2023/07/07
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining reports of external concerns about "issues related to safety of bunter plates of the Armed Forces"
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: July 7, 2023 at 20:30
In response to concerns about the safety of bunter plates of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that it will, alongside the regular press conference held on July 11, publicly explain the methods of test appraisal for bunter plates of the Armed Forces and provide video records of test appraisals and testimonials from previous years. The MND will publicly display the appraisal processes and results before the Hanguang Exercise to reassure the public.
As the MND has explained, bunter plates produced by Factory 205 of the Bureau of Armaments were sent to the US Chesbeck Laboratory in 2016, and cleared of tests according to the III level standard of NIJ Class and international standards. Subsequent batches of mass-produced products were tested and certified by the National Accreditation Foundation (TAF) – the same level of standard appraisal center as international laboratories. Only after the product is cleared of appraisal standards are they released for use by service personnel.
The MND expresses its thanks for the public's concerns about the protection capabilities of bunter plates and other equipment, as well as participation in related discussions, and hopes that our nationals further voice their concerns for our national defense and propose forth suggestions.
The MND emphasized that the Armament Bureau has, in response to the effectiveness of new single-soldier weapons, planned to develop a new type of lightweight IV-level bunter plate to improve ballistic resistance, and the MND appeals to our nationals for support.