With regard to media reports that "the dust jacket of fisheye bearing of CM33 Clouded Leopard Armoured Vehicle chassis is found rupture and oil leakage", it is verified the content of these reports are obviously found misunderstood.

New release of the Ministry of National Defense (MND)

Time: 0855, March 13, 2021

In response to media reports that "the dust jacket of the fisheye bearing of the CM33 Clouded Leopard Armoured Vehicle chassis is found to have ruptures and oil leakages", it is verified that these reports have misunderstood the situation, and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has today (13^th) elaborated as follows:

1. According to media claims that "a CM33 wheeled armored vehicle from the 584 Army Brigade is found to have an oil leakage", the situation has been verified as an issue with "the protective sleeve of the tie rod end", which acts as a dust preventor and is different from an oil seal. Such protective sleeves get damaged through long-term use, and though it is normal that such damage appears, the MDN has designated the tie rod end as a regular item for inspection and replacement to ensure proper availability.
2. According to the report that "the steering oil-seal of the CM 33 from the 234 Brigade is broken", the rupture was found to have been caused by failure to implement pre-duty maintenance of equipment. The MND carried out a comprehensive inspection in October 2020, and replaced a damaged oil-seal. The MND also requested subordinates to implement equipment maintenance on regular days as well as maintenance inspections before, during, and after driving, which are listed as the focus of supervision for all levels. This is currently being conducted as a regular duty.
3. The vendor supplier who is suspected of using mainland products in violation of the procurement contract, the case is current being tried by Taichung District Court, and the MND will deal with the matter accordingly once the court hands down its judgment.
4. The Clouded Leopard Armored Vehicle is an important weapon and equipment is independently developed by the Armed Forces. It is furnished with a complete maintenance system, sufficient supply of spare parts, and higher availability rate than stipulated by MND standards. After years of combat training and verification, it is found to meet the combat needs of ground forces. As such, the MND urges the outside world to give it a fair and reasonable evaluation, and continue supporting the Armed Forces as it strengthens its combat readiness and improves overall combat effectiveness.