US to send second batch of M1A2T Abrams tanks to Taiwan amid rising Chinese threats.

As reported by Taiwan Arms Tracker on June 2, 2025, Taiwan is preparing to receive the second batch of M1A2T main battle tanks and M88A2 armored recovery vehicles from the United States by the end of June 2025. This batch consists of 42 M1A2Ts and 4 M88A2s and follows the first delivery of 38 tanks and 4 recovery vehicles that arrived in mid-December 2024. The vehicles were observed at the Port of Los Angeles, with footage showing vehicles stored in a container yard before maritime transport. 
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The M1A2T tanks will form the final layer to counter a potential Chinese amphibious landing, to execute the direct engagement of enemy forces attempting to push inland. (Picture source: Twitter/Taiwan Arms Tracker)

According to the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense, this delivery remains on schedule as part of a broader contract signed in 2017 and approved in 2019 under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. Taiwan’s total acquisition includes 108 newly manufactured M1A2T tanks and 14 M88A2s, with the remaining 28 tanks scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026. The M1A2T tanks incorporate key features of the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration but exclude certain U.S.-only components such as depleted uranium armor. The tanks integrate a digital architecture, improved networking systems, and enhanced power management capabilities. They are equipped with the Ammunition DataLink, which enables the use of programmable rounds like the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) munition, supporting airburst, point-detonate, and delay modes. The turret features the Low-Profile Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (LP-CROWS), and the tank is fitted with Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR) sensors. These systems enhance target engagement while on the move and in degraded visibility. Visually, the tanks display a three-tone jungle camouflage and an Auxiliary Cooling and Power System (ACPS) mounted at the rear-left of the turret, a feature present in both delivered batches. All vehicles are produced in the United States at Anniston Army Depot and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, and are not sourced from existing U.S. inventory.

As of June 2025, Taiwan’s Army has received 38 M1A2T tanks currently used for conversion training by the 584th Armored Brigade at the Armor Training Command. This brigade, based in Hsinchu, is expected to be reinforced with the incoming batch. The tanks are scheduled to conduct their first live-fire exercises between June 18 and 27 at the newly developed Kengzikou training range in Hsinchu County. The Ministry of National Defense states that the construction of the primary firing pad at this range was completed in May 2025. The facility supports a maximum ballistic height of 609 meters and enforces a minimum safety radius of 5.56 kilometers, consistent with the safety requirements for 120mm tank gun use. In parallel, construction continues on the Chang’an military camp’s sub-caliber range for the M1A2T, with completion expected in 2026. Reports submitted to the Legislative Yuan confirm that construction progress is currently 5.51% ahead of schedule.

In addition to the training facilities, the Ministry of National Defense has allocated approximately NT$648.93 million to upgrade infrastructure supporting the M1A2T program. While the initial batch of tanks has enabled personnel training, associated facilities such as the sub-caliber range and tactical driving courses are still under development. The training curriculum is divided into initial, intermediate, and advanced modules, covering basic driving, advanced maneuvering, and tactical operations. These activities will be conducted at Chang’an until a full transition to the Kengzikou range is feasible. In response to legislative concerns regarding infrastructure delays, the Ministry has submitted written updates and authorized the release of previously frozen funds based on construction milestones. As of early 2025, work on water retention, drainage systems, and temporary disaster prevention remains on track, with ongoing coordination meetings to align training schedules with construction timelines.

The M1A2T tanks will primarily be deployed in northern Taiwan. The 584th Brigade is responsible for defending the so-called Red Beaches in Taoyuan and Zhubei, while the 269th Brigade, stationed in Linkou, is tasked with securing access routes to Taipei from the northwest. Ten tanks will be retained for training, while the remainder will be distributed among operational units, including the 584th and 269th. The older CM12 tanks have been completely decommissioned and transferred to the Armament and Maintenance Development Center for dismantling and parts recovery. M60A3 tanks are scheduled for limited upgrades, while CM11 tanks will be progressively placed into storage. Officials have discussed the possibility of holding a formal induction ceremony following the tanks’ evaluation, potentially inviting U.S. representatives and descendants of General Creighton Abrams, after whom the platform is named. This event would follow live-fire certification exercises in late June and the formal fielding of the first operational unit later in 2025. The M1A2Ts are expected to remain in service through at least 2040 to support layered deterrence and rapid response capabilities in northern Taiwan.

The introduction of the M1A2T occurs as part of a broader modernization effort within the Army. Alongside the tanks, Taiwan is fielding HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, ATACMS tactical missiles, loitering munitions, and man-portable air defense systems such as the FIM-92 Stinger. Indigenous programs include the T112 battle rifle, which is entering production. The Army has stated that both the M1A2T and HIMARS systems will reach initial operational capability during the second half of 2025. These platforms are already integrated into Joint Theater Level Simulation scenarios for the Han Kuang 41 exercise, although they will not participate in the live-fire segment scheduled for July. The exercise simulates Chinese gray-zone and amphibious operations under a 2027 invasion scenario, a timeline reflected in Taiwanese defense planning and supported by assessments from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Taiwanese defense analysts, including Su Tzu-yun of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, describe a five-layer coastal defense strategy designed to counter a potential amphibious landing by the People’s Liberation Army. The first layer employs anti-ship missiles to strike Chinese naval vessels at sea before landfall. The second layer relies on mobile artillery, including the Thunderbolt-2000 multiple rocket system, M109A6 self-propelled howitzers, and HIMARS, to target disembarkation zones. The third layer consists of attack helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache, tasked with engaging enemy armor and infantry shortly after landing. The fourth layer deploys coastal missile batteries to secure chokepoints and support prior layers through coordinated fire. The fifth and final layer integrates armored ground forces, particularly the M1A2T tanks, intended to execute mobile counterattacks, intercept enemy advances, and reestablish control over penetrated sectors. This layered approach aims to achieve early attrition, maintain engagement depth, and ensure localized firepower dominance across threatened coastal areas.