TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army continued conversion training for its M1A2T Abrams tanks on Monday.

The tanks, assigned to the 584th Armored Brigade, conducted target practice at the Kengzikou proving grounds to familiarize tank crews with the Abrams operations system, per Military News Agency. 

During the exercise, crews first checked communications. They then began firing at fixed and moving targets under the guidance of instructors, while stationary and mobile. 

Joint battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Zhang (張), said that crews already possess basic operational and fire control capabilities. Conversion training combined with live-fire exercises hones their ability to rapidly field new equipment and achieve combat readiness.

Last week, the 584th Armored Brigade deployed Abrams tanks along with Clouded Leopard infantry fighting vehicles and Humvees armed with TOW missiles in Hsinchu for a battalion-level combat readiness exercise. Drills tested personnel on joint operations and coordination and verified commanders’ ability to employ different tactics and respond effectively to evolving situations. 

The military said in November that Taiwan’s Abrams tanks will be integrated into the nation’s command and control system. Planning for this has been underway since 2018, and progress has been continuous.

The first tank battalion was inaugurated in October at the 584th Armored Brigade base in Hsinchu.