Taiwan reconfirms intention to buy 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks.

As announced by Army Recognition on April 20, Taiwan reconfirmed its intention to increase the tank component in the ranks of its army and simultaneously modernize it, amid increasing tension with China. At the same time, the command notes that "the United States of America will provide assistance in this plan." Reports say that about $ 1.3 billion will be allocated to modernize the fleet of armored vehicles of Taiwan's 6th Army Corps, Novosti reports.
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Taiwanese M1A2T Abrams will be based on the M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams (Picture source: Army Recognition)

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-production turret with a series of enhancements for enhanced survivability.

On top of U.S.-made simulators bought with the tanks, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's state-owned institution in charge of developing indigenous weapon systems, will also develop Taiwan's own simulators and install other training facilities at military camps where the tanks will be deployed. They are going to create a training center with a Kengzikou tank range in Hsinchu County.

The most recent budget submitted by the ministry showed that it plans to order 18 of the new tanks in 2022, 18 in 2023, 28 in 2024, 30 in 2025 and the remaining 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 MND said.

Currently, the Taiwanese army has approximately 1,000 tanks, including the CM-11 Brave Tigers and aging M60A3s.