In what would represent a significant shift in its future-oriented strategies, the Taiwanese Army is reportedly considering canceling the modernization of its old M60A3 tanks, which were acquired from the U.S. during the 1990s. Although this development has not been officially confirmed, it is reportedly due to the ongoing incorporation of more advanced and capable M1A2T Abrams tanks, as well as the difficulties in integrating a new 120 mm gun into the M60A3 design to increase its firepower.
Specifically, this news was reported by local media on the island, citing military sources familiar with the project, who indicated that the modernization of these tanks faces significant challenges in continuing as originally envisioned; meanwhile, the Army maintains its official position that the program is still under evaluation. It is worth recalling that the modernization program began three years ago, after it was determined that the M60A3 no longer met the requirements for operating in a modern combat environment.
Accordingly, the Army decided to divide the modernization program into two main branches: one including the replacement of the old tank engines with new AVDS-1790 series diesel models and the development of a new fire control system for the new turret equipped with a 120 mm gun, in collaboration with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and the Armaments Bureau. The second of these branches has been identified by the sources mentioned as causing the primary difficulties.
It is notable that the Taiwanese Army had already managed to obtain at least two M60A3 tanks equipped with the new modifications, which underwent live-fire tests at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, attended by local media. At that time, it was highlighted that the new models featured significant changes to the rear of the turrets, while a senior Army official stated that by October of this year the tanks were expected to complete the evaluation phase. It should be noted, however, that these vehicles did not yet include the desired 120 mm guns.
Regarding the engine replacement, Taiwan confirmed that progress is proceeding according to the initial contracts, for which a total of 460 units had been purchased and would be delivered in batches before 2028. Specifically, it was stated that the Army had already received the first batch for integration into the tanks, which was carried out without major issues.
Finally, as initially mentioned, it should be recalled that the incorporation of the new M1A2 Abrams tanks is also progressing normally, allowing the Taiwanese Army greater operational flexibility relative to the difficulties described above. In total, the country acquired a fleet of over a hundred tanks from the U.S., at a cost of around $2 billion. The first batch, composed of 38 units, arrived in Taiwan during December 2024.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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