On September 23, Taiwan’s domestically developed “Leopard” 105mm wheeled tank conducted its first public live ammunition firing in front of the media. This domestically produced armored vehicle is set to enter mass production in 2027. However, the demonstration was not without flaws. The second shell failed to ignite at one point, and the crew followed safety procedures, waiting for 2 minutes before re-engaging. It is not uncommon for misfires to occur during testing phases; the real test will be the reliability of the ammunition batches in mass production.
The development logic behind the Leopard is to utilize the existing Clouded Leopard chassis and 105mm ammunition system to create a cost-effective armored vehicle suitable for Taiwan’s terrain, defense of outlying islands, and capable of independent production. It is not meant to replace main battle tanks but to provide a flexibility that heavy tanks cannot achieve under Taiwan’s unique geographic and supply conditions.
In addition to the firing demonstration, the Leopard’s capabilities are highlighted in videos showcasing its mobility and firepower, emphasizing its importance for Taiwan’s defense strategy.
For more information, interested individuals can visit the following links:
– “Mark Space” Clean World Channel: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/QbjYDNxOJB
– “Mark Space” Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/馬克時空-Mark-Space
– “Mark Space” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markspace5/
– “Mark Space” X Platform: https://x.com/Mark__Space
These platforms provide further insights into the Leopard tank and its significance in Taiwan’s defense capabilities.