Taiwan receives first wave of U.S. Abrams tanks amid tensions
Thirty-eight M1A2T Abrams tanks have arrived in Taiwan. This is the first batch of 108 American tanks that the Ministry of Defence in Taipei plans to receive in total. The Chinese authorities quickly reacted to the delivery, calling on the United States to stop arming Taiwan. We explain the capabilities of the M1A2T Abrams tanks.
Deliveries of Abrams tanks to Taiwan have been planned for several years. The sale of 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks was approved in July 2019 by the U.S. Department of State. In addition to the 38 tanks, the first shipment from the United States included four M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles.
Taiwan received the first batch of American Abrams tanks
The M1A2T Abrams is a tank with a design and equipment that is very similar to the M1A2 SEP V3 version, among others. It does not have depleted uranium armour, which is reserved for the versions of the U.S. Army, nor does it have the Trophy active protection system.
Its main armament is the M256 smoothbore cannon with a calibre of 120 mm (approximately 4.7 inches), which is adapted to use various types of ammunition, including programmable ammunition. The M1A2T Abrams is also equipped with the most advanced fire control system featuring thermal imaging and auxiliary armament as an unmanned turret, the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP).
It is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500C engine with 1,500 horsepower. Still, the M1A2T Abrams also has an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that allows some functions to be used without starting the main engine.
Chinese authorities unhappy with the turn of events
The delivery schedule assumes that another 42 M1A2T tanks will arrive in Taiwan in 2025, and the final 28 units of the ordered batch will be delivered in 2026.
Beijing authorities expressed dissatisfaction with the delivery of Abrams tanks to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson emphasized that China "strongly opposes U.S. military ties with Taiwan and arms sales." The U.S. authorities were called upon to "adhere to the One China principle."
