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Taiwan Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter Gollevainen
- Start date
Pointblank
Senior Member
The M113 is being retired from service from all of the major users around the world. Eventually, it will become unsupportable.Interestingly...i was reading the January 2009 issue of the Defence Technology Monthly, there was a prototype CM21/DRAGAR which is an upgrade of the Taiwanese M113 (CM21) and is an alternative to the Bradley. It packs quite a punch only lacking the 'missiles' part of the Bradley. It would've been a great phase upgrade if only it was approved....
Sometimes I don't get it.......I mean the current CM21 still have people on top armed with machine guns with no cover.....while the upgrade could've allowed a 25mm cannon to be placed on top protecting the personnel. Additionally it would've seen upgrades to armor and the defensive smoke abilities... Is the army just plain stupid? Its not like it is a major super expensive upgrade and it would greatly increase the fighting power of its older armored cavalry units.
Pointblank
Senior Member
The Taiwanese variant of the M113 has gone through at least 5 upgrade phases, new armor and new engines not to mention new armaments. But what I'm trying to point out is that could be upgraded to something thats close enough to a Bradley just without the missile launchers. Its not expensive and will save money compared to buying new APCs.
It really depends on how sound the hulls are; for all we know, the M113's could be on their last legs due to metal fatigue and hull cracking. I've seen plenty of Leopard I's that otherwise look OK on the outside been put out to pasture as gate guardians because of metal fatigue and hull cracking.
What has to be done is a complete survey on the condition of the M113 fleet. That means the hulls need to be jacked up and completely ultra-sounded to determine the hull thickness and to find any cracks in the hull. After that, they have to decide how to move forward. If the hulls are in pretty bad shape, there is no point in modernizing them again as it is a waste. Better off building or buying a new APC if the hulls are in bad shape.
Pointblank
Senior Member
They have new cloud leopard APCs, but since the M113 is still in service and is planned to remain to remain in service for another 10-15 years, why not upgrade? There have been no reports of hulls cracking.
Interesting link on Taiwan submarines:
Another on PAC 3:
Note that I said an ultrasound is necessary; they need to measure hull thickness and look for micro fractures. A visual inspection is insufficient to see if there is already cracks.
Vlad Plasmius
Junior Member
This is why I argue that missiles cannot be the only thing a Taiwanese leader gets in negotiations - it's an easy thing for the PRC to do because it superficially looks like they're extending goodwill, while not giving up anything useful at all.
A broader demilitarization is not advisable if that's what you're thinking. Ultimately China has concerns on its Eastern shore aside from Taiwan. At this point it's unlikely Taiwan would do anything to start a war, what edge they had has probably eroded with recent advancements by the PLA. So really their main interest now is preventing China from using its superior position to launch an attack. As such increasing economic ties and insuring good relations is the best way to insure China will not attack.
I don't believe Taiwan can ever leave themselves in a position of military superiority or even provide them with any element of safety. The backing of the U.S. isn't as good as some think it is either for a variety of reasons.