Taiwan to Commission First Batch of M1A2T Abrams Tanks Next Month

Taiwan is set to commission its first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks next month, following the successful completion of training for personnel responsible for operating the vehicles. According to a military source, the commissioning ceremony will take place at the 584th Armored Brigade in Hsinchu County.

The procurement of these tanks, regarded as the “world’s strongest tank,” was part of a larger deal signed in 2019 when Taiwan secured a total of 108 M1A2T tanks from the United States. The Ministry of National Defense allocated approximately NT$40.524 billion (around US$1.34 billion) for this initiative, which spans from 2019 to 2027. The tanks will be stationed with the 6th Army Corps to bolster the defense of northern Taiwan.

The first shipment of 38 tanks arrived at the Port of Taipei in December 2022. Following the arrival, instructors returned from training in the United States in November 2022 and commenced training on the new vehicles in February 2023. On July 10, 2023, Taiwan’s military conducted its first live-fire exercises at the Kengzikou Range in Hsinchu County. During this exercise, four tanks fired a total of 19 rounds from their 120mm cannons, achieving a perfect hit rate against targets designed to simulate Chinese tanks, utilizing the tanks’ hunter-killer capability.

The second shipment of 42 tanks arrived in July 2023, with a final delivery of 28 tanks anticipated at the beginning of next year. Each subsequent shipment will undergo the same comprehensive training regimen as the initial batch before commissioning.

The upcoming commissioning ceremony is expected to highlight Taiwan’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities. With the addition of the M1A2T tanks, Taiwan aims to enhance its defense readiness against potential threats in the region. Currently, the armed forces operate approximately 1,000 tanks, including older models such as the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3, both of which have been in service for over two decades. To further improve its military effectiveness, Taiwan is also investing in new engines and upgrading the firing systems of its M60A3 tanks.

This modernization effort, including the procurement of advanced M1A2T tanks, reflects Taiwan’s strategic focus on enhancing its defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions. The commissioning ceremony at the Armored Training Command in Hukou is anticipated to draw significant attention as Taiwan takes a decisive step in reinforcing its military infrastructure.