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Taiwan conducts first live-fire exercise with US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks amid rising Chinese activity

On July 10, 2025, the Taiwanese Army conducted the first live-fire drill involving its newly acquired M1A2T main battle tanks at the Kengzikou training range in Hsinchu County. Four tanks from the initial batch of 38 delivered in December 2024 by the United States were deployed. The exercise was held in conjunction with the ongoing Han Kuang 41 military exercises but was not officially listed as part of the core live-fire segment. The tanks performed firing procedures from stationary positions and while on the move, engaging both moving and static targets. They fired individually, in pairs, and in a platoon formation. President Lai Ching-te was present at the event and stated that enhanced strike capabilities and mobility contributed to national security. According to the Army, the tanks achieved full firing accuracy during the training. Read full defense news at this link...

The M1A2T retains a 120mm M256 smoothbore main gun capable of firing APFSDS and HEAT rounds, including the export-specific KE-W A1 APFSDS-T, with penetration reportedly reaching up to 850mm of homogeneous steel. (Picture source: Taiwanese MoD)



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