Taiwan aims to acquire over 100 Abrams M1A2T Tanks
The Army intends to procure 108 of the tanks and initiate modernization of armored vehicles with a budget of $1.34 Billion
Eyal Boguslavsky
| 14/04/2021
Photo: US Army
Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan has reconfirmed its intention to expand and modernize its fleet of tanks and other armored vehicles. The Army Recognition website reported that the Taiwanese Army intends to procure 108 Abrams M1A2T tanks and initiate a modernization of the armored vehicle fleet of the 6th Army Corps with a budget of $1.34 billion. According to the report, the U.S. will provide assistance for this plan.
The most recent budget submitted by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense showed that it plans to order 18 of the new tanks in 2022, 18 in 2023, 28 in 2024, 30 in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The M1A2T tanks will reportedly be assigned to the 6th Army Corps, which is responsible for the security of northern Taiwan, where most central government agencies are located, the ministry said. Currently, the Taiwanese army has approximately 1,000 tanks, including CM-11 Brave Tigers and aging M60A3s.
The M1A2T is a customized model of the M1A2 SEPv2, specifically for Taiwanese Army requirements. The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) version of the Abrams tank features a new turret with a series of enhancements for greater survivability, according to the report.
The Army intends to procure 108 of the tanks and initiate modernization of armored vehicles with a budget of $1.34 Billion
Photo: US Army
Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan has reconfirmed its intention to expand and modernize its fleet of tanks and other armored vehicles. The Army Recognition website reported that the Taiwanese Army intends to procure 108 Abrams M1A2T tanks and initiate a modernization of the armored vehicle fleet of the 6th Army Corps with a budget of $1.34 billion. According to the report, the U.S. will provide assistance for this plan.
The most recent budget submitted by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense showed that it plans to order 18 of the new tanks in 2022, 18 in 2023, 28 in 2024, 30 in 2025 and 14 in 2026. The M1A2T tanks will reportedly be assigned to the 6th Army Corps, which is responsible for the security of northern Taiwan, where most central government agencies are located, the ministry said. Currently, the Taiwanese army has approximately 1,000 tanks, including CM-11 Brave Tigers and aging M60A3s.
The M1A2T is a customized model of the M1A2 SEPv2, specifically for Taiwanese Army requirements. The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) version of the Abrams tank features a new turret with a series of enhancements for greater survivability, according to the report.
