TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has prioritized extending the service life of its fleet of M60A3 Patton tanks to ensure they can operate further into the future.
In 2022, the Army allocated NT$444.01 million (US$13.95 million) to enhance the tanks’ fire control, targeting, and sighting systems. The upgrades are being carried out by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and are expected to be completed next year, Liberty Times reported.
A separate budget of NT$7.25 billion was set aside in 2023 to procure new AVDS-1790-8CR engines for the aging tanks. Engine replacement is expected to be completed by 2028.
In June, the Army signed a contract with the Armaments Bureau’s 202nd Plant to secure new 105mm cannon barrels for the tanks. The project already has a budget of NT$836 and will last from 2025 to 2028. The Army will evaluate the wear and tear of existing cannon barrels and replace them to meet maintenance and readiness needs.
The military has 460 M60A3 tanks, which have been in service since the 1990s. It also has 450 CM11 tanks but they will not receive upgrades as yet.
The modified tanks are expected to bolster Taiwan’s armored vehicle force. Between 2024 and 2026, the military will receive 108 US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks in batches.
The military is also developing a new Clouded Leopard variant armed with a 105mm cannon. Following the production of two prototype vehicles, D1 and D2, the Armaments Bureau plans to the D3 prototype by next June.
