New Tactical Vehicles with Machine Guns Tested in Taiwan.

On July 17, 2024, two prototypes of new tactical reconnaissance vehicles were observed during tests at the Pingtung Jia Lu Tang defense training center in Taiwan, as reported by a Taiwanese defense-focused magazine on Facebook. These prototypes, labeled P3 and P4, are equipped with remote-controlled gun turrets and enhanced armor, representing a significant development over previous models.
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The ongoing tests on the P3 and P4 are part of an extensive tactical evaluation that includes trials across various terrains throughout the island.(Picture source: 尖端科技軍事雜誌 on Facebook)

Field tests were conducted on gravel beaches, where the vehicles showcased their ability to take down aerial targets. Using .50 caliber machine guns, the prototypes fired in single-shot, burst, and fully automatic modes, successfully hitting red balloon targets towed by drones. In addition to their firepower, the vehicles deployed smoke grenades and underwent testing on rugged terrain to assess their real-world performance.

This new generation of tactical vehicles follows the P2 prototype, which was displayed last September at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. The P2 had exposed certain vulnerabilities, notably the external placement of battery packs and electro-optical reconnaissance systems. The P3 and P4 models have addressed these issues by reinforcing armor around critical components.

The ongoing tests on the P3 and P4 are part of an extensive tactical evaluation that includes trials across various terrains throughout the island. These evaluations are intended to ensure the vehicles meet the required performance standards for future deployment.

The Armaments Bureau of Taiwan is also advancing two major armored vehicle development projects: the "Cheetah Project" for 105mm wheeled tanks, which already has two prototypes, and the "Iron Cavalry Project" for wheeled tactical reconnaissance vehicles. The latter now has four prototypes in the testing phase since June. These initiatives demonstrate Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in response to complex security challenges.