Taiwan upgrades M60A3 tanks
Taiwan’s military is pressing ahead with upgrades to its aging M60A3 main battle tanks while continuing to receive shipments of newly acquired M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States, CNA reported.
The dual-track approach aims to modernize the nation’s armored forces amid rising regional tensions.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the armed forces have commissioned the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to develop advanced targeting and observation systems for the M60A3. This initiative is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the tanks, which have been in service for decades. Military officials have stated that testing of the new systems is progressing as planned, with full validation expected by October.
Reports from southern Taiwan indicate that two upgraded M60A3 tanks were recently spotted in Hengchun, Pingtung County, bearing the NCSIST emblem. Photos taken by local observers show modifications including welded armor on the turret, a design change aimed at increasing battlefield survivability. These enhancements are believed to draw from Taiwan’s experience in manufacturing the Clouded Leopard 8×8 armored vehicle, which incorporates similar welded armor techniques.
Military analyst Shu Hsiao-Huang from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research noted that the turret modifications suggest improvements in defensive capability. He also pointed out the addition of new equipment in the rear storage basket, which is likely part of an upgraded environmental control system. This system is designed to maintain optimal operating conditions for advanced fire-control technologies such as thermal imaging, infrared sensors, laser rangefinders, and barrel alignment detectors. The upgrades are expected to improve first-strike accuracy and increase the M60A3’s overall lethality on the battlefield.
The enhancements to Taiwan’s M60A3 tanks come as the island continues to receive deliveries of M1A2T Abrams tanks, the most advanced variant of the U.S. Army’s main battle tank. In 2019, Taiwan signed a deal with the U.S. to acquire 108 M1A2Ts, with shipments being carried out in phases. The arrival of the new tanks, coupled with upgrades to existing platforms, is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to strengthen its ground forces against potential threats.
Military planners have emphasized that modernizing the M60A3s will complement the capabilities of the M1A2Ts, ensuring a layered defense strategy. Analysts suggest that lessons learned from these upgrades could also be applied to future protection enhancements for the M1A2Ts.