Taiwan Unveils New Cheetah D3 Combat Vehicle to Boost Coastal Defense

Taiwan has revealed the D3 prototype of its 105mm wheeled combat vehicle, a major upgrade under the country’s Project Cheetah aimed at strengthening its ability to respond quickly to military threats, particularly from the sea.

The latest D3 version, showcased during the Ministry of National Defense’s online program Defense Online, is 40 centimeters shorter than the previous model, with a lower profile, stronger blast protection, and increased ammunition capacity. Its compact design makes it harder to detect and easier to deploy in urban streets and coastal defense zones, where space and reaction time are critical during an attack.

From D1 to D3 – A Rapid Evolution

Project Cheetah began in 2019 to give Taiwan a homegrown, high-mobility armored platform. The first two prototypes, D1 and D2, were developed almost entirely with local expertise, achieving 89% domestic component manufacturing. The D2, introduced in mid-2024, used an advanced 8×8 chassis from the Clouded Leopard family and carried a 105mm rifled gun compatible with Taiwan’s M60A3 and CM-11 tanks. It also featured a remote-controlled 12.7mm weapon station for the commander and a “hunter-killer” targeting system, allowing simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple threats.

The D3 builds on this foundation but introduces key structural and balance improvements. The vehicle’s height is now under 3 meters, down from 3.3 meters, improving stability and concealment. The turret has been repositioned further back to enhance weight distribution, and the chassis has been upgraded to the second-generation Clouded Leopard M2, which resolves previous handling issues. New side mirrors and an optimized armor layout improve crew visibility and survivability.

Performance Built for Rapid Response

Despite its smaller size, the D3 retains a low-recoil 105mm gun with electric servo drives for precise aiming. It can exceed 100 km/h on roads and travel up to 500 kilometers without refueling, allowing it to redeploy quickly anywhere on the island. This mobility is vital for Taiwan’s interregional reinforcement missions, where speed can determine the success of defending against sudden amphibious landings.

The vehicle’s design suits Taiwan’s asymmetric defense strategy, where lighter, faster, and more dispersed units can outmaneuver heavier enemy forces. Instead of relying solely on main battle tanks, which are difficult to hide or transport in Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, the Cheetah D3 can execute hit-and-run ambushes, “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, and direct fire support for infantry.

Preparing for the Worst

Taiwan plans to publicly display the D3 at next month’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, offering a closer look at the platform’s capabilities. Military analysts note that vehicles like the D3 could be deployed in small, highly mobile fire brigades, reinforcing vulnerable coastal zones during the early stages of an amphibious assault.

However, some in Taiwan’s army have expressed concerns about the lethality of the 105mm gun, suggesting that a shift to a 120mm cannon might be necessary to match modern armor threats in the region.

A Response to Rising Tensions

The unveiling comes during escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. China has increased military flights across the median line, conducted large-scale amphibious drills, and maintained a constant naval presence near Taiwan’s waters. Taipei has responded by accelerating defense modernization, prioritizing indigenous production to ensure strategic autonomy.

The Cheetah D3, with its mix of mobility, local production, and tactical adaptability, embodies Taiwan’s determination to stay agile, self-reliant, and ready in the face of growing regional threats. Defense officials say the platform is not just a vehicle—it is a symbol of Taiwan’s shift toward a more flexible and resilient fighting force.