Taiwan's army on Thursday displayed the fire power of its first U.S.-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks - a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle given lessons from the Ukraine war.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has watched live-fire drills with new U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks during annual defense exercises. Taiwan bought 108 of the tanks from the U.S. to modernize

Speaking at the Kengzikou firing range in Hsinchu County, Lai said the government will always be the military’s strongest supporter and pledged to protect Taiwan’s democratic and free way of life.

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan launched its largest ever military drills on Wednesday, starting with simulated attacks on its command systems and infrastructure ahead of a Chinese invasion, senior defence officials said.

Taiwan included its first batch of 38 U.S.-purchased M1A2T Abrams tanks in a live-fire exercise at Hsinchu military base on Thursday, as it launched its annual military exercises intended to guard against Chinese threats.

The July 9-18 Han Kuang 41 war games also include urban warfare, sheltering exercises, drills with M1A2T tanks, and a blockade of the Tamsui River, according to the Liberty Times.

China claims Taiwan as its own despite Taipei's objections. The United States does not recognize Taiwan's statehood but has political and economic stakes in a peaceful resolution to the decades-long dispute, and is obliged by U.S. law to help Taipei arm itself against a possible attack.