Canada's tanks

[Kirkhill]

An old tank is better than no tank?

https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/enhanced-m60-republic-china-army

"The upgrade package centres around the integration of a new turret, all-electric digital fire controls, and high-resolution observation and aiming systems. These are intended to significantly improve survivability, situational awareness, and firing accuracy, while shortening engagement times. The Republic of China Army is estimated to currently operate over 400 M60 tanks, which form the backbone of its fleet alongside a similar number of CM-11 tanks, a vehicle which uses the chassis of the M60, and 80 more modern M1A2 Abrams tanks. "

"Taiwan is upgrading ~460 M60A3 tanks with electric gun control, digital fire controls, and engine enhancements to improve firepower and modernization. Led by NCSIST, this upgrade includes a 1,050hp engine, a 120mm smoothbore gun, and high-res sights to enhance survivability against modern threats. A new indigenous Remote Weapon Station (RWS) is also featured.
Asian Military Review +4
Key Modernization Features

• Electrification: Replacement of hydraulic turret systems with modern all-electric gun control systems (AGCS), enhancing turret speed and reliability.
• Engine Upgrade: Replacing the old 750hp engine with a 1,050hp AVDS1790-8 CR engine, providing better power for new electrical subsystems.
• Fire Control: Integration of digital ballistic computers, high-resolution sights, and hunter-killer capabilities to enable simultaneous target tracking and engagement.
• Weaponry & Protection: Upgrading from 105mm to a 120mm smoothbore gun, plus adding enhanced turret armor and slat armor to protect against drone threats.
• Remote Operation: Incorporation of a remote-controlled weapon station (RWS) for improved situational awareness and crew safety.
  Asian Military Review +6

The upgraded M60A3s, often called the M60A3 "modernized" or "enhanced" variant, are intended to complement the 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks currently being delivered, bridging the capability gap for Taiwan's armored forces. The project is on track for initial batches to be delivered by late 2025

Add the upgrade to the advantages of fighting on home turf, in mountains with dug in positions,

Taiwan is 89 miles wide (9 hours cross country at 10 mph) and 245 miles long (24 hours). You can reduce those times to 3 hrs and 8 hrs respectively if moving by road. The average elevation is somewhere between 200 and 1200 m and the maximum elevation is just under 4000 m.

880 tanks, even if old, on a 240 mile long island means an average spacing on the shore line of 7 tanks for every 2 miles or so, or a couple of tanks per km. Assuming that the locals can keep the UAVs, aircraft and missiles off them they could add an interesting layer to those folks trying to close with the beaches in landing craft.

 

[Kirkhill]

WRT the Brit Challengers

AI tells me

As of late 2025, the UK operates or holds in inventory approximately 288 Challenger 2 tanks, although some reports indicate a lower operational figure of around 157–213 depending on service status. The UK is upgrading 148 of these Challenger 2 tanks to the new Challenger 3 standard, with deliveries running from 2025–2030.
Wikipedia +7

• Total Inventory: Roughly 288 Challenger 2 tanks, representing a recent increase in available hulls.
• Upgraded to Challenger 3: 148 units (via RBSL).
• Challenger 3 Specs: Features a new turret, modern digital systems, and the Rheinmetall L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun.
• Program Status: Prototype trials are underway; full operating capability is expected by 2030.
  European Security & Defence +4

The remaining Challenger 2 tanks may be used for spares, training, or placed in reserve

That concurs with what my memory recalls of recent articles.

 

[Kirkhill]

Tankies using drones while on the move....

British Army trials drone warfare from moving tanks

Exercise Senne Hussar saw soldiers trial the launch of surveillance and strike drones from moving armoured vehicles, with live feeds shared across all troops in real time without crews needing to dismount.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

"B Squadron Leader Major Douglas Graham said: “I am converting my Challenger 2 Squadron into the first Find and Strike Squadron in the British Army. Here on exercise, we are developing tactics and procedures and trialling how we integrate ground reconnaissance and the use of drones with precision strike troops to shape the battlefield ahead of us at a greater range than ever before.”

"He added: “We are also flying drones under-armour and on the move to integrate the system’s capability into an armoured battle group so we can operate at a tempo unmatched by our enemies.”"