First Batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams Tanks Arrives in Taiwan Out of Planned 108 Units

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The first batch of US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks has arrived in Taiwan, the island’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday, a procurement that further heighten tensions with Beijing.

“Heavy Armors Have Arrived! Welcome to join us!” the ministry declared on its X platform.

The first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks arrived at the Port of Taipei a few days ago, Focus Taiwan reported.

The tanks were then transported via civilian trailers along the West Coast Expressway to their destination at the Armored Training Center in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County.

Police provided traffic control along the route, while military police vehicles escorted the convoy.

According to a source cited by the Taipei Times, Taiwan’s new M1A2T tanks are “decades more advanced” than their predecessors, featuring targeting capabilities five times superior and an unmatched continuous hit rate compared to the current fleet.

The Abrams tanks also boast twice the speed of Taiwan’s existing tanks, enhancing troop reinforcement response times during operations.

In addition to the M1A2T Abrams tanks, Taiwan has also acquired support vehicles, including 14 M88A2 recovery vehicles, 16 M1070A1 transporters, and 16 M1000 trailers.

The M1A2T Abrams tanks are the first new tanks delivered to Taiwan in 30 years, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

Taiwan’s current armored fleet consists of approximately 1,000 CM 11 Brave Tiger tanks, produced domestically, and aging US-made M60A3 tanks.

Washington approved a US$2.2 billion (RM9.78 billion) deal in 2019 to sell 108 Abrams tanks to Taiwan as part of the United States’ efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defenses along its northern coast.

Taiwan is expected to receive an additional 42 tanks in 2025, with the remaining 28 units scheduled for delivery in 2026.

China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly condemned US arms sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of fueling separatist movements on the self-ruled island.

Taiwan faces the constant threat of invasion by China, which has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

While Taiwan has its own domestic defense industry and has been upgrading its military equipment, the island remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to strengthen its defense capabilities and counter threats from China.

Following the arrival of the US-made M1A2T tanks in Taiwan, China’s state-run media began criticizing the purchase, describing it as a strategic mistake.

The Global Times, quoting Chinese defense experts, argued that the M1A2T tanks, considered among the most powerful ground combat vehicles, are “too large and heavy” for effective deployment in Taiwan’s waterlogged and hilly terrain.

They also suggested the tanks would be vulnerable to drone and attack helicopter strikes.

Military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times that the M1A2T, weighing over 60 tons, is not suitable for Taiwan’s heavily water-covered island landscape, as it restricts mobility and deployment. – DSA