Taiwan took a significant step in modernizing its military defenses by receiving the first shipment of 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States. This delivery, part of a $1.25 billion deal approved during the Trump administration, marks a crucial enhancement of Taiwan’s ground defense capabilities.
The M1A2T is a specialized variant of the third-generation M1 Abrams tank, tailored specifically for Taiwan’s operational needs. According to the Taipei Times, 38 tanks arrived at the Port of Taipei on Sunday and were transported to the Hsinchu-based Armor Training Command on Monday. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense welcomed the arrival with a social media post stating, “Heavy Armors Have Arrived! Welcome to join us! #M1A2T #ROCArmy.”
The tanks are set to be deployed to armored brigades in New Taipei City’s Linkou District and Hsinchu County’s Hukou Township to bolster defenses in northern Taiwan. The Ministry of National Defense plans to receive an additional 42 tanks in 2025 and 28 more in 2026, fulfilling the contract’s delivery schedule.
Taiwan’s ground forces have long relied on aging U.S.-made M60A3 tanks, first delivered in 1994, and domestic CM11 tanks. Military analyst Chieh Chung from the Association of Strategic Foresight noted that these older models are outdated compared to China’s advanced Type 05 amphibious vehicles. Upgrading to the M1A2T provides Taiwan with a much-needed technological edge in potential combat scenarios.
Additionally, Taiwan plans to enhance the performance of its 460 M60A3 tanks by upgrading fire control, observation systems, and engines, according to the Liberty Times. The 584th Brigade, which currently operates CM11 tanks, will replace them entirely with the new M1A2Ts.
China, meanwhile, downplayed the significance of the new tanks. Wang Ya’nan, editor of the state-run Global Times, argued that tanks face increasing vulnerabilities in modern warfare due to threats from drones and evolving combat tactics. He claimed Taiwan’s reliance on tanks might be misplaced, given current technological shifts.
However, Su Tzu-yun, a defense expert at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, outlined a comprehensive defense strategy where tanks play a vital role. Taiwan’s first lines of defense include anti-ship missiles and mobile artillery rocket systems such as the Thunderbolt-2000, M109 self-propelled howitzers, and M142 HIMARS. Attack helicopters like the AH-64E Apache provide the third layer, while coastal defense missiles serve as the fourth. Tanks and ground forces form the final line of defense against a potential invasion by China’s People’s Liberation Army.
The delivery of M1A2T Abrams tanks underscores Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its national defense amid rising tensions with China. This modernization effort, backed by U.S. support, seeks to deter aggression and ensure Taiwan remains capable of defending its sovereignty.
