Hal

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6203184

New info (speculation) - there is also speculation that Taiwan will buy more Abrams... https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/08/28/the-taiwanese-army-is-reportedly-considering-canceling-the-modernization-of-its-old-m60a3-tanks-acquired-from-the-u-s/ "In what would represent a significant shift in its future-oriented strategies, the Taiwanese Army is reportedly considering canceling the modernization of its old M60A3 tanks, which were acquired from the U.S. during the 1990s. Although this development has not been officially confirmed, it is reportedly due to the ongoing incorporation of more advanced and capable M1A2T Abrams tanks, as well as the difficulties in integrating a new 120 mm gun into the M60A3 design to increase its firepower."

https://defence-blog.com/taiwan-upgrades-m60a3-tanks/ Interesting photo... "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."

Potentially more news/clarification coming. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6040629 "Though the primary weapon remains a 105mm gun, the tank has an improved fire control system, targeting optics, and observation systems. The engine is also replaced with a more powerful one through foreign procurement."

It seems the next Abrams development (the M1E3) now has priority so transitioning M1A2SEPv3 production to Poland makes sense. Probably the biggest near future customer, a backup plan if the M1E3 is delayed, and also getting ready to co-produce the M1E3 when/if that ever happens. Winning all around.

Back on topic 😐 https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/08/first-upgraded-engine-for-taiwanese-m60-tanks-completed/ Much more than just an update on engine production (some conflicting with earlier reporting). Upgrade to engine (known) Upgrade to 120mm (?) Upgrade of FCS, controls, electrical (known, but not in any detail) Initial batch of 40 (engine only? all upgrades/some upgrades?)

It's finally becoming a bit clearer... It looks like this is more of a thorough refresh with minor improvements rather than a serious upgrade program. New engines, mild upgrade New controls, mild upgrade New barrels for the 105 (as needed), not an upgrade https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/taiwan-modernizes-old-m60a3-with-new-barrel-while-waiting-for-m1-mbt

Any details known about the US Army evaluating the RAK?

Well said.

I'm slightly shocked that no one has nominated Cross of Iron (Sam Peckinpah) with James Coburn and Maximilian Schell. Not a "tank movie" and in some ways dated, but there is a T34/infantry attacking German trenches scene that was really good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0acYq43vcM

More info/discussion here: https://www.tanknet.org/index.php?/topic/46659-taiwan-m60a3tts-upgrade/#comment-1556352

This feels like one of those declarations of total commitment made just hours or days before a project is unceremoniously flushed... https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/09/20/france-germany-remain-committed-to-new-tank-defense-ministers-say/

It seems like they "announce" the same sale or transfer at least 12 times as it moves through each step of the process... Deliberately making it seem like "news" - just to fill up space and get clicks. Frustrating.

Looks like (over some period of time) this will be a fairly complete upgrade... https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4647513 "TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Army has announced its plans to replace the engines and gearboxes for its M60A3 tanks by 2028. A military official said the tank’s current engine is only 750 horsepower and its mobility and off-road performance have gradually become insufficient. The new engine will have more than 1,000 horsepower, they said."

Okay, trying to keep up with all the changes (MBTs only)... Let me know what I get wrong... M1A1 SA - 116 to be delivered soon (within a year?) - Eventually to be upgraded to M1A2sepV3 standard M1A2sepv3 - 250 ordered (a few delivered already for training) - order will be completed within 2-3 years K2 - 180 ordered (officially official?) - only slightly modified from Korean standard K2 - order to be completed in 3 years(approx) - eventually to be upgraded to K2PL standard K2PL - 800+ built in Poland (timing unknown) - extensively modified from Korean standard K2 Existing MBTs to be removed from service (reserves or disposed of) in this order (over some extended period of time) 200+ T-72s to Ukraine - done any remaining T-72s or upgraded versions PT-91 (3? versions) Leo2A4 Leo2A5 Leo2PL