Taiwan bolsters defense with arrival of US M1A2T Abrams tanks

Americans are preparing to export another batch of M1A2T Abrams tanks to a key U.S. ally. Interestingly, that ally is not Ukraine but a country in dispute with China. We will explain who will receive these tanks and their characteristics.

The U.S. is preparing to deliver new M1A2T Abrams tanks to Taiwan. Photos have surfaced online showing the transport of tanks from the Lima plant in Ohio to the port for shipment.

These machines were ordered under a 2019 contract worth $2 billion, involving Taiwan's purchase of 108 tanks. This represents a significant reinforcement for the island in the event of an invasion by the People's Republic of China.

It is worth noting that all currently produced Abrams tanks are created through a thorough overhaul of M1 versions stored at Sierra Army Depot (SIAD). This is located in Northern California and contains hundreds of M1 Abrams tanks in various versions, which are later used as the base for building new ones by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).

The key modification is the alteration of armor inserts with depleted uranium (versions for the U.S. Army) or their removal and replacement with inserts based on other materials (export versions).

Additionally, almost everything else is essentially replaced, which unfortunately takes months. The M1A2T Abrams version is very similar to the M1A2 SEP V3 received by Poland. The photos show no visible radar antennas or mounting points on the turret as seen in U.S. Army machines, so these are likely versions without the active protection system Trophy.

Moreover, the M1A2 SEPv3 features the most advanced fire control system with thermal imaging and an unmanned Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP) turret by Kongsberg. It is available to the commander, and in the case of Abrams tanks, it is equipped with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun. Of course, the turret also has its own thermal imaging camera.

In addition, the M1A2T tanks have an additional power generator for onboard electronics and air conditioning, providing power when the main engine is off. This is one of the key aspects of concealing the tank during, for example, an ambush in the age of ubiquitous thermal imaging systems. All this results in a weight of approximately 74 tons, placing Abrams among the heaviest but also the best-armored tanks in the world.