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Taiwan rolling out new rocket system

TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 27 (UPI) -- Taiwan's military says it will use its new Thunderbolt-2000 artillery multiple-launch rocket system in a live-fire exercise in April.

The indigenously developed Thunderbolt-2000 artillery multiple-launch rocket system is a truck-mounted weapon designed as a quick-fire response against enemy amphibious assault landings. The first AMLRS was delivered to Taiwan's army by the country's the Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology last year.

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The Ministry of National Defense didn't say how many Thunderbolt 2000s would take part in the annual Han Kuang series of exercises but that 81 rounds would be fired.

The exercise is to be conducted on the island of Penghu.

The Thunderbolt 2000 is operated from an M977 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck and can launch 40 rockets a minute. It features automatic fire control.

The Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology began its development in 1997. It is replacing the Army's aging Kung Feng VI rocket system.

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