Today: 13 June 2025
16 December 2024
1 min read

US delivers first batch of Abrams tanks to Taiwan 

This marks the first new tank acquisition for Taiwan in three decades, with the remaining units expected by 2025 and 2026….reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan has taken delivery of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States, marking a significant step in modernising its military capabilities amidst growing tensions with China. 

The tanks, part of a 108-unit order placed in 2019, arrived on the island late Sunday and were transferred to an army training base in Hsinchu, the defence ministry confirmed on Monday. 

This marks the first new tank acquisition for Taiwan in three decades, with the remaining units expected by 2025 and 2026. 

The Abrams tanks, renowned for their durability and advanced features, represent a major upgrade for Taiwan’s military. 

The island’s current tank fleet consists of around 1,000 aging Taiwan-made CM 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3 tanks, which are becoming increasingly outdated. 

The procurement of the Abrams tanks, at a cost exceeding $1.2 billion, underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence posture against the looming threat of a Chinese invasion. 

China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, has intensified military pressure on the self-governed island, frequently deploying warships and fighter jets near its borders. 

Last week, Taiwan reported large-scale maritime drills by China, involving approximately 90 ships simulating blockades and attacks on foreign vessels. 

Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to bolster its defence, despite maintaining a robust homegrown defence industry. 

However, a backlog in US arms deliveries, exacerbated by Covid-19 supply chain disruptions and priority shipments to Ukraine and Israel, has delayed some orders. 

The backlog now exceeds $21 billion, according to the Cato Institute. 

In response to rising tensions, Taiwan has ramped up its military spending, allocating a record $19 billion for defence in 2024. 

The investment reflects Taiwan’s strategic focus on fortifying its defences and maintaining readiness against potential aggression from China. 

ALSO READ: Trump’s Bold Diplomacy with Xi

Previous Story

1 Billion Summit organises training, mentorship programmes 

Next Story

Hostage Deal Closer Than Ever: Israel

Latest from -Top News

UN Demands Gaza Ceasefire

The resolution, adopted on Thursday, demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties.”…reports Asian Lite News The General Assembly, at an Emergency Special Session, adopted a resolution

India thanks UAE’s support

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s UAE visit blended high-level diplomacy and cultural outreach, reaffirming India-UAE strategic ties while honouring shared values at the landmark BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Foreign Secretary Vikram

Dubai Unveils Visa Megacentre

Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, the Dubai Visa Application Centre has the capacity to process up to 10,000 applications daily, making it the highest-capacity visa processing centre at a single location in

UK Showcases Emirati Talent

Rajai Khouri, Founder of PPT, praised the Kensington Palace concert as a historic first for the Trust and ADMAF. “It was the first collaboration with Emirati artists and featured the world premiere

Misri in Abu Dhabi, Terror Fight Tops Agenda

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday met Sheikh Nahyan bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US to deploy 500 more troops in Europe

Kirby also announced that the new deployments are being positioned

UAE-China Summit announced during ADGM’s China Roadshow

The UAE-China Summit presented by HSBC will mark 40 years