Taiwan has deployed three CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks in a recent military exercise along the Tamsui River, a critical waterway leading to the capital Taipei. The tanks, stationed less than three miles from the river's mouth, participated in the island's 10-day Han Kuang military drills, which concluded on Friday.
The CM-11 Brave Tiger is a hybrid tank combining components from multiple U.S.-supplied Cold War-era designs. Each vehicle uses the M60A3 chassis (introduced in the 1970s) and a turret derived from the M48A3 Patton (1960s). Its primary armament is a 105-mm M68A1 tank gun, with a fire-control system adapted from the M1 Abrams. The tanks are positioned in fixed fortified positions along the eastern shore of the Tamsui, providing a clear line of sight over the river.
The exercise simulated defenses against potential amphibious landings, with troops using M3 amphibious bridging vehicles to deploy explosive barriers and pontoons. The Tamsui River, approximately three-quarters of a mile wide, serves as a direct route from the Taiwan Strait into central Taipei, where key government and military installations are located.
Taiwanese forces have maintained these aging armored vehicles in fortified tank bunkers, covered by camouflage netting. The 1.25-mile effective range of the CM-11's main gun allows it to engage targets across the river, including potential Chinese landing craft or amphibious assault vessels.
Historical Context and Capabilities
The CM-11 Brave Tiger entered service in Taiwan in 1990, assembled from surplus U.S. military hardware provided during the Cold War. While not designed for direct confrontation with modern Chinese main battle tanks, the vehicles are optimized for static defense and choke-point control. Their deployment reflects Taiwan's strategy of leveraging terrain and prepared positions to counter numerical disadvantages in a potential conflict.
The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's largest annual military drills, test the island's readiness for a range of scenarios, including amphibious invasions. This year's drills emphasized riverine and urban defense, with the Tamsui River serving as a key chokepoint in Taipei's defensive perimeter.
Military Analysts' Perspectives
Defense analysts note that the CM-11's role is complementary to Taiwan's broader armored fleet, which includes more modern systems. The tanks' fixed-position deployment allows them to maximize their limited range and firepower while minimizing exposure to advanced anti-tank weapons. Their presence also serves as a deterrent, signaling Taiwan's commitment to defending critical infrastructure.
The exercise comes amid ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing continuing to conduct military drills near the island. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has not publicly commented on the specific objectives of the CM-11 deployment but confirmed the participation of the vehicles in the Han Kuang exercises.