Taiwan continues to modernise its army with indigenous products
D2, the second prototype of the Cloud Leopard II, boasts a locally manufactured 105mm main gun in a turret. (Photo: MND)
The island’s government has pushed through increased defence spending on new equipment, including the development of new rifles and the introduction of new armoured vehicle variants, as it prepares for a potential showdown with China.
Taiwan has ratified a record FY2025 defence budget of NT$647 billion ($20.2 billion) in August at a time when the island nation faces an existential threat from Chinese aggression. While some of the money will be steered towards new equipment for the Republic of China Army (ROCA), the budget increase of 7.7% compared to last year was less than a twelfth of what China spends on its military.
After completing operational tests in November 2023, a total of 25,000 T112 5.56mm assault rifles were ordered from the 205th Arsenal earlier this year. All of these 3.5kg weapons should be
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026]()
Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026
Lithuania is one of the countries stepping up its defences in the face of the war in Ukraine with a particular focus on its neighbour and Russian ally Belarus, which has been making incursions into Lithuania’s airspace with balloons and drones.
-
![Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)]()
Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)
As threats diversify and intensify, APS are proving essential not just for vehicle protection but also for enhancing operational freedom, effectiveness and mission success in contested environments.
-
![Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion]()
Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion
As the British Army seeks to modernise and consolidate its diverse vehicle fleet, yet another change in direction is underway.
