Taipei: A second batch of 42 M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks that Taiwan bought from the United States is expected to arrive at the Port of Taipei by ship late on Saturday, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.Taiwan has allocated approximately NT$40.52 billion (US$1.38 billion) from 2019 to 2027 to acquire a total of 108 M1A2T tanks from the U.S. The tanks are intended for deployment with the Sixth Army Corps to bolster defenses in northern Taiwan. The first delivery of 38 tanks occurred in December 2024. On July 10, four of these tanks participated in a live-fire drill at the Kengzikou Range in Hsinchu County. During the exercise, they fired 19 rounds at both stationary and moving targets designed to resemble Chinese PLA tanks, successfully hitting all targets with their Hunter-Killer targeting system.

According to Focus Taiwan, once the 42 tanks arrive, they will be transported to the Hukou Armored Training Command in Hsinchu. The delivery schedule is being closely monitored due to potential typhoon activity that could cause delays. The final batch of 28 tanks is anticipated to be delivered before mid-2026.

The Taiwanese Army currently has around 1,000 tanks in its arsenal, including the CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 models, which have been operational for over 20 years. Besides acquiring the new M1A2T tanks, the Ministry has also undertaken upgrades to the M60A3 tanks, equipping them with new engines.