Taiwan confirmed that the third and final batch consisted of 28 main battle tanks M1A2T Abrams has completed production in the United States and will be shipped to the island, capping a procurement program of 108 vehicles.
Thus, the Taiwanese Army is entering the final stages of delivery and operational integration of the new armored platform.
A total of 28 tanks in the latest batch were produced in the US and are currently in the logistical preparation stage for sea shipping. According to the relevant authorities, the delivery schedule was coordinated to avoid training gaps between the second and third batches, so that continuity of training of crews and maintenance teams was maintained.
Program worth approx NT$ 40.5 billion it aims to replace armored platforms that have been in service for more than two decades as well as strengthen ground defense units responsible for the protection of the island’s northern areas. Overall, Taiwan will receive 108 tanks M1A2T.
The first batch of 38 vehicles arrived at Taipei Port in December 2024, followed by a second batch of 42 tanks in July 2025. With the completion of production of the final batch, the program is entering the final delivery phase.
Currently, the second batch has almost completed the conversion training. In December, the unit moved to the Kengzikou training area in Xinfeng District, where live-fire and systems integration exercises were conducted. These activities include firing the 120 mm main gun, night firing, use of coaxial and external machine guns, as well as integrated use of advanced observation and aiming sensors.
Once the training cycle ends, the unit is expected to return to permanent base for formal readiness and evaluation exercises. Planning includes an internal activation ceremony in the second quarter, when the unit is officially placed on the combat readiness list.
Taiwan’s Army currently operates around 1,000 tanks, including the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 platforms. Although some M60A3s have received upgrades to their engines and fire control systems, defense officials assess that these upgrades do not meet long-term operational needs.
The M1A2T introduces a fully integrated hunter-killer system, allowing the commander and gunner to search, identify, and engage targets independently. In contrast to older generation tanks that required sequential target acquisition, the new platform enables continuous target switching and faster engagement cycles, thereby increasing effectiveness in high-intensity combat environments.
The new tanks will be assigned to units under Taiwan’s Sixth Army Corps, which is responsible for the defense of the island’s northern areas, including the approaches to the capital.
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Source and image: Military News Agency, ROC (Taiwan) – X @mna_roc | CNA. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
