Taiwan Modernizes U.S. M1167 Humvee with Enhanced Armor and New TOW Anti-Tank Missile Launcher.

Taiwan has unveiled a significantly upgraded version of the U.S.-origin M1167 anti-tank Humvee, reinforcing its land forces' mobility and firepower against armored threats. The upgraded vehicle, recently showcased at Feng Chia University, reflects Taiwan's commitment to modernizing its military capabilities amid growing regional tensions.
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Taiwanese Army's upgraded M1167 anti-tank Humvee, featuring reinforced armor protection, bulletproof glass, and a new-generation TOW missile launcher with advanced day-and-night targeting systems, enhancing mobility and anti-armor capabilities. (Picture source: Taiwanese Army)

The U.S. M1167 is a specialized variant of the HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) series, originally designed by AM General for the U.S. Army. Specifically tailored for anti-armor roles, the M1167 is typically equipped with a TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missile launcher system. The TOW is a highly effective anti-tank guided missile that many armies have widely adopted for its long-range precision and its ability to defeat modern armored vehicles, including tanks fitted with explosive reactive armor. In its standard form, the M1167 carries the TOW missile system mounted on the roof, allowing for rapid targeting and engagement of enemy armor from a distance while utilizing the Humvee’s mobility to reposition after firing.

Taiwan's upgraded M1167 has been outfitted with substantial armor enhancements to improve the vehicle's battlefield survivability. The modifications include the integration of external bulletproof steel plates, significantly enhancing resistance against small-arms fire and shrapnel. The windows have been reinforced with bulletproof glass, providing increased safety for both gunners and passengers. This level of protection allows the crew to maintain a high level of alertness and readiness even while moving, enhancing their ability to respond swiftly to enemy contact.

Another key defensive improvement is the vehicle's fully armored tire system, which can effectively resist small-caliber ammunition fire. This feature ensures that the vehicle retains its mobility even when operating under hostile conditions, a vital capability for executing tactical maneuvers and evasive actions during combat scenarios. Inside the vehicle, a gunner protection belt system has been installed, offering 360-degree rotational support for the gunner. Beyond its functional advantage in allowing the shooter to engage threats from any direction, this system also provides waist support and the ability for short rests during long missions, thereby reducing crew fatigue in extended operations.

In addition to these armor enhancements, the vehicle now features a newly developed towed anti-tank missile launcher system, replacing or upgrading the standard TOW configuration. This modern launcher is equipped with advanced day-and-night observation capabilities and utilizes a high-precision sensor chip. These features dramatically enhance the target acquisition process and engagement accuracy, allowing the crew to operate effectively in a wide range of environmental and lighting conditions. The improvements to the missile system significantly bolster Taiwan’s anti-armor warfare capabilities, enabling the National Army to counter increasingly advanced enemy armored threats effectively.

The modernization of the M1167 underscores Taiwan’s strategic focus on upgrading existing U.S.-supplied military platforms with indigenous technologies tailored to its specific defense needs. By enhancing both survivability and lethality, Taiwan ensures that its forces remain agile, responsive, and capable of meeting modern battlefield challenges. This upgrade is part of a broader, ongoing effort to improve the island’s defense self-sufficiency and operational readiness amid the increasing complexity of regional security dynamics.