TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Conversion training for Taiwan’s M1A2 Abrams tanks has begun.

Taiwan was approved by the US to purchase 108 Abrams tanks in 2019 and received the first batch of 38 tanks in December. Each tank was carefully inspected and formally handed over in coordination with US military counterparts, CNA reported.

Seed instructors who traveled to the US for training returned in November and completed drafting operational guidelines. Training began after the Lunar New Year.

Even for armored personnel familiar with the CM11 and M60A3 tanks, everything except traditional hand signals and flags must be relearned—from tank performance and maintenance to safety protocols. Thus, classroom-based instruction during the initial training phase is necessary before units gain practical tank experience.

At the end of the training, evaluations will be conducted before the tanks return to their respective units. They will undergo further integration with operational plans and testing before formally entering service.

The tanks are deployed at the Armored Training Command in Hsinchu's Hukou Township. In addition to the tanks, Taiwan also purchased 14 M88A2 recovery vehicles, 16 M1070A1 transporters, and 16 M1000 trailers.