Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/07/05
By: Flor Wang and Elaine Hou

Taipei, July 5 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Friday its efforts to procure M1A2 Abrams tanks and other weapons from the United States and welcomed news that the sale could be announced in the near future.

"We welcome [the news] and hope to get the battle tanks as soon as possible," MND spokesman Major General Shih Shun-wen (史順文) said in response to a Liberty Times report that the process to evaluate Taiwan's request to acquire the tank has been completed and Washington is expected to announce approval of the deal soon.

The 108 M1A2 armored vehicles Taiwan wants to buy are meant to replace aging CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks and M60A3 armored vehicles that have served the military for 20 years, and they will be deployed in northern Taiwan, according to the ministry.

In a statement issued June 6, the MND said it had sent requests for letters of offer and acceptance to the U.S. for 108 M1A2 Abrams tanks, 1,240 BGM-71 Tow missiles, 409 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 250 FIM-92 Stinger missiles, which were being reviewed by the U.S.    [FULL  STORY]