2023/07/23
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release to explain the episode of "the video showing Councilor Lin "using a sharp knife to pierce through a bunter plate" in criticism of the individual protective equipment of the Armed Forces"
In response to the video showing Councilor Lin criticizing individual protective equipment of the Armed Forces and "using a sharp knife to pierce through a bunter plate", the Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated the three-level combat vests currently adopted by the armed forces of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and other countries are mainly designed to be bulletproof rather than stab-proof. Therefore, the MND takes the weight load and protective performance of individual soldiers into account.
The MND explained that mainstream military combat vests around the world currently focus on being bulletproof, so that the design helps transfer the kinetic energy of a warhead to the entire vest. Relatively speaking, the energy density of a knife tip is much higher than that of a warhead. The shearing stress it generates is perpendicular to the fiber, and that is why the technology and materials used to prevent piercing are completely different to those used to make items bulletproof. It is the focus of technological research and development for the plate to be given both bulletproof and stab-proof effects, and the MND has already explained that the 205th Factory of the Armament Bureau has already included the new generation bunter plate into research and development to meet future protective needs.
The MND also pointed out that the Armament Bureau had invited the media, and scholars and experts to witness the live-fire test results of combat vests for the Armed Forces on July 19, 2023, and it proved the effectiveness of the bullet-resistance capabilities. Nonetheless, it is quite regrettable that Councilor Lin has repeatedly used "bunter plate testing videos" from unknown sources to stir up emotions, and undermine the efforts of local arms and national defense build-up and the morale of officers and soldiers.
The MND emphasizes that all parties are welcome to propose rational suggestions for arms build-up and war readiness missions to enrich the all-out national defense strength of the country. The Armed Forces will also consider the combat readiness needs and national resources to maximize the effectiveness of the military. As such, the MND calls on all nationals to unite as the cross-strait situation turns more hostile, and render their support for the autonomy of national defense so we can defend and safeguard our homeland.