Taiwan has taken delivery of a second shipment of 42 M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks from the United States, strengthening its armored ground forces amid ongoing regional tensions. The tanks arrived at the Port of Taipei in the Bali District and were subsequently transported to the Republic of China Army Armor Training Command in Hukou Township, Hsinchu. From there, they will be distributed among designated heavy platform operators.
The delivery, initially expected the previous week, was delayed due to severe weather. Upon arrival, some tanks were transferred using flatbed trucks, covered in black sheets for discretion, and escorted by military security and police units along Provincial Highway No. 61.
This delivery is part of a 2019 US-approved foreign military sale to Taiwan involving a total of 108 Abrams tanks. The first batch of 38 vehicles was received in December 2024, followed by crew training which commenced two months later. A major live-fire exercise using the Abrams tanks is scheduled for later this year.
The M1A2T Abrams is a modernized variant of the US-made main battle tank, developed by General Dynamics. It includes advanced armor, a 120mm main gun, M240 and .50-caliber machine guns, and a Honeywell AGT1500 turbine engine delivering 1,500 horsepower. The tank can reach speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h) and has a range of 260 miles (418 km). Operated by a crew of four, it features enhanced protection and firepower, representing a key upgrade to Taiwan’s ground combat capabilities.
