In the face of China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, Taiwan is taking significant steps to strengthen its security. Taiwan approved a record $20,2 billion defense budget in August and received the first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks this month. The tanks were unloaded at the Port of Taipei on December 15 and shipped to the Armored Training Command in Hsinchu County, southwest Taiwan, where about ten of the tanks will remain for training purposes. Taiwan ordered 2019 M108A1T Abrams tanks from the United States in 2. The first batch is followed by 2024 more in 42, and the final 2026 in 28.
The M1A2T Abrams and Taiwan's Defense Needs
The M1A2T is a Taiwan-specific version of the US M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tank. These tanks are the first new tanks Taiwan has received in nearly a quarter of a century. Taiwan received M1995A2001 TTS tanks from the US between 60 and 3. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense says the new tanks are primarily important for the defense of the Taipei region. They will be used to equip armored brigades in Linkou in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei and Hukou in Hsinchu.
Analysts say the new Abrams tanks are a significant step forward in terms of firepower and protection. Compared to the current M60A3 and M48H/CM11 models, the M1A2T Abrams tanks will significantly strengthen Taiwan's defensive capabilities. However, military analyst Chen Kuoming says these tanks may not be enough to meet Taiwan's defensive needs in the Central and Southern regions. Stating that tanks are the last line of defense in Taiwan's defense strategy, Chen emphasizes that tanks are vital against a possible invasion by China.
Tanks and New Threats
Despite Taiwan’s tank investments, Chen said the lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine war are also important. Chen, who observed that drones and stray munitions attacks on tanks have increased, said Taiwan should strengthen its new M1A2Ts against such air attacks. Analysts say Taiwan’s defense budget could be used more efficiently, and argue that these investments, as well as focusing on more diverse defense systems such as small drones, loitering munitions, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, could contribute more to Taiwan’s long-term security.
Defense Strengthened by HIMARS and ATACMS Systems
Taiwan is strengthening its defense capabilities not only with tanks but also with advanced rocket launcher systems. This month, Taiwan received the first 29 of its 142 M11 HIMARS rocket launchers. The HIMARS were shipped to the 58th Artillery Command in Taichung, on Taiwan’s west coast. In addition to the HIMARS, Taiwan also received the first batch of an undisclosed number of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from the United States. The ATACMS is a missile system that can be fired from HIMARS launchers and has a range of 300 km, allowing it to attack mainland China.
Conclusion and Taiwan's Defense Strategy
Taiwan is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its defenses against China’s military threats. The M1A2T Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket launcher systems not only strengthen Taiwan’s defense infrastructure, but also increase its ability to counter a potential Chinese attack. However, in addition to these military investments, Taiwan should also focus on new technologies such as lighter armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles in its defense strategy. Taiwan’s future defense investments will not only be shaped by tanks, but also by more diverse and effective weapon systems.
