The Republic of China (Taiwan) is modernizing its fleet of M60A3 tanks by installing additional armor elements.

The Central News Agency published the photos of the equipment.

The tanks bear the logo of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is developing situational awareness systems at the request of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry.

In addition to improving electronics, modernization is also aimed at increasing the survivability of tanks on the battlefield.

Although the chassis remains unchanged, the turret has received additional armor in the form of metal plates that strengthen the side projections.

Also noticeable are new elements that look like mortars for setting up smoke screens. In the original M60A3, they are located closer to the front of the turret and are lower.

In addition, these elements can be part of an active defense system.

On the rear of the turret roof, you can see a device that looks like a laser or optoelectronic suppression system. The same element is located in the middle part of the roof.

The updated M60A3 also received an enlarged rear cage, which, similar to the M1A2 Abrams, is likely to be used to accommodate additional power, air conditioning, tools, or personal belongings of the crew.

The silhouette of the tank’s turret has significantly increased, and an object similar to a command turret with a square superstructure can be recognized.

Other elements are also visible under the cover, which could be additional optical equipment, such as a panoramic sight or a remotely controlled machine gun module.

On December 8, it was reported that Taiwanese M60s were equipped with anti-drone slat armor.

The released footage showed a US-made M60A3 TTS main battle tank equipped with additional protective structures.

The side of the combat vehicle is equipped with a mesh along its entire length, which partially covers the tracks, and protective structures cover the sides and front of the turret.

In addition, the tank’s rotary armored turret is equipped with slat armor with a hinged lid.