HSINCHU (TVBS News) — Taiwan received its first batch of 38 M1A2T tanks at an armor training command library in Hsinchu (新竹) early Monday (Dec. 16), along with four M88A2 recovery vehicles. Experts and legislators have noted that these armored forces could significantly enhance the nation’s military capabilities.
The tanks, which are part of a purchase of 108 from the United States, arrived at Taipei Port (台北港) a day earlier. They were transferred to the Armor Training Command Library (裝訓部) using civilian heavy-duty trailers, escorted by police and military personnel.
Having embarked from the U.S. West Coast in early December, the tanks reached Taiwan's northern waters by mid-December. The operation was classified as confidential, prompting heightened security measures around the port.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) emphasized the upgrade from the old M60 tanks, describing it as a "leap in combat capability." Meanwhile, military expert Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) praised the M1A2T's 120mm gun and advanced armor, which boosts survivability against enemy detection.
