Rewritten Article:
Taiwan to Mass-Produce domestically Developed Tungsten-Core Rifle Rounds, Targeting PLA Body Armor
Domestic ammunition to be widely distributed
Let's break the news: Taiwan's promising new tungsten-core bullet is set to storm the scene! A top defense official from the Ministry of National Defense spilled the beans, hinting at mass production of this home-brewed ammo next year.
This high-tech, domestically-developed bullet has undergone rigorous tests and has some major Chinese PLA forces on edge. And why not? It's designed to disarm their standard-issue body armor!
If the tests are anything to go by, the prototype already aces it, with a spotless 100% success rate against commercial body armor believed to mimic the effectiveness of PLA gear. The bullet's impressive performance not only bolsters Taiwan's infantry's might but also puts a significant dent in rivals' offense capabilities.
Lieutenant General Chen Chien-yi, Army Chief of Staff, had earlier highlighted concerns about the weight and supply issues that come with a beefier, more powerful bullet. However, the tungsten-core rounds seem to strike the balance between power and practicality.
While the US Army is heavy into the 6.8mm rifle cartridge, the rest of NATO mostly sticks to the trusted 5.56x45mm cartridge. Craig from Mashable puts it best: "Choosing the right bullet for the fight is vital to a soldier's survival."
On the flip side, the US-designed 6.8x51mm round offers an undeniable advantage, but it also comes with drawbacks like heavier loads and a reduced ammunition count per soldier. It appears Taiwan is charting its course between the devil and the deep blue sea.
As if that's not enough firepower, the navy's looking to boost its coastal defense capabilities with the acquisition of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II (U) Surface-Launched Missiles and 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System launcher transporter units by 2028. The goal? To smack down those pesky Chinese naval formations!
Now, let's clarify things: The Taiwanese navy expects to receive five launchers and one radar vehicle by the end of next month, with a total of 32 launchers to be delivered by the end of 2022. The Harpoon Block II missile boasts a nominal range of 124.1 kilometers, but a senior Taiwanese naval officer revealed that the upgraded Block II (U) variant the military purchased includes extended-range capabilities.
The integration of this new tungsten-core bullet into Taiwan's sports equipment could potentially provide an edge in future combat scenarios, given its capability to penetrate sports-grade body armor. In addition, the naval forces are enhancing their technology, aiming to use Harpoon Block II (U) Surface-Launched Missiles for weathering potential storms from Chinese naval formations.
