The logistics command yesterday made public for the first time a new type of soldier specially designed for the battlefield of the future.
Tomorrow's infantry will not only have superior fire power but also come equipped with high-tech devices to give them a crucial edge over the enemy.
In a demonstration at the Kaohsiung-based 205th Arsenal, officials showcased the new soldier's full capabilities.
Dubbed the "future warrior," the soldier is armed with a new type of rifle developed by the logistics command, formerly the combined services force. The XT-91, is supposedly best of its kind ever developed by logistics command, featuring greater precision and lighter weight than predecessors such as the Type 65-K2.
The rifle can be used with a sniper telescope, night vision scope or thermal imager for operations in all weather and conditions.
The future warrior also carries high-tech equipment such as a eye-sized LCD, night vision goggles, palm-sized computer, laser range finder, radio and battery.
With the LCD connected to a radio transmitter the warrior can send back real-time images of the battlefield to the rear.
The warrior can also let headquarters know where he is by sending signals through his palm-sized computer -- a PDA with GPS functions -- while the laser range finder helps the warrior quickly determine the location of the enemy. It is estimated that the weaponry and equipment costs over NT$1 million per person.
An official with the logistics command, who preferred not to be identified, said not all soldiers need to be armed like the future warrior.
"We think that only special operations forces need to be armed like this. The ordinary troops might also need such armaments but not in great quantity," the official said.
The equipment that logistics has selected for the future warrior is to be mostly sourced from abroad, except the rifle.
The LCD and palm-sized computer are to be directly bought from foreign countries, while the night vision-goggles, thermal imager and laser range finder are to be assembled locally using key components bought from abroad.
"People might think we are just imitating foreign products. Whatever the criticism, we have to develop as early as possible the capability to build next-generation armament for an individual soldier. If not, we will lose our competitiveness against foreign arms dealers," a logistics command official said.
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