The Taiwanese armed forces plan to purchase six Toyota Hilux pickup trucks to replace an aging fleet for broadcasting on the field, a local newspaper has said.

Up to six new vehicles would be acquired under the Ministry of National Defense’s plan, as the AM General’s Hummer sport utility vehicles presently in use were so outmoded that fittings for repair were hard to find, the Liberty Times reported on Monday.

Under current practice, the army modifies its broadcasting trucks from the American M998 and M1045 Hummer SUVs.

The new Toyota Hilux is equipped with a 360-degree broadcasting function, solar panels and an effective range of up to 3,000 meters (9,843 ft). It is known for sturdiness, durability and a spacious cargo hopper, which can simultaneously accommodate both heavy machine guns and people on board.

The island’s legislature has passed a NT$14.4 million (US$510,000) budget to buy and refit two trucks.

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