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Taiwan Live-Fires First U.S. Abrams Tanks in Han Kuang Exercises

Taipei’s live-fire showcase in Hsinchu county signaled the island’s resolve ahead of the Abrams fleet’s formal commissioning.

A U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tank takes part in live-fire exercises in Hsinchu, Taiwan July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Soldiers walk at a military base in Hsinchu, Taiwan July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te poses for a group photo in front of U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks after taking part in live-fire exercises in Hsinchu, Taiwan July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Soldiers walk past U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks as they take part in live-fire exercises in Hsinchu, Taiwan July 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Overview

  • Taiwan’s army deployed four M1A2T Abrams tanks in live-fire drills at a mud-choked training ground, engaging both moving and static targets.
  • These tanks represent Taiwan’s first new main battle armor in 24 years and are part of an initial batch of 38 delivered in December, with 70 more due by 2026.
  • Military officials said the July 10 test firing was informal and that the Abrams fleet has not yet been fully commissioned into service.
  • Defense analysts and regional attaches warn that lessons from the Ukraine war require Taiwan to integrate counter-drone systems to shield its armored units.
  • China’s defense ministry dismissed the exercises as “nothing but a bluff,” even as Taipei frames the drills as proof of its determination to deter possible aggression.