According to the Liberty Times on November 25, 2023, Taiwan is currently undergoing a significant upgrade of its M60A3 main battle tanks, which have been part of its military inventory for decades. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Taiwan to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in light of potential threats from China.
Recent reports indicate that Taiwan has chosen an American proposal, likely from Renk America, to replace the engines of 400 M60A3 tanks. The plan involves replacing the current 750hp AVDS-1790-2C engines with the more powerful 1,050hp AVDS-1790-8CR engines. This upgrade is expected to introduce digital and mobility enhancements, addressing concerns about the tanks’ aging systems and reinforcing their capabilities in potential defensive scenarios.
The M60A3 tanks, nearing the end of their service life in 2023, have been a key component of Taiwan’s tank inventory, which includes a total of 1,000 tanks. In addition to the M60A3s, the inventory comprises 400 CM-11s and 250 CM-12s. As reported by Army Recognition on August 21, 2023, Taiwan is set to receive a total of 108 American M1A2T Abrams tanks, a modified version of the M1A2 SEP v2 tank. Specifically, 38 Abrams M1A2T tanks are scheduled to arrive on the island in 2024, followed by 42 tanks in 2025, and another 28 in 2026.
Introduced in 1976, the M60A3 marked a significant technological advancement within the M60-series tanks. While retaining the mobility, performance, and weapons systems of the M60A1, the M60A3 incorporated substantial engineering upgrades and improvements. The tank’s electronics and fire control systems were notably enhanced, featuring a laser-based rangefinder and a solid-state M21 ballistic computer. The turret’s hydraulic fluid was replaced with a non-flammable alternative, and the tank was powered by the AVDS-1790-2D RISE engine, ensuring reliable performance.
Two configurations of the M60A3 were built, with the earlier version, known as the M60A3 Passive, equipped with a passive gunner’s sight similar to the A1 RISE Passive. The later version integrated a Tank Thermal Sight (TTS), replacing the gunner’s sight with the advanced Raytheon AN/VSG2 Tank Thermal Sight. This infrared detector allowed for improved visibility in challenging conditions such as fog, smoke, and low-light scenarios, significantly enhancing the tank’s night-fighting capabilities.