Taiwan’s military displayed its newly acquired American-made M1A2T Abrams tanks on Thursday during live-fire drills in Hsinchu, in a move meant to reinforce the island’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China. The exercises, part of Taiwan’s annual 10-day Han Kuang war games, were observed by President Lai Ching-te, who praised the tanks as “the strongest on the battlefield.”

Four Abrams tanks maneuvered through mud-choked fields and fired at targets, marking their first public combat simulation in Taiwan. President Lai, donning a combat helmet, called the tanks a major boost to the nation’s deterrence posture, asserting that every increase in military strength “gains an extra layer of security” for Taiwan and its people.

The tanks are part of a 108-unit order placed with the United States, with 38 delivered so far and the rest expected by 2026. These are Taiwan’s first new main battle tanks in 24 years.

The military showcase comes as China intensifies its pressure campaign around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. The drills are also politically timed, taking place just ahead of a key recall election on July 26, where Lai’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) hopes to regain control of parliament.

Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that the drills are aimed at strengthening resistance capabilities and reassuring both the public and international allies, particularly the United States.

While the M1A2T remains a formidable armored asset, military experts caution that modern tank warfare requires integrated protection against drones and advanced anti-tank weapons. Russia’s war in Ukraine has demonstrated how vulnerable even U.S.-made Abrams tanks can be to unmanned aerial systems.

Singapore-based defense scholar Thomas Lim noted that Taiwan would need to “cover their prized assets with counter-drone elements” and possibly deploy them from high ground for strategic advantage.

President Lai said he believes the tanks, through “realistic combat training,” will integrate with drones and innovative tactics to better fulfill Taiwan’s strategic goals.

China’s defense ministry dismissed the exercises as “nothing but a bluff.”