Funds Allocated for Manufacturing Novel Missiles in MND Programme
Taiwan Unveils Next-Generation Eight-Wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicle
Taiwan has unveiled a new eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicle (AFV) that is a next-generation variant derived from the CM-33 Yunpao (Clouded Leopard) platform. This modern AFV, equipped with a 105mm rifled cannon housed in an unmanned turret, is set to bolster Taiwan's military capabilities in the face of increasing regional pressure from China.
The new AFV has successfully completed initial operational capability trials, demonstrating impressive mobility and firing precision. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense plans to begin full-rate production of this vehicle in 2028, with a planned order of 500 units.
The armament of this AFV includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, a 12.7mm coaxial heavy machine gun in a remote weapon station, and a 105mm rifled gun in its turret. The vehicle is designed for mobility on rugged terrain and firing on the move with digital fire control.
In addition to this AFV, the Tien Kung IV is another product of the Chiang Kung program, aimed at improving the range and performance of Tien Kung III missiles. The Tien Kung IV is expected to intercept cruise missiles and ballistic missiles to an altitude of 70km, a significant improvement over the 60km maximum altitude achieved by the Missile Segment Enhancement variant of PAC-3 systems.
The Ministry of National Defense expects to start mass production of Tien Kung IV air defense missiles next year. Plans are to order 122 pods of Tien Kung IV missiles, with 46 pods to be obtained next year and 76 pods the year after. The detailed information concerning Tien Kung IV missile acquisitions is expected to be published by the middle of this month.
Three of the 20 equipment types designed for use in the new eight-wheeled AFV are intended to be interoperable in vehicles armed with the 105mm gun and dedicated reconnaissance vehicles that share a common chassis undergoing early development. The Ministry has released information about the armament and firing capabilities of the combat vehicle, with the 105mm rifled gun of the combat vehicle capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds and anti-personnel shells.
This development forms part of Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernize its mechanized forces in response to regional military pressure. Research, development, and testing of this experimental vehicle are anticipated to be completed by June next year, with the delivery of the new eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicle expected in 2028. The Tien Kung IV, another product of the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology's Chiang Kung program, is expected to be delivered in 2028 as well.
The unveiling of Taiwan's next-generation armored fighting vehicle underscores the importance of war-and-conflicts-related politics in shaping the country's general-news landscape, as this vehicle is designed to bolster Taiwan's military capabilities amidst regional pressure. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense anticipates the start of mass production for the Tien Kung IV air defense missiles next year as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its defense systems, demonstrating the intersection of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news.
