Taiwan received 38 advanced Abrams tanks as part of a larger deal for 108 units approved in 2019. Ground forces are crucial for Taiwan’s defense, especially in light of the recent conflict in Ukraine. Experts debate the tanks’ effectiveness given Taiwan’s terrain and potential vulnerabilities, while emphasizing their firepower against Chinese forces. The new tanks aim to modernize Taiwan’s outdated fleet, but challenges remain regarding the supply of additional military equipment amid tensions with China.
Taiwan Receives New Abrams Tanks: A Strategic Move
This December, Taiwan celebrated an unexpected holiday gift as 38 state-of-the-art Abrams tanks arrived on its shores just ahead of Christmas. These tanks represent the first installment of a total of 108 modern American battle tanks that were approved for export to Taiwan by former President Donald Trump back in 2019. The remaining 70 tanks are anticipated to make their way to Taiwan within the next two years.
Ground forces serve as the ultimate line of defense for Taiwan. The recent conflict in Ukraine has underscored the critical role of tanks in contemporary warfare. However, Taiwan’s terrain is vastly different, with its mountainous landscape rising to nearly 4,000 meters and a densely populated west coast that faces the Chinese mainland.
Expert Opinions on Taiwan’s Tank Strategy
The state-run Chinese newspaper “Global Times” mocked the arrival of the Abrams tanks, claiming that the “world’s strongest ground combat vehicle” is too heavy and cumbersome for Taiwan’s landscape. An unnamed expert cited concerns about the tanks becoming easy targets for Chinese drones and helicopters.
Contrary to this viewpoint, Sheu Jyh-Shyang, an expert from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, argues that tanks are a crucial asset for Taiwan. He emphasizes their role in providing robust firepower against ground troops and attacking Chinese beachheads during an invasion. Sheu states, “Chinese troops are vulnerable at the moment when they have little material on land and cannot dig in,” highlighting the tanks’ strategic importance.
Moreover, a strong land army is vital for Taiwan’s deterrence strategy. Sheu notes that Chinese military planners must weigh their capabilities for land combat after overcoming Taiwan’s naval and air defenses.
Despite their size, tanks can be effectively concealed when appropriately camouflaged. Their firepower rivals that of fortress artillery, making them formidable against known fortifications, which Chinese forces would likely target first in any assault.
According to the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, the newly acquired tanks will be stationed in northern Taiwan, strategically positioned near the most accessible beaches for potential Chinese amphibious landings.
Taiwan’s current tank fleet is outdated, with about a thousand units that have been in operation for over three decades. The last American tanks Taiwan received were the M60A3 models, delivered between 1995 and 2001, which feature technology developed in the 1960s.
The new Abrams tanks offer significant advancements in speed, firepower, and armor compared to older models. However, experts like Sheu caution that the 108 Abrams may not be sufficient to enhance Taiwan’s tank forces effectively. There are calls for modernization of existing models or the acquisition of additional new tanks, but no concrete plans have been announced.
Modern battle tanks are manufactured by only a select few countries, including Germany with the Leopard 2, France with the Leclerc, and the UK with the Challenger 2. South Korea produces the K2, a modern tank that has seen success in exports, while Japan builds the Type 10 for its Self-Defense Forces.
However, these alternatives are unlikely to be available to Taiwan. Although there are indications that European defense firms are cautiously exploring the Taiwanese market, any arms sales to Taiwan would provoke a strong reaction from China, which regards the island as part of its territory and claims the right to reclaim it by force. Suppliers of weapons to Taiwan must be prepared for potential economic repercussions from Beijing.
In the event of European arms deliveries, they would likely consist of personal protective equipment, communication systems, or radar technology. South Korea and Japan would likely follow a similar path. For more advanced military equipment like artillery, battle tanks, helicopters, or fighter jets, the USA remains Taiwan’s sole viable supplier.
Interestingly, some of Taiwan’s tanks have been constructed domestically by integrating chassis, turrets, and fire control systems from various American tanks. Sheu humorously describes this process as building a “hybrid tank” akin to playing with Lego blocks, while also noting Taiwan’s current lack of industrial capability to produce a fully modern battle tank.
This reliance on American military supplies presents a challenge for Taiwan, especially as the American defense industry faces delays in production. The situation has become more critical since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with nearly $20 billion worth of weapons that Taiwan has ordered awaiting delivery after receiving approval from the U.S. government.
On the bright side, the almost exclusive procurement of weapon systems from the USA ensures compatibility, with integrated communication and guidance systems. Taiwan has already placed orders for Apache attack helicopters and mobile artillery systems, like the Himars, further enhancing its defense capabilities.