US to deliver first 38 Abrams tanks to Taiwan

The US will deliver the first batch of 38 Abrams tanks to Taiwan in 2024, Report informs referring to TASS.

The schedule provides for the delivery of another 42 tanks in 2025, and the last batch of 28 such combat vehicles will be delivered in 2026. This is a modification of the M1A2T.

The island’s ground forces have already formed a group of officers who will be sent to the US to train in the combat use of vehicles and their maintenance. After returning to Taiwan, they will become military instructors in the armed forces.

The sale of 108 Abrams tanks to Taiwan for $2.2 billion was approved by the US State Department in 2019. The M1A2T is a modification of the M1A2 main battle tank SEPv2 (System Enhancement Package version 2) upgraded in accordance with Taiwan’s requests. This modification is equipped with a specially made combat module and includes several improvements that increase the survivability of the combat vehicle as a whole. It has reinforced frontal and side armor to protect the crew.