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.