Taiwan's military capabilities have received a significant boost with the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the first of 108 tanks ordered by Taiwan in 2019. This delivery, confirmed by Taiwan’s defence ministry on December 16, marks the island’s first new tank acquisition in three decades, as it strengthens its defences against an increasingly assertive China, as reported by AFP.

The Abrams tanks, which arrived late on December 15, were swiftly transferred to an army training base in Hsinchu, located south of the capital Taipei. Taiwan’s current tank force largely comprises older models, including the domestically produced CM 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3, both of which are becoming increasingly obsolete. The M1A2s are considered among the most advanced in the world, with superior firepower and protection, making them crucial for Taiwan as it faces the ever-present threat of Chinese invasion.

Washington has been Taiwan's most important ally and primary arms supplier for decades, a relationship that has long angered Beijing. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. In response, Taiwan has sought to modernise its military, with a particular focus on acquiring cutting-edge weapons systems such as the Abrams tanks. Taiwan allocated more than $1.2bn for the M1A2s in 2019, with the remainder of the order expected to arrive by 2026.

While US arms sales to Taiwan are supported by long standing agreements, the delivery of military equipment has been delayed by several factors, including COVID-19-related supply chain issues and ongoing shipments to other US allies, such as Ukraine and Israel. As a result, a backlog of more than $21bn in arms sales to Taiwan has accumulated, according to the Cato Institute.

Amid these delays, Taiwan continues to ramp up its defence spending. For 2024, Taipei has allocated a record $19bn to its military budget, as it seeks to counter China's growing military presence in the region. Recent Chinese drills, including large-scale maritime exercises involving 90 ships near Taiwan, have only heightened security concerns.

As Taiwan fortifies its military capabilities, the delivery of the Abrams tanks represents a critical step in preparing for potential threats, reinforcing Taiwan’s reliance on US support and its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.