Taiwan Reinforces Arsenal Amid China Tensions: Unveils New Arms

Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan's Defense Ministry unveiled the upgraded T112 assault rifles and advanced bullet-resistant panels. These improvements aim to bolster Taiwan's defensive capabilities. The T112 now features an extended range and enhanced trigger, while new panels withstand 5.8mm bullets, addressing emerging security threats.

In response to escalating tensions with China, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revealed significant upgrades to its military arsenal. Among the latest advancements are the updated T112 assault rifles, boasting enhanced triggers, grips, and a new shell ejection system, according to a report from the Taipei Times.

The bullet-resistant panels have also seen noteworthy improvements. Despite lacking access to China's 5.8mm bullets used by the People's Liberation Army, Taiwan managed to emulate them using modified 5.56mm bullets, said Hsu Yen-wei of the Materiel Production Center's 205th Arsenal. The revamped panels can now resist 5.8mm steel core projectiles, surpassing the current standard of 7.62mm bullet resistance.

Anticipating future defense needs, the MND has committed to producing 60,000 units of the new bullet-resistant panels by next year. Meanwhile, the T112 rifles, initially introduced as XT112 at an international defense exhibition, have incorporated user feedback, improving their operational adaptability with features like a quick-detach sling and a dual-sided design enhancing close-quarters combat efficacy.

The T112's range has been extended from 400m to 600m, and its barrel longevity increased from 6,000 to 10,000 rounds, reflecting the latest technological enhancements. Additionally, drawing from US battlefield insights, the rifle's firing mode has shifted from a three-round to a two-round burst.

(With inputs from agencies.)