The army has submitted a budget report on a proposal to buy tanks from the US. The army sent the report to the Legislature’s defense and foreign affairs committee on Wednesday.
The proposal calls for Taiwan to purchase 108 M1A2T tanks. The tanks will arrive in four deliveries, set to arrive between 2023 and 2026. The total cost for Taiwan is expected to come to around NT$39.8 billion (US$1.3 billion).
The tanks’ firepower, fast maneuverability, and armor are expected to make them a key part of Taiwan’s military. In addition to bolstering Taiwan’s defenses, boosting its combat-readiness, and helping protect key installations, the tanks will also boost morale and show Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.
US experts came to Taiwan last year to inspect Taiwan’s training facilities. Meanwhile, the army plans to send military instructors to the US to learn about training soldiers in the use of the tanks. The first group of military instructors is expected to head for the US in 2023.