2024/08/02
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining reports of "cracks found on the anti-ballistic armor plate of a CM-32 Clouded Leopard Armored Vehicle"
In response to media reports that "cracks were found on the anti-ballistic armor plate of an eight-wheeled Clouded Leopard armored vehicle", the Armaments Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that during an equipment inspection by the chief officer in July 2023, it had discovered cracks on the landing plate of an eight-wheeled Clouded Leopard armored vehicle. The Bureau carried out a comprehensive inventory check of the Army's eight-wheeled Clouded Leopard armored vehicles, and requested the contractor, China Steel Machinery Corporation (CSMC), a steel plate manufacturer, and third-party impartial institute the Metal Industries Research and Development Center to conduct a physical inspection of the armored plates of vehicles. After examination, it was found that cracks had resulted from poor welding on some parts. The CSMC immediately carried out improvement work.
As the Armaments Bureau has elaborated further, as of August 1, 2024, the CSMC has replaced parts on two vehicles with brand new front sloping plates and conducted welding and repairs of cracks on the landing panels of 48 vehicles. The vehicles in questions were then subject to multiple tests, including "Physical and Chemical Laboratory" tests by the 209th Factory of the Armaments Bureau, with related bulletproof-related functions verified as ready for any contingency.
The MND stated that it will work with the contractor to carry out an in-depth review of quality control and other operations so after-sales services are maintained to ensure the availability of equipment and combat effectiveness.