The Taiwanese Army has commenced an intensive training program for the first batch of M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks, which were delivered from the United States in December 2024. This initiative marks a significant advancement in Taiwan’s military capabilities and readiness.
The training effort is led by Taiwanese military instructors who recently returned home after receiving specialized training in the United States in November 2024. These instructors have started conducting classroom sessions aimed at familiarizing their fellow soldiers with the advanced operational requirements of the Abrams tanks. The curriculum focuses not only on the unique performance features of these tanks but also covers essential aspects such as maintenance requirements and safety protocols.
Many of the soldiers being trained are experienced operators of older US-made tanks, and the retraining process is designed to smooth the transition to operating the more sophisticated Abrams models. A military source has indicated that barring any further training delays, the Taiwanese military could initiate combat preparations for these third-generation tanks in the latter half of this year. However, preliminary assessments are planned to ensure the tanks are entirely ready for deployment before they are fully fielded in operations.
To bolster the training for the Abrams tank operators, a new proving ground is currently under construction in Kengzihkou, Hsinchu County. This facility is set to significantly enhance training opportunities for the operators by incorporating a multi-purpose shooting range that accommodates both night and mobile firing exercises.
The proving ground is also slated to feature innovative target platforms that can move automatically, thereby providing a dynamic and interactive training experience for the soldiers. This cutting-edge training environment will include an extended range of 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles), allowing for extensive long-range testing of the Abrams’ sophisticated weapon systems. While army sources have yet to provide a precise timeline for the facility’s completion, its development is a critical component of Taiwan’s strategic military enhancement efforts.
