TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan activated its first M1A2T tank battalion Friday (Oct. 31) in a ceremony led by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) at Hsinchu's Hukou (湖口) military base. The milestone marks the completion of a major US defense procurement launched in 2019.
The military purchased 108 M1A2T tanks from the US for NT$40.5 billion (around US$1.32 billion) in 2019. Taiwan received 38 tanks late last year and 42 more in July. The remaining 28 tanks arrive in the first quarter of 2026.
Military officials will deploy all 108 tanks in Taiwan's northern region. The 584 Armor Brigade (584裝甲旅) receives complete upgrades while the 269 Mechanized Infantry Brigade (269機步旅) at Linkou Plateau (林口台地) transitions to new equipment.
The M1A2T tanks completed live-fire exercises in July, demonstrating enhanced firepower, mobility and defense capabilities. Each tank features a 120-mm smoothbore gun and 1,500-horsepower engine. Army officials confirmed hull structures remain operational until 2040.