Taiwan has confirmed that the third and final batch of 28 main battle tanks M1A2T Abrams was completed in the United States and will be shipped to the island, bringing the acquisition program to a total of 108 vehicles.
With this, the Taiwanese army enters the final phase of delivery and operational integration of the new armored vehicle.
The last 28 tanks were manufactured in the USA and are currently undergoing logistical preparation for sea transport. According to the authorities, the schedule is coordinated so that there are no training gaps between the second and third series and to ensure the continuity of training of crews and maintenance teams.
Program worth approx NT$40.5 billion it envisages the replacement of outdated armored platforms serving for more than two decades and the strengthening of ground defense units responsible for protecting the northern part of the island. In total, Taiwan will receive 108 tanks M1A2T.
The first batch of 38 vehicles arrived at the port of Taipei in December 2024, followed by the second batch of 42 tanks in July 2025. With production of the last batch completed, the program enters its final delivery phase.
Currently, the second batch is nearing completion of conversion training. In December, the unit moved to the Kengzikou training area in Xinfeng Village, where live ammunition firing and systems integration are underway. Training included firing the 120mm main gun, night firing and the use of both coaxial and external machine guns, as well as the integrated use of advanced observation and targeting sensors.
After completing the training cycle, the unit returns to its permanent base for readiness exercises and formal evaluations. Plans call for an internal commissioning ceremony in the second quarter, when the unit will be officially placed on the combat readiness list.
Taiwan’s military currently operates approximately 1,000 tanks, including the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 platforms. Although some of the M60A3 tanks have undergone engine and fire control system upgrades, defense authorities assess that these modifications do not meet long-term operational requirements.
The M1A2T introduces a fully integrated “hunter-killer” system that allows the commander and gunner to independently search, identify and destroy targets. Unlike older tanks that require gradual target acquisition, the new platform allows for seamless target handover and faster engagement cycles, increasing effectiveness in high-tempo combat environments.
The new tanks will be assigned to units under Taiwan’s Sixth Army Corps, which is responsible for defending the northern part of the island, including the approaches to the capital.
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Source and images: Military News Agency, ROC (Taiwan) – X @mna_roc | CNA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
