Taiwan Advances in Developing New D3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

On August 11, 2024, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced that the development of the D3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) prototype is progressing as planned. This project, supervised by the Armaments Bureau in collaboration with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), is part of Taiwan's ongoing efforts to strengthen its military capabilities.
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 In June 2024, the Armaments Bureau unveiled the D2, an earlier IFV prototype based on the eight-wheeled Clouded Leopard armored vehicle. (Picture source: Taiwan MND)

The Armaments Bureau confirmed that the prototype has undergone initial operational evaluations, incorporating feedback from the Army to refine the vehicle's design and performance. The D3 IFV prototype is expected to be completed by the end of June next year, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's defense modernization program.

Financial allocations for the project include NT$170 million (US$5.25 million) for the development of an improved turret, designed by NCSIST, and NT$120 million for the vehicle body, managed by the Armaments Bureau.

Earlier this year, in June, the Armaments Bureau unveiled the D2, an earlier IFV prototype based on the eight-wheeled Clouded Leopard armored vehicle. The D2 is equipped with a 105 mm assault gun and hunter-killer capabilities, drawing comparisons to the U.S.-made Abrams tank. Although the D2 passed 91 tests as part of its initial operational evaluation in August last year, it remains in the development phase. Military officials have indicated that further improvements are needed, particularly regarding the vehicle's height and the turret's internal configuration.

The D3 IFV's armament includes a gun capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds, which can penetrate steel plates up to 500 mm thick from a distance of 2,000 meters. The ammunition is interchangeable with that used by Taiwan's M60A3 and CM11 tanks, due to the shared gun barrel diameter. This interoperability is expected to streamline logistics and improve operational efficiency for Taiwan's armored units.

As Taiwan continues to develop and refine its military technology, the completion of the D3 IFV prototype will be closely monitored, with expectations that this vehicle will play a key role in enhancing the nation's defense capabilities.

Taiwan needs to develop its defense capabilities due to the growing threat posed by China, which views the island as a renegade province and does not rule out the use of force to regain control. Faced with this constant military pressure, Taiwan must strengthen its deterrence capabilities to protect its sovereignty, maintain regional stability, and ensure the safety of its citizens. The development of advanced military technologies, such as infantry fighting vehicles, is an integral part of this defense strategy.