Taiwan's "New Modular Bulletproof Vest" Sparks Controversy

11 Feb.,2025

Recently, Taiwan's special police unit purchased a new modular bulletproof vest, which has sparked widespread controversy. According to reports, the vest, produced by Taiwan's Optimus P company, was purchased by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior at a cost of NT$61.85 million for more than 1,500 sets. However, users have raised concerns about its inadequate protection, sparking doubts about its qua

 

Taiwan's "New Modular Bulletproof Vest" Sparks Controversy

 

  Recently, Taiwan's special police unit purchased a new modular bulletproof vest, which has sparked widespread controversy. According to reports, the vest, produced by Taiwan's Optimus Prime bulletproof armor company, was purchased by Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior at a cost of NT$61.85 million for more than 1,500 sets. However, users have raised concerns about its inadequate protection, sparking doubts about its quality.

 

  It is understood that the bulletproof vest was advertised as having excellent protective performance and convenient wearability. However, some special police officers reported that the anti-ballistic plate is not a genuine protective equipment and cannot effectively protect them from bullet injuries. During multiple practical exercises and missions, the vest failed to provide adequate protection.

 

  In addition to concerns about inadequate protection, users have also reported other quality issues with the vest, such as discomfort during wear and irritating noise. These issues not only affect the comfort of the wearer but could also interfere with mission execution.

 

  The incident has sparked questioning and criticizing the procurement process of the Taiwan police department by the outside world。 It is understood that the Ministry of the Interior did not conduct an open bidding or competitive pricing process when purchasing the vest, but rather directly purchased large quantities from the mainstay company. This practice has been criticized as violating relevant government procurement regulations, raising doubts about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.

 

  Some experts and observers have pointed out that the bulletproof vest may have design flaws or material quality issues. They emphasized that as equipment designed to protect the lives of personnel, the vest's quality and performance are of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly. They called on relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the matter and take effective measures to address it.

 

  Moreover, this incident has also sparked broader discussions about Taiwan's military equipment procurement. For years, Taiwan has faced numerous issues in military equipment procurement, including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. These issues not only undermine Taiwan's military security but also damage its international reputation.

 

  In the future, Taiwan needs to strengthen regulation, improve transparency, and enhance quality testing to ensure the rational use of public resources and the safety of personnel. The international community should also pay attention to this issue and call on the Taiwan authorities to take practical measures to address related problems. Only then can Taiwan ensure its military security and stable development.