Taiwan's military capability received a major boost as 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks arrived from the United States, marking the island's first new tank acquisition in three decades.
The tanks, part of a larger 108-unit order placed in 2019, reached Taipei port on Sunday and were transported to an army training facility in Hsinchu, south of the capital. The remaining tanks are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.
The M1A2 tanks, equipped with 120-millimeter smoothbore guns capable of penetrating 850-millimeter-thick armor, represent a substantial upgrade to Taiwan's aging tank force. The island's current armor inventory consists of approximately 1,000 locally manufactured CM 11 Brave Tiger and older US-made M60A3 tanks.
The $2 billion tank procurement aims to strengthen Taiwan's defensive capabilities amid growing military pressure from China, which claims sovereignty over the self-ruled island. Chinese authorities have responded by urging the US to cease arms sales to Taiwan, warning against supporting "Taiwan independence forces."
While US law mandates military support for Taiwan, recent arms deliveries have faced delays due to supply chain disruptions and competing demands from Ukraine and Israel. The current backlog of promised weapons systems to Taiwan exceeds $21 billion, according to the Cato Institute.
Taiwan has responded to increased regional tensions by boosting its defense spending, with a record $19 billion allocated for 2024 and plans for further increases. The arrival of these advanced tanks bolsters Taiwan's ground forces as China continues to conduct large-scale military exercises in nearby waters.
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