Taiwan has confirmed that the third and final batch of 28 M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks has completed production in the United States and will be shipped to the island, bringing the acquisition program of 108 vehicles to a close.
With this, the Taiwanese Army enters the final phase of delivery and operational integration of the new armored platform.
The 28 tanks in the final batch were manufactured in the U.S. and are undergoing logistical preparations for maritime transport. According to officials, the schedule is being coordinated to avoid training gaps between the second and third batches, ensuring continuity in the training of crews and maintenance teams.
Valued at approximately NT$ 40.5 billion, the program provides for the replacement of aging armored platforms that have been in service for more than two decades and for strengthening the land defense units responsible for protecting the northern part of the island. In total, Taiwan will receive 108 M1A2T tanks.
The first batch, comprising 38 vehicles, arrived at the Port of Taipei 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 enters its final delivery stage.
Currently, the second batch is close to completing conversion training. In December, the unit relocated to the Kengzikou training area in Xinfeng Township, where live-fire exercises and systems integration have been conducted. Activities included firing the 120 mm main gun, night firing, and the employment of coaxial and externally mounted machine guns, as well as the integrated use of advanced observation and sighting sensors.
After the training cycle concludes, the unit is expected to return to its permanent base for readiness exercises and formal evaluations. Planning calls for an internal activation ceremony in the second quarter, when the unit will be officially added to the combat readiness roster.
The Taiwanese Army currently operates around 1,000 tanks, including the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 platforms. While some of the M60A3s have received engine and fire-control upgrades, defense officials assess that such improvements do not meet long-term operational requirements.
The M1A2T introduces a fully integrated hunter-killer system, enabling the commander and gunner to search for, identify, and engage targets independently. Unlike older tanks that require sequential target acquisition, the new platform allows continuous target handoff and faster engagement cycles, increasing effectiveness in high-tempo combat environments.
The new tanks will be assigned to units subordinate to Taiwan’s Sixth Army Corps, responsible for the defense of the island’s northern region, 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 assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
