USA Delivers 108 M1A2T Abrams Tanks to Taiwan Two Years Ahead of Schedule

The United States has delivered the third and final batch of M1A2T main battle tanks to Taiwan, well ahead of the original delivery schedule.

According to CNA, citing the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China, the final shipment included 28 tanks. It marked the completion of a contract that has been underway since 2019.

The agreement aimed to modernize Taiwan’s armored fleet by replacing the outdated CM-11 Brave Tiger and CM-12 tanks, upgraded versions of the U.S. M48 and M60.

All of the tanks underwent modernization at the tank plant in Lima, Ohio.

In practice, the M1A2T is a variant of the M1A2 SEPv3, but without special armor incorporating depleted uranium inserts and without an adaptation for installing an active protection system.

The total value of the contract for 108 combat vehicles was estimated at up to $2.2 billion.

Under the original terms of the agreement, deliveries were to be completed by June 30, 2028.

The first batch of 38 M1A2T tanks arrived in Taiwan as early as December 2024. Deliveries then accelerated and were fully completed in early 2026, two years ahead of schedule.

In addition to the tanks, Taiwan also ordered 14 M88A2 HERCULES armored recovery vehicles and 16 Oshkosh M1070A1 HET heavy equipment transporters, along with a corresponding number of M1000 semi-trailers.

The delivery package also included auxiliary equipment and armaments.

According to plans, the new tanks are intended to strengthen defenses around airports in Kaohsiung (southwestern Taiwan) and Tainan, port infrastructure facilities (at least two ports), as well as northwestern areas of Taiwan near the capital, Taipei.