Taiwanese forces to train on Abrams tanks and HIMARS in US.

Taiwanese authorities are deploying 84 officers and personnel to the United States as early as January 2024 for training on M1A2T Abrams tanks and HIMARS launchers, according to Taiwan News. This ambitious plan aims for these personnel to be fully trained by the end of next year, marking a significant enhancement of Taiwan's defensive capabilities.
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Taiwanese armed forces will be equipped with HIMARS launchers and Abrams M1A2T tanks soon (Picture source: US DoD)

In February 2024, 30 officers and personnel will also be sent to the United States for HIMARS training, which is expected to be completed by October 2024. Upon their return, these soldiers will be responsible for training and developing operational guidelines for these weapon systems.

Indeed, Taiwan received authorization from the United States in 2020 to acquire 11 HIMARS systems, with a subsequent decision to purchase an additional 18 units. These High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems are essential for modernizing Taiwan's artillery, offering crucial mobility and responsiveness capabilities.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense also announced that 108 M1A2T tanks, whose sale was agreed upon in 2019, will begin to be delivered next year. The first 38 tanks are expected next year, followed by 42 in 2025 and 28 in 2026. This acquisition represents a major improvement in Taiwan's ground combat capabilities.

The Taiwanese military command has indicated that these American-made tanks will be stationed at the most vulnerable points in terms of potential invasion, specifically the western coast of the island. In 2021, Taiwan had shared plans to use these tanks to defend against the People's Liberation Army of China, safeguarding the airports of Kaohsiung and Tainan, port infrastructure, and the northwest regions closer to the capital, Taipei.

Regarding the HIMARS systems, the first deliveries of the initial eleven units are expected to begin next year and continue through 2025. The additional eighteen units will be delivered in 2026, significantly increasing Taiwan's long-range firepower.

These developments come at a crucial time as Taiwan prepares for a possible counter-offensive in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Abrams tanks remain essential for tactical and operational counterattacks. The HIMARS, on the other hand, provides Taiwan with rapid shoot-and-scoot capabilities, crucial for countering the vulnerabilities of traditional artillery. These training and acquisition initiatives embody Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its defense in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.