The M1A2T program, worth $2.22 billion under a 2019 Foreign Military Sales agreement, replaces Taiwan’s aging CM-11 and M60A3 tanks.

Deliveries continue through 2026, with 108 vehicles expected in total and infrastructure upgrades under way to support their deployment.

First Abrams Unit Commissioned

President Lai Ching-te presided over the activation of the 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 584th Armored Brigade, at Hukou base in Hsinchu County.

The ceremony marked the Republic of China Army’s (ROCA) first fully operational M1A2T unit, emphasizing “layered deterrence” in northern Taiwan.

The tanks, built on the M1A2 SEP v2 platform, feature a 120 mm smoothbore gun, advanced fire-control systems, and composite armor.

Phased Deliveries Under Way

Taipei received its first batch of 38 tanks and 4 M88A2 recovery vehicles in December 2024, followed by 42 more Abrams and 4 M88A2s in late July 2025.

A final 28-tank shipment is due in early 2026, completing the 108-tank order. The second batch took part in Han Kuang 41 exercises on July 10, firing 19 rounds at simulated People’s Liberation Army (PLA) targets.

Training and Integration

Crew conversion began in early 2025 with U.S. instructors at the Armor Training Command in Hsinchu, where 10 tanks remain for instructor courses.

The remaining 80 are in operational units. Upgrades include reinforced bridges and expanded ranges such as the new Chang’an sub-caliber facility due in 2026 to handle the Abrams’ 70-ton weight and 120 mm armament.

The Abrams arrival complements wider ROCA modernization programs involving HIMARS rocket systems, ATACMS missiles, and F-16V fighter jets.

A formal induction ceremony later in 2025 may feature U.S. representatives and descendants of the Abrams tank’s designers, symbolizing enduring defense cooperation between Taipei and Washington.