TAIPEI, Taiwan — May 18, 2026 : The Republic of China Army (ROCA) is moving forward with a modernization program for its domestically produced CM-34 Clouded Leopard infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), introducing an upgraded weapon system capable of firing programmable airburst ammunition. The enhanced variant is expected to receive the designation CM-34A1, with operational testing scheduled to conclude by the end of June.
The upgrade program is being carried out by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) Armaments Bureau in cooperation with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the two organizations responsible for the development and production of the Clouded Leopard armored vehicle family.
New Mk-44 ABM Cannon Integration
The primary improvement in the CM-34A1 centers on its main armament. Existing CM-34 vehicles currently use the first-generation 30 mm Mk-44 Bushmaster II long-barrel cannon. Under the new upgrade, the vehicle will receive the second-generation Mk-44 Air Burst Munition (ABM) Bushmaster cannon, which introduces programmable and timed firing functions.
The new system enables the vehicle to fire airburst high-explosive ammunition designed to detonate at a pre-set point in flight. This capability improves effectiveness against infantry positioned behind cover, trench systems, unarmored vehicles, and other battlefield targets that are difficult to engage using conventional direct-fire ammunition.
Military sources familiar with the program indicated that the upgraded weapon system will be integrated onto a new version of the CM-34 built on the second-generation Clouded Leopard 8x8 wheeled chassis.
CM-34 Clouded Leopard Program
The CM-34 is an infantry fighting vehicle variant within Taiwan’s Clouded Leopard armored vehicle family, a domestically developed 8x8 platform designed for mechanized infantry and rapid deployment operations. The program was developed to reduce reliance on foreign armored vehicle imports while strengthening Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry.
Serial production of the CM-34 began in 2019, and the vehicle has since become a key component of Taiwan’s motorized infantry formations. Earlier production figures indicated that more than 300 vehicles had been manufactured by 2023, with additional procurement orders later approved for military police and security units.
The standard CM-34 configuration is armed with a 30 mm Mk-44 Bushmaster II chain gun paired with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. The vehicle is designed to provide both armored troop transport and direct fire support during combat operations.
Mobility and Protection Systems
The Clouded Leopard platform was developed for high mobility across Taiwan’s road infrastructure and urban terrain. The 8x8 wheeled vehicle can reportedly reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour on paved roads.
The vehicle is equipped with modular composite armor designed to provide protection against small arms fire and artillery fragments. Additional onboard systems include thermal imaging equipment for crew operations in low-visibility conditions, digital fire-control systems, and a full Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection suite.
The second-generation chassis used for the CM-34A1 is expected to provide improved integration capacity for upgraded combat systems and future modernization requirements.
Taiwan’s Ongoing Defense Modernization
The CM-34A1 project forms part of Taiwan’s broader effort to modernize its ground forces and expand domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. In recent years, Taiwan has continued investing in locally produced armored vehicles, missile systems, naval platforms, and unmanned technologies as part of its long-term military modernization strategy.
Once operational testing and evaluation are completed later this year, the ROCA and the Ministry of National Defense are expected to proceed with further integration and deployment of the upgraded CM-34A1 vehicles into active military service.
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