Taiwan purchases an initial batch of 25,000 T112 5.56 mm assault rifles to replace outdated models.

According to CNA on April 6, 2024, the Taiwanese National Army announced plans to procure a first batch of 25,000 units of the new T112 assault rifle in 2025. Developed by the Armament Bureau's 205 Factory, this rifle was unveiled at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition in 2020 under the name XT112 and is set to replace existing T65K2 and T91 rifles within the army's arsenal.
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Unveiled at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition in 2020 under the name XT112, the T112 5.56 mm assault rifle is designed following the AR-15 concept. (Picture source: Science and Technology News)

Currently, frontline combat troops of the Taiwanese army are equipped with T91 assault rifles, while service troops and recruits are issued T65K2 assault rifles, both featuring a 5.56mm caliber. The T65K2 rifles were manufactured from the late 1980s to the late 1990s and have been a common firearm encountered during military service over the past three decades. Therefore, the introduction of the T112 represents an upgrade over these aging weapons, aligning with Taiwan's ongoing military modernization efforts, which include the new Clouded Leopard II 8x8 combat vehicle armed with a 105mm gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and a remotely operated weapon station (RWS) with a 12.7mm machine gun.

Unveiled at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition in 2020 under the name XT112, the T112 5.56 mm assault rifle, designed following the AR-15 concept, has undergone extensive evaluation, leading to its selection for mass production. The XT112 5.56 mm assault rifle, developed by the Taiwanese Factory 205, features a short-stroke gas-operated piston with a rotating bolt action, a 30-round magazine, and mechanical sights. Enhancements include the addition of a Picatinny tactical rail to the upper frame and an auxiliary grip to the lower frame, along with the adoption of an M-LOK negative space tactical handguard and the inclusion of a shell ejection deflector to enhance user safety, particularly when firing with the left hand.

A recent visit to the 205th Factory of the Armament Administration Manufacturing Center provided insight into the development process behind the T112 rifle. With ergonomic design features such as a 5-stage telescopic stock and a multi-functional tactical handguard, the T112 offers improved handling and accuracy compared to its predecessor, the T91.

According to Lieutenant Li Jianting, further refinements to the XT112 rifle have been made based on feedback from various users. The rifle includes magazine release and bolt fixing buttons on both the left and right sides, ensuring usability for both left and right-handed shooters. Moreover, an ejection deflector positioned on the right side of the gun body minimizes the risk of cartridge-related injuries during firing.

Comparing the T112 with its predecessor, the T91 assault rifle, Li pointed out several differences in design and functionality. The T112 boasts an upgraded handguard made from aluminum alloy, equipped with tactical slide rails to accommodate various accessories, such as a laser designator and the TS112 close combat scope. Additionally, the rifle features a polygonal thickened barrel, enhancing durability.

In terms of performance, Li noted significant enhancements in the T112 assault rifle. These include a reduced average dispersion area at 100 meters, an extended effective range from 400 to 600 meters, and an increased barrel life limit of 10,000 rounds. The T112 offers shooting modes comprising single shot, two consecutive shots, and fully automatic, departing from the three-shot burst capability of its predecessors.

Lieutenant Li Jianting discussed the rationale behind transitioning to two-shot bursts in the T112, citing insights from the US Army's battlefield experience. While acknowledging the controlled impact of the first and second rounds in a three-shot burst, Li noted the inefficiency and increased ammunition consumption associated with the third round. Consequently, the T112's design shift towards two-shot bursts aims to optimize ammunition efficiency and combat effectiveness, aligning with contemporary warfare requirements.