Taiwan Deploys CM-11 Tanks to Defend Tamsui River

TAIPEI — Taiwanese forces have deployed their CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks along the Tamsui River as part of a significant military exercise aimed at bolstering the island’s defenses against potential threats from China. Situated just a short distance from a metro station, troops utilized American-made M3 amphibious bridging vehicles to set up a defensive position, strategically positioning the aging tanks to guard this vital waterway.

The Tamsui River, which is essential to Taiwan’s defense strategy, provides a critical route from the Taiwan Strait into the center of the capital, where key government buildings, including the presidential office and defense ministry, are located. The CM-11 tanks, which have a history dating back to their entry into service in 1990, overlook the river from fixed positions on the eastern shore, ready to counter any incoming threats.

Designed from older Cold War-era components, each CM-11 is constructed from the chassis of an M60A3, introduced in the 1970s, and includes a turret from the M48A3 Patton, furthering its age as a piece of military hardware. The tanks are armed with a 105-mm M68A1 tank gun, with a fire-control system sourced from the more modern M1 Abrams, yet both are over 40 years old. This blend of vintage technology and modern enhancements showcases Taiwan’s unique military adaptations.

Storing the tanks in fortified bunkers, the Taiwanese military has equipped them to provide effective fire support during operations. With a direct-fire range of approximately 1.25 miles, the CM-11s are positioned to either ambush or fend off any attempts by Chinese forces to breach the river, particularly against vessels such as landing craft which could attempt to cross.

Ben Lewis, an expert with insight into Chinese military movements, observed the activity during the recent training drills and noted, “For tanks that are as old as the CM-11, using them for support to engineering units and in static positions is logical. The armor on these tanks is not suitable for protection against modern anti-tank weaponry or tank-to-tank combat.” This perspective highlights Taiwan’s tactical shift, optimizing older vehicles for roles that avoid direct confrontation with more modern Chinese armor.

The island has approximately 450 Brave Tigers in its arsenal, which is a stark contrast to China’s significant tank fleet, comprising around 6,000 vehicles. Recently, Taiwan has received 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, providing a solid foundation for its armored capabilities. Despite the numerical disadvantage and the potential threat from Chinese air support, analysts believe utilizing older tanks to control key chokepoints and create ambush opportunities is a sound strategy.

There has been no comment from Taiwan’s defense ministry regarding the specifics of the tank deployment at the Tamsui exercise, but the continued emphasis on older tanks as static artillery mirrors successful strategies employed elsewhere. In Ukraine, for instance, outdated tanks have been used effectively in concealed positions to assist forces without engaging directly in head-to-head combat.