A recent upgrade to the Republic of China Marine Corps has seen a new unit focused on land-based security replace its aging assault rifles with new US-made M4A1 systems. Reports from state media indicate that the transition involves the First Security Battalion, which is part of the Marine Corps Air Defense and Base Guard Group. This marks a significant shift from the locally-produced T65K2 rifles that have been in service since the late 1980s.
While officials have not provided specific details regarding the timeline of the upgrade or the total number of M4A1 firearms acquired, experts suggest the acquisition may be linked to Foreign Military Financing approved during the Biden administration.
Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, highlighted the tactical advantages of the M4A1. Its shorter barrel enhances handling and maneuverability, particularly in confined spaces, making it more suitable for modern combat scenarios compared to the older T65K2 rifles. The M4A1 also features a Picatinny rail system, which enables operators to mount a variety of accessories, such as combat optics, thereby increasing effectiveness in base security and close-quarters combat operations.
The M4A1 rifle has specifications that support its versatility in the field. With a length of 29.75 inches (75.5 centimeters) and a weight of 6.36 pounds (2.9 kilograms), it is relatively lightweight and manageable for troops. It has a magazine capacity of 30 rounds and is designed to fire 5.56×45-millimeter NATO shells, with a firing rate of up to 950 rounds per minute and an effective range extending up to 600 meters (1,969 feet).
The First Security Battalion, established in November 2024, is primarily composed of conscripts serving one-year compulsory service. Its primary mission is to provide security for ground missile and radar crews, ensuring their safe movement and the operational readiness of the sites they occupy. In a move that underscores a commitment to enhancing security capabilities, Taipei is expected to form a second battalion under the same group later this year.
