DEFENSE/Taiwan's military developing boron carbide bulletproof plates: MND
Taipei, Aug. 4 (CNA) Taiwan's military is developing bulletproof plates made from boron carbide, a lightweight ceramic material, for use as body armor, according to an export control list released last week by the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
The list, published online on July 31, states that the plates being developed will be capable of withstanding 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds. Boron carbide is among the hardest known materials and is also lightweight and wear-resistant, making it ideal for protective applications.
According to the ministry, an initial budget of NT$1.39 million (US$46,728) has been allocated to purchase 30 of the domestically developed plates once they are available. If the samples meet military requirements, the MND plans to procure 48,000 sets between 2028 and 2029 at a total estimated cost of NT$840 million.
The export control military use list outlines items subject to export authorization due to their potential applications in national defense. Since 2021, the MND has released the list annually in accordance with the Defense Industry Development Act.
Earlier this year, Taiwan began mass production of domestically made bulletproof plates that meet the U.S. military's Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) standard.
These plates are designed to provide torso protection against rifle threats and are capable of withstanding the standard 5.8 mm rounds used by China's People's Liberation Army.
![Upgraded frigate equipped with advanced missiles, radar system: Expert]()
Upgraded frigate equipped with advanced missiles, radar system: ExpertThe Taiwan Navy's newly upgraded Kang Ding-class frigate is equipped with more advanced missiles and radar systems, significantly enhancing the warship's surveillance and combat capabilities, a local defense expert said Sunday.08/03/2025 03:32 PM![Think tank highlights shifts in Taiwan's defense posture]()
Think tank highlights shifts in Taiwan's defense postureThe key takeaways from the recently concluded Han Kuang military exercises include the military's evolving response to gray zone threats, efforts to secure critical maritime and air routes, and the possibility of stationing the Marine Corps' 99th Brigade in northern Taiwan, according to a Taiwan-based think tank.07/31/2025 08:58 PM![KMT blocking defense budget could harm Taiwan-U.S. relations: scholar]()
KMT blocking defense budget could harm Taiwan-U.S. relations: scholarAfter the failure of Saturday's mass recall of 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislators, Taiwan-U.S. relations could be "significantly harmed" if the defense budget is blocked, a U.S. scholar said Tuesday.07/29/2025 04:22 PM
- Society
Over 300 households still without power after heavy rain in Taiwan
08/04/2025 04:38 PM - Business
U.S. dollar closes lower on Taipei forex market
08/04/2025 04:11 PM - Sports
- Business
Taiwan shares end down after bad job data, market showing in U.S.
08/04/2025 03:55 PM - Society
Survey finds signs of depression in 43% of fathers in Taiwan
08/04/2025 03:49 PM