TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Armaments Bureau will produce 60,000 new bulletproof vests this year to enhance individual soldier protection.

The vests are designed to withstand 7.62mm bullets, standard 5.8mm rounds, and 5.8mm steel-core rounds used by China’s People’s Liberation Army. The Armaments Bureau’s 205th Factory, responsible for developing light weapons and military equipment, participated in the vendor selection process, per Liberty Times.

According to the Government Procurement Network, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense allocated NT$1.6 billion (US$48.95 million) in November to procure 160,000 sets of ceramic plates. Ace Biotek secured a contract worth NT$919.68 million to supply 96,000 sets, while Med Champ International Co. won a NT$613.12 million contract to supply 64,000 sets.

However, opposition lawmakers froze the budget allocated for "military equipment maintenance and spare parts procurement." The funds will only be released after the MND submits a report to the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee within six months and obtains approval.

All vests are expected to be delivered by 2026.