Two prototypes of Taiwan’s new tactical reconnaissance wheeled vehicles were spotted at the Pingtung Jia Lu Tang defense training center.
The prototypes, P3 and P4, were equipped with remote-controlled gun turrets and enhanced armor.
These advanced vehicles were tested on gravel beaches, where they demonstrated the capability to shoot down aerial targets using remote-controlled .50 caliber machine guns. The tests included firing in single-shot, burst, and fully automatic modes, successfully hitting drone-towed red balloon targets. Additionally, the vehicles deployed smoke grenades and underwent platform performance testing on rough terrain.
Last September, the Defense Ministry’s Armaments Bureau displayed the P2 prototype at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. At that time, the battery pack for the remote-controlled turret and electro-optical reconnaissance system was exposed on the vehicle’s exterior, raising concerns about vulnerability. The new P3 and P4 models have addressed these concerns with added armor to protect the battery pack.
The vehicles will undergo extensive island-wide testing across various terrains as part of their tactical evaluation, ensuring they meet the necessary performance standards for future deployment.
The Armaments Bureau has two primary armored vehicle development projects: the “Cheetah Project” for 105mm wheeled tanks, with two prototypes completed, and the “Iron Cavalry Project” for reconnaissance tactical wheeled vehicles, currently with four prototypes in testing since June.