Taiwan test-fires domestically built 105mm wheeled tank
Taiwan showed off its home-built 105mm wheeled tank in a live-fire demonstration, a win for the island's push to make its own weapons as it braces against China.
- The tank fired six rounds at targets up to 1,200 meters away, hitting from standing and moving positions.
- The army plans to buy 178 of these vehicles over the next several years for about NT$57 billion.
- One round failed to fire and had to be left alone for two minutes before crews could clear it — a rare public stumble at a staged demo.
- The military deliberately fired sideways at a 90-degree angle to kill rumors that the wheeled design tips over.
- The vehicle is short enough to pass under bridges and move through rough terrain and city streets, which is what Taiwan's army wanted.
Outlook: Production moves ahead, with deliveries running through the early 2030s as Taiwan keeps shifting toward weapons it builds itself.