Taiwan’s military showcased the firepower of its newly acquired U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks on Thursday, marking their first public appearance as part of the island’s broader efforts to bolster defence capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.
Four of the advanced main battle tanks were seen navigating through muddy terrain at a training ground in Hsinchu County, firing at both moving and stationary targets. The demonstration came during the second day of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military drills, which simulate combat across air, sea, and land.
President Lai Ching-te, wearing a combat helmet, observed the exercise and praised the tank’s performance. “Whether in terms of strike power or mobility, this is undoubtedly the most formidable tank on the battlefield,” he said. “Each enhancement in our military capability adds another layer of protection for our nation and our people.”
The Abrams tanks, part of a total order of 108, are the first new tanks Taiwan has received in 24 years. The initial batch of 38 was delivered in December 2024, with the remainder expected by the end of 2026.
The exercises come at a time of heightened military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased its military activity near the island in recent years. Lai’s administration hopes the drills will demonstrate Taiwan’s readiness to defend itself, not only to Beijing but also to international partners, particularly the United States, its primary defence supplier.
The show of force also precedes a key parliamentary by-election on July 26, where Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) aims to regain legislative control.
Despite the Abrams’ reputation as a top-tier battle tank, defence analysts caution that modern warfare, particularly lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, has exposed even elite armoured units to significant threats from drones and advanced anti-tank systems.
“The Abrams is a powerful and adaptable asset, especially in urban and coastal defence,” said one regional military attaché. “But Taiwan will need to integrate strong counter-drone capabilities to protect these tanks on the battlefield.”
Major General Chou Kuang-i, head of the 584th Armoured Brigade, noted that the tanks are not yet officially commissioned but are expected to enter active service later this year. Deployment will be based on current threat assessments and tactical demands, he said.
Singapore-based defence scholar Thomas Lim added that Taiwan may need to position these prized assets on elevated terrain or use drone countermeasures to safeguard them in a future conflict. “This isn’t unique to the Abrams; it’s a modern battlefield challenge,” he said.
President Lai echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence that the M1A2T will eventually integrate with drone and tech-based tactics to support Taiwan’s strategic defence goals.
As part of the broader Han Kuang exercise, Taiwan is also conducting civilian defence drills to enhance public resilience. On Thursday, supermarket chain PX Mart conducted evacuation simulations in three locations, with staff and customers guided to basement shelters during simulated air raids.
Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Lin Fei-fan, emphasised the importance of full-spectrum preparedness. “These drills remind us that both government and civil society must be ready for all scenarios,” he said, highlighting the growing risks Taiwan faces.
In response to Taiwan’s exercises, China’s Ministry of Defence dismissed them as nothing but a bluff.
Nevertheless, Taiwan’s message is clear: it intends to be ready, militarily and civically, in the face of growing regional threats.
Reuters/s.s