Posted 5/4/2006
The CM-32 (“Yun Pao” or “Cloud Leopard”) is Taiwan’s new IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle.) Prototypes were recently demonstrated. Taiwan plans to begin manufacturing as many as 1,400 of the vehicles by 2007. Estimated to cost $2.1 million each, the 21 ton wheeled (8x8) vehicle carries six troops, plus a two man crew. The United States tried to sell Taiwan the Stryker, but Taiwan wanted to keep the jobs at home, and needed a less expensive vehicle. Taiwan went with a wheeled vehicle because it needs fast moving armored vehicles in the event of a Chinese invasion (which could happen at several different coastal areas, in addition to paratroop landings. Most CM-32s will just carry infantry, but others will carry heavy weapons (120mm mortars or a 105mm gun.) The CM-32 doesn't have the elaborate, and expensive, electronic gear of the Stryker, which helped keep the price down.