Taiwan Unveils US-Supplied Abrams Tanks During Annual War Drills, Eyes Drone Integration for Defense

Taipei/Hsinchu [Taiwan]: Taiwan showcased its newly acquired U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks during its annual Han Kuang military drills, signaling its commitment to strengthening defense against potential Chinese aggression and modernizing battlefield capabilities amid evolving drone warfare threats.

On the second day of the exercises, four Abrams tanks maneuvered across muddy training grounds in Hsinchu, firing at moving and static targets while President Lai Ching-te observed the live-fire demonstration wearing a combat helmet.

“Whether in terms of strike capability or mobility, it was extremely powerful—undoubtedly the strongest tank on the battlefield,” President Lai stated, adding that each improvement in combat power adds “an extra layer of security” for the nation.

Part of Taiwan’s Modernization Efforts

The tanks are the first new tanks Taiwan has received in 24 years, with 38 of the 108 ordered Abrams tanks delivered in December. The remainder will arrive later this year and next year as Taiwan accelerates its defense upgrades amid rising Chinese military pressure over the past five years.

Senior Taiwanese military officials emphasized that the 10-day drills demonstrate to China, the U.S., and the international community Taiwan’s determination to defend itself against any invasion.

Lessons from Ukraine: Protecting Tanks Against Drones

While the Abrams remains a potent and versatile platform for urban and coastal defense, analysts highlight the need to integrate counter-drone measures to protect tanks on the modern battlefield, referencing vulnerabilities seen with tanks in the Ukraine war, including U.S.-supplied Abrams tanks.

President Lai acknowledged these challenges, stating that realistic combat training will enable the Abrams tanks to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to fulfill Taiwan’s strategic objectives effectively.

“Through realistic combat training, the M1A2T tank will be able to integrate with drones and innovative tactics to more effectively fulfill the nation’s strategic objectives,” Lai said.

Deployment and Future Strategy

Major General Chou Kuang-i, head of Taiwan’s 584th Armor Brigade, confirmed that the tanks are expected to enter service later this year, with deployment decisions based on “the current enemy threat and tactical needs.”

Singapore-based defense scholar Thomas Lim noted Taiwan will likely protect these “prized assets” with counter-drone systems or deploy them strategically from high positions, acknowledging that protecting tanks from modern threats is “not straightforward,” but challenges are not unique to the Abrams platform.

China’s Reaction and Civil Defense Drills

China’s defense ministry dismissed Taiwan’s drills as “nothing but a bluff,” but Taiwan continues to bolster military readiness alongside civil defense rehearsals to test public preparedness.

Local supermarket chain PX Mart conducted evacuation drills in three stores as air raid sirens sounded, escorting shoppers into basements to simulate emergency responses.

Lin Fei-fan, Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, emphasized the importance of these drills, reminding the public that both government and civil society must be prepared for every kind of situation given the risks the island faces.