Taiwan receives state-of-the-art M1A2T tanks from the US
Americans are preparing to export another batch of M1A2T Abrams tanks to a key U.S. ally. Interestingly, that ally is not Ukraine but a country in dispute with China. We explain which nation will receive these tanks and their key characteristics.
The Americans are preparing to deliver new M1A2T Abrams tanks to Taiwan. Photos have surfaced online showing the transport of tanks from the Lima plant in Ohio, headed to the port for shipment to Taiwan.
These tanks are part of a 2019 contract valued at $2 billion, involving Taiwan's purchase of 108 tanks. This represents a significant reinforcement for the island in the event of an invasion by the People's Republic of China.
M1A2T Abrams - the version for Taiwan
It is important to note that all currently produced Abrams tanks are created through a comprehensive overhaul of M1 versions stored at Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) in Northern California. This depot contains hundreds of M1 Abrams tanks in various versions, which are later used as the base for building new ones by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).
The key modification is the alteration of armour inserts with depleted uranium (versions for the US Army) or their removal and replacement with inserts based on other materials (export versions).
Additionally, almost all other components are essentially replaced, which unfortunately takes months. The M1A2T Abrams version is very similar to the M1A2 SEP V3 received by Poland. From the photos, there are no visible radar antennas or mounting points for them on the turret as seen in US Army machines, so these are likely versions without the active protection system Trophy.
Moreover, the M1A2 SEPv3 features the most advanced fire control system with thermal imaging and an unmanned Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP) turret by Kongsberg. It is available to the commander and in the case of Abrams tanks, it is equipped with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun. Of course, the turret also has its own thermal imaging camera.
In addition, the M1A2T tanks have an additional power generator for onboard electronics and air conditioning, providing power when the main engine is off. This is a key aspect for concealing the tank during, for example, an ambush in the age of ubiquitous thermal imaging systems. All this results in a weight of approximately 67,000 kilograms, placing the Abrams among the heaviest but also the best-armoured tanks in the world.
