Taiwan has taken delivery of 38 advanced US-made Abrams tanks to strengthen military capabilities against potential Chinese attack. Abrams tanks are a mainstay of US military and among the heaviest in the world.
In addition, a semi-official news agency confirmed that M1A2s are the first new batch of tanks to Taiwan in 30 years, ordered in 2019. The government allocated more than $1.2 billion for the 108 Abrams. The army official said that remaining order is due in 2025 and 2026. Taiwan’s Ministry of National defense shared picture with the message “Heavy Armors Have Arrived!”
Under the invasion threats from China and increasing military and naval patrols, Taipei is consistently focusing on its defense industry. Taiwan’s tank force consists of approximately 1000 Taiwan-made CM, 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3 tanks. US Abrams tanks are the new addition to it. It has increased spending on its military and allocated around $19 billion budget for 2024.
Last week, Taiwanese authorities claimed that Beijing held its biggest maritime drills in year. The 90 ships deployed near the southern island of Japan to the South China Sea. The security official monitored that the vessels near coastline often target foreign ships and block sea routes. Though Beijing did not confirm the drills.
Meanwhile, on Monday Chinese foreign ministry warned the United States to “stop arming Taiwan” and “supporting Taiwan independence forces” on supplying Abrams tanks. The ministry spokesperson said, “The Taiwan authorities’ attempt to seek independence through force and foreign help is doomed to fail.” China is closely monitoring the situation to protect its national sovereignty.
From past few years, the country was facing massive backlog over military supplies. Covid-19 was the major setback to supply chain of arms, US increasingly investing in Ukraine and Israel has also slowed deliveries to Taiwan. Meanwhile, this batch of US Abrams tanks will bolster the country’s defense potentials and deterrence against any possible aggression.
