought it … and, it pays to make good friends clearly — ’cause Jay says someone gave it to him as a gift!

Of course, Leno’s got a pretty impressive car collection … with everything from restored jalopies and vintage muscle cars — to an old-school fire engine and a train on wheels!