Posted: 01/01/2005
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.