[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] As the United States has decided to sell over 100 latest tanks to Taiwan, tensions among the US, Taiwan, and China are expected to escalate further.
According to Taiwanese media, citing a Ministry of Defense document recently submitted to the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan (parliament), the Taiwanese government has agreed to purchase 108 American-made M1A2 Abrams tanks and has completed coordination and related procedures with the US side.
The new tanks to be imported this time are the M1A2X, an export model that is a slightly modified version of the M1A2 SEP V3 tank series. These tanks are expected to be deployed to two armored brigades in northern Taiwan.
The M1A2X tank measures 9.83m in length, 3.66m in width, 3.08m in height, and weighs 63 tons, exceeding both the weight of the currently operated M60A3 tanks in the Taiwanese military at 52 tons and the maximum towing weight of 43 tons stipulated by Taiwanese road laws, which is known to pose some safety and regulatory issues. In response, Taiwan plans to introduce transport trailers currently used by the US military and establish and operate a transport trailer unit.
Currently, the US Forces Korea deploy the M-2A2 Bradley 'SEP v2' (Bradley). This is the previous version of the export model intended for sale to Taiwan. The M-1A2 tank is an upgraded version of the 'M-1A1' tank, equipped with a 'Commander Independent Thermal Viewer' (CITV). This means that while the gunner is aiming at the enemy, the commander can pre-select another target.
The M-1A2 tank has replaced internal electronic equipment, sights, and auxiliary generators with improved new models. It can exchange real-time battlefield situational information with surrounding units. Additionally, the frontal and side armor defense has been enhanced, improving crew survivability.
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