TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Army held an activation ceremony Friday for its new M1A2T Abrams tanks, marking its first deployment of top-tier armor, CNA reported.
Taiwan purchased 108 US-made M1A2T tanks, equipped with a digital control system, a remote gun turret, and a real-time data link that enables units to share information instantly. Their 120 mm cannon can penetrate thick armor and utilize a “hunter-killer” system to lock onto targets quickly.
Hsu Chih-hsiang (許智翔), a research assistant at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the tanks will not be used on beaches since China's troops would have already dominated the air and sea if they landed. Instead, the M1A2T will focus on city defense, working with infantry and drones.
Hsu explained that older Taiwanese tanks cannot survive modern anti-tank weapons. The M1A2T’s stronger armor will help soldiers and tanks fight together more safely, but the Army still needs to improve its battle training to use the tanks effectively.
In addition, Hsu suggested adding active protection systems like Israel’s Trophy APS to shoot down incoming missiles and drones. The US Army already trains on anti-drone tactics, and Taiwan’s tank units may need to speed up similar upgrades.
Military writer Huang Chun-min (黃竣民) said Taiwan’s strategy has shifted to focus on “urban resilience,” meaning defense inside cities, not just on beaches. He added that the Army should expand training for street fighting, air defense, and teamwork between ground and air units.
Tamkang University Professor Lin Ying-yu (林穎佑) said bringing in the M1A2T is a major step forward but warned the Army is still figuring out how to use so many new weapons at once. Lin pointed out that soldiers need time to learn to work with these weapons.
The M1A2T's hunter-killer system lets the tank commander spot and track targets independently from the gunner. It means the commander can find the next target while the gunner is still firing, allowing the tank to engage faster and keep eyes on two directions at once.
