As part of its ongoing armored modernization program, the Taiwanese Army continues progressing in the transition from its aging M60A3 tanks to the new M1A2T Abrams tanks acquired from the United States. In this phase, President Lai Ching-te personally oversaw a training session involving the new units. During the inspection, the president encouraged military personnel to make the most of every training opportunity in peacetime, stating that “each exercise helps strengthen combat power, safeguard national and public security, and preserve regional stability.”
According to images shared by the Ministry of National Defense, the training maneuvers included both stationary and mobile live-fire exercises. These were conducted under various operational configurations, including pair-based drills and platoon formations, to optimize the troops’ transition to the new armored platform. The activities were led by personnel from the Armored Training Command, which is responsible for overseeing instruction in the use of the M1A2T.
The incorporation process for the Abrams was formalized with the arrival of the first batch of 38 tanks at the port of Taipei, in the Bali District of New Taipei City, in early December 2024. The tanks were later transported to the Armored Training Command for reception and deployment procedures. This delivery marks a milestone within the bilateral agreement between Taiwan and the United States, which includes the transfer of a total of 108 M1A2T tanks in exchange for an estimated investment of $2 billion.
The acquisition of the M1A2T Abrams aims to replace the veteran M60A3 and CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks, which, despite undergoing various upgrades, have been in service for decades. The signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between Taipei and Washington in December 2019 marked the beginning of the procurement process, which was publicly announced in August 2023 by then-President Tsai Ing-wen.
According to statements previously released by the Taiwanese Army, ten of the new tanks will remain assigned to the Armored Training Command, while the rest will be deployed to two armored brigades located in Linkou (New Taipei) and Hukou (Hsinchu County) to bolster defense in the island’s northern region.
The delivery plan will continue over the coming years. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that following the 38 tanks already received, another 42 will arrive in 2025 and the remaining 28 in 2026, thus completing the 108 Abrams agreed upon. Prior to the arrival of the first batch, a group of Taiwanese personnel was sent to the U.S. to receive training in the operation and maintenance of the new platform. These instructors have since returned and begun conducting theoretical and practical training courses for new crews.
*Image credits: Taiwanese Ministry of Defense
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