Taiwan’s military has taken delivery of its first batch of US-made Abrams M1A2T tanks; a move hailed as an important step in modernizing its armed forces.
The MND (Ministry of National Defense) celebrated the arrival with a social media post captioned, “Heavy Armors Have Arrived! Welcome to join us!” accompanied by images and videos showcasing the tanks’ arrival.
The M1A2T tanks are part of a $1.25 billion (NT$40.5 billion) arms deal announced in 2019 under then-US President Donald Trump.
This first shipment, which arrived at the Port of Taipei in New Taipei’s Bali District on December 15, includes 38 tanks out of the total 108 units ordered.
The delivery required special logistical measures, with the port suspending all terminal operations and storage area machinery from the evening of December 15 until the tanks’ departure on December 16.
The tanks were transported to an army armor training center in Hsinchu County early on the morning of December 16, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND). Although there were earlier reports of the tanks landing in Kaohsiung on December 13, officials clarified that only accessory equipment arrived at that time.
Records from the Ministry of National Defense indicate that the military will receive a shipment of 42 Abrams tanks, followed by another delivery of 28 tanks over the next two years.
The M1A2T, a custom variant of the M1 Abrams designed specifically for Taiwan, represents a leap forward in technology compared to the army’s existing fleet of M60A3 tanks, which began arriving in 1994.
Equipped with a 120mm main gun and advanced aiming systems, the Abrams offers Taiwan’s armed forces a major upgrade in firepower, precision, and speed.
According to a source cited by the Taipei Times, the new tanks are “decades more advanced” than their predecessors, with aiming capabilities more than five times superior and a continuous hit rate unmatched by current vehicles.
The Abrams also boasts twice the speed of Taiwan’s current tanks, which will improve troop reinforcement response times during operations.
The tanks are expected to be stationed at the army’s training facility in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, where personnel training on the new equipment will commence after the Lunar New Year holiday.
Are Abrams Tanks Too Large & Bulky for Taiwan?
After the arrival of the US-made M1A2T tanks in Taiwan, China’s state-run media began criticizing the purchase, portraying it as a strategic mistake.
The Global Times, quoting Chinese experts, argued that these tanks, considered among the most powerful ground combat vehicles, are too large and heavy for effective use on Taiwan’s terrain. They suggested that the tanks would be vulnerable to drones and attack helicopters.
Military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times that the M1A2, which weighs over 60 tons, is not ideal for Taiwan’s densely water-covered island landscape, as it limits mobility and deployment.
Wei also pointed out that the M1A2’s gas turbine engine consumes a large amount of fuel and requires complex maintenance. Despite its advanced features, he further said that the M1A2 would be easily destroyed by air forces like attack helicopters equipped with anti-tank missiles.
Chinese experts also referenced the poor performance of M1A1 tanks, a predecessor of the M1A2, in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
However, the refurbished tanks supplied to Ukraine were stripped of sensitive technology, a measure taken to ensure that Russian forces could not capture and exploit these advanced systems for their own use.
Nonetheless, the M1 Abrams has faced setbacks in Ukraine, with numerous tanks reportedly destroyed by Russian weaponry, including the Kornet anti-tank missile and drones.
Ukrainian forces have also complained about the M1 Abrams’ poor performance in humid, rainy conditions, which obstructs its instruments.
They also criticized the tank’s ineffectiveness against buildings and vulnerability to drone attacks. Additionally, maintaining the Abrams’ turbine engine has proven difficult for Ukraine’s military.
However, many Western experts dismissed the Ukrainian criticisms and suggested that it typically takes four to five months for new US armored crew members to master the Abrams. It is unclear whether Ukrainian soldiers received the same level of intensive training.
Moreover, the primary issue is the complexity of maintenance and the scarcity of spare parts, as the Abrams MBTs require specialized attention to maintain their combat readiness.
Meanwhile, Paul Huang, a Research Fellow at the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF), defended the purchase of US-made Abrams tanks. He said that despite criticisms about their size and suitability for Taiwan, they are actually one of the most practical and survivable options if used properly.
Huang emphasized, “Despite many bad pundit takes they are unsuitable/too big for Taiwan, M1 tanks are actually among the more sensible & survivable platforms for TW – if operated correctly.”
He argued that in the event of a Chinese invasion, Taiwan would require powerful armor to lead a counteroffensive. According to Huang, Taiwan’s current M60/CM11 tanks are severely outdated and outclassed by China’s Type 99 MBTs, and no amount of upgrades could make them competitive.
In contrast, a large number of modern M1A2s would offer a strong defense against China’s military. Huang also suggested that Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense should focus on acquiring modern, conventional weapons and ensuring proper training and reform rather than relying on “asymmetric” strategies, which he believes are ineffective and ultimately futile.
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