TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan received the second batch of 42 M1A2T tanks from the United States at the Port of Taipei one day earlier than scheduled. Authorities transported the American-made tanks to the Army Armor Training Command in Hukou Township (湖口鄉) early Monday (July 28) morning using large civilian trailers, according to Taiwan's official Central News Agency (CNA, 中央社). The delivery represents a significant milestone in Taiwan's military modernization efforts.
Taiwan's Army currently operates approximately 1,000 tanks, including the domestically-produced CM-11 Brave Tiger (CM-11勇虎式戰車) and aging M60A3 models. The military allocated NT$40.5 billion (around US$1.38 billion) to procure 108 M1A2T tanks from the United States between 2019 and 2027. The initial batch of 38 tanks arrived last December and successfully conducted live-fire exercises at the Kengzikou (坑子口) training ground on July 10, hitting their designated targets.
The second batch was originally scheduled to arrive last Saturday evening but faced delays due to typhoon conditions, pushing their arrival to Sunday. Civilian trailers covered in black waterproof tarps began transporting the tanks at 12:10 a.m. Monday via the West Coast Expressway (西濱快速道路) to the training command in Hukou Township (湖口鄉). The pre-dawn convoy operation ensured secure and discreet delivery of the military equipment.
Taiwan is acquiring 14 M88A2 recovery vehicles, 16 M1070A1 transport trucks, and 16 M1000 trailers alongside the 108 M1A2T tanks. These comprehensive military acquisitions reflect Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges. The equipment package represents a significant investment in Taiwan's armored warfare capabilities and strategic deterrence posture. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.4)