Taiwan has received its final shipment of US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks, completing a long-delayed order aimed at modernising the island’s ageing armoured forces.

Considered one of the world’s most powerful tanks, the vehicles are expected to bolster the island’s defence amid rising military pressure from Beijing.

The shipment of 28 tanks arrived at the Port of Taipei over the weekend and was moved overnight under police and military escort to the army’s Armour Training Command in Hsinchu county’s Hukou township, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.

Ministry officials said the tanks would undergo final inspections and integration training before entering service.

The delivery completes Taiwan’s 2019 purchase of 108 tanks from the US as part of a package worth about NT$40.5 billion (US$1.29 billion), which also included M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles and heavy transporters.

The acquisition marks the most significant upgrade to Taiwan’s armoured forces in decades, replacing ageing CM-11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 Patton tanks, many of which have been in service for more than 20 years.