The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has introduced a new 8×8 105mm fire support vehicle (tank destroyer), potentially a precursor to the Clouded Leopard II infantry fighting vehicle. The D2 prototype recently underwent a braking test following straight-line acceleration at the Armament Bureau’s maintenance center, showcasing its Hunter-Killer capability. This feature, similar to that of the M1A2T tanks acquired from the United States, aims to improve attack efficiency and enable continuous target engagement. The D3 model, an upgraded version, is expected to complete validation next year. The 105mm tank destroyer remains in the development phase, with two prototypes (D1 and D2) produced between 2019 and 2023 in response to army requirements. Research and development assessments, finalized on February 2, 2023, included 42 tests, such as “firing on the move,” with 40 of them passing. Initial operational assessments, completed on August 18, 2023, covered 91 items, all meeting the required standards.
Despite the positive test outcomes, the Taiwanese Army has identified areas needing improvement. For example, the current prototype is 3.3 meters tall, but the army requires it to be less than 3 meters, which necessitates adjustments to the turret’s internal layout. To address this, the Ministry of National Defense has approved funding for the development of a D3 prototype. The NCSIST will handle the turret development with a budget of NT$170 million (approximately $5.24 million), while the Armament Bureau will be responsible for the vehicle’s hull, costing NT$120 million (approximately $3.7 million), bringing the total to around NT$290 million (approximately $8.94 million). The production and validation of the D3 model are expected to be completed by 2025, incorporating 89% domestically produced components. The domestic capabilities now allow for the independent production of components, from the barrel to the turret.
The barrel caliber is compatible with existing M60A3 and CM11 tanks, allowing for ammunition interchangeability. During a demonstration, the vehicle successfully penetrated a 500mm thick steel plate from 2,000 meters using 105mm armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. The D2 prototype’s barrel has been tested with 400 rounds, with an expected lifespan of 800 to 1,000 rounds. As reported by Army Recognition on April 5, 2024, this variant of the future Clouded Leopard II will feature a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a remotely operated weapon station (RWS) with a 12.7mm machine gun. This RWS could act as the commander’s sight, enabling it to direct the main gun via the electro-optical (EO) sight of the RWS.The vehicle has a Hunter-Killer capability similar to the M1A2T tanks acquired from the U.S., allowing simultaneous engagement and continuous target acquisition.
The CM-32 “Clouded Leopard”, officially known as the Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (TIFV), is an eight-wheeled armored vehicle currently in production for the Republic of China Army. Based on the 6×6 CM-31 designed by Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland, it has been further developed by the Ordnance Readiness Development Center. The Clouded Leopard series, Taiwan’s own Infantry Fighting Vehicle, includes several variants already in service. The 105mm wheeled tank destroyer is being developed by Taiwan’s Armament Bureau and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). Media representatives observed various performance tests at the manufacturing center in Nantou, including a 50% forward slope, a 30% side slope, a wave road surface, and high-speed braking, all of which were successfully completed. The vehicle is expected to retain the Caterpillar C9 engine from the Clouded Leopard I, with a power increase from 450hp to 600hp.
