Defense Ministry Invests $900M to Build Automated Domestic M1A2T Ammo Line

Taiwan’s armed forces have been actively pursuing defense self‑reliance and the modernization of weapon systems in recent years. All 108 M1A2T tanks purchased from the United States have now arrived on the island and entered the live‑fire verification phase with troops. With this heavy equipment, touted as the world’s most powerful tank, added to the combat roster, the issue of ammunition supply for routine training and wartime consumption has come to the fore. To ensure that tank units retain a steady flow of firepower in critical moments, the Ministry of National Defense’s Armaments Bureau has outlined a major plan to develop domestic ammunition‑production capability through systematic engineering investment, thereby reducing dependence on overseas supply lines and enhancing the autonomy and security of the overall defense logistics chain.

According to the Armaments Bureau’s plan and related budgeting, the domestic ammunition‑manufacturing task will be assigned to the bureau’s Factory No. 202, located in the Nangang District of Taipei City. To meet modern warfare’s demands for high efficiency, precision and automation, the bureau will allocate NT$9.113 billion to construct an advanced “full‑round automated assembly system.” The funding covers not only the expansion of hardware facilities but also the creation of a dedicated production line for 120 mm tank rounds used by the M1A2T. This line will enable the armed forces to replenish ammunition independently in the event of future military conflicts, without having to rely entirely on multinational sea‑air transport.

The forthcoming dedicated line faces stringent technical and capacity standards. Under the procurement and performance specifications set by the Armaments Bureau, the full‑round automated assembly system must achieve a key performance indicator: the precise and safe assembly of 160 complete rounds within six hours. Meeting this production target requires a highly automated line that operates flawlessly under the coordination of robotic arms, precision sensors and rigorous safety controls. Assembling tank ammunition involves filling propellant charges and integrating sensitive components; achieving an output of dozens of rounds per hour while maintaining the highest safety standards represents a significant upgrade for Taiwan’s domestic defense‑industrial technology and system‑integration capabilities.

Historically, the ammunition for the army’s armored units was largely obtained through U.S. procurement channels or produced in part by existing domestic lines for maintenance and limited production. The 120 mm rounds for the M1A2T differ markedly from those used by older tanks in terms of specifications, propellant charges and fuze technology. With more than a hundred new‑generation tanks now fully deployed for readiness and live‑fire testing, daily ammunition consumption is expected to rise sharply. Relying solely on overseas transport would not only be costly but also expose the forces to the risk of blocked sea lanes or supply shortfalls during conflict. Consequently, establishing a domestic production line for M1A2T ammunition is a strategic move by the Ministry of National Defense to implement “combat‑power preservation” and “localization of resources.”

Factory No. 202 has long been responsible for the research, development and manufacture of large‑caliber artillery and related ammunition for the armed forces. Its new mandate to build an automated 120 mm M1A2T tank‑round production line marks a major step forward in Taiwan’s logistical support for ground combat platforms and reflects the core value of defense self‑sufficiency. Once the more than NT$9 billion automated system is completed and operational, the armored forces will enjoy a more robust ammunition backbone, providing tangible assurance for both routine training and sustained wartime operations. This capability is deemed indispensable for strengthening Taiwan’s overall defensive resilience.

(Source: Central News Agency)