Taiwan set to take delivery of 2nd batch of 42 M1A2T tanks Saturday

Taipei, July 23 (CNA) A second batch of 42 M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) Taiwan purchased from the United States is slated to arrive at the Port of Taipei by ship late on Saturday, a source with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday.

Taiwan has allocated about NT$40.52 billion (US$1.38 billion) from 2019-2027 to purchase 108 M1A2T tanks from the U.S. with the aim of assigning them to the Sixth Army Corps to defend northern Taiwan.

The first 38 tanks were delivered in December 2024. On July 10, four of the M1A2T tanks took part in a live-fire drill at the Kengzikou Range in Hsinchu County, firing 19 rounds at stationary and moving targets designed to resemble Chinese PLA tanks.

The Army reported that the tanks successfully hit all targets, using their Hunter-Killer targeting system.

According to the source, after the 42 tanks arrive, they will be transported to the Hukou Armored Training Command in Hsinchu. However, the schedule is being closely monitored in case of delays caused by typhoon activity. The final batch of 28 tanks is expected to be delivered before mid-2026.

The Army currently has around 1,000 tanks, including the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 models, which have been in service for over 20 years. In addition to purchasing 108 M1A2T tanks, the Ministry has also upgraded the M60A3 tanks with new engines.