As reported by Liberty Times on September 22, 2024, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has announced an updated schedule for the delivery of 14 M-136 Volcano mine-laying systems from the United States. Initially, seven of these systems were set to be delivered before the end of this year, with the remaining units expected in 2026. However, due to operational delays on the U.S. side and various other factors, all 14 systems are now scheduled for delivery in 2026. Military officials confirmed they will keep close communication with their U.S. counterparts regarding any potential further adjustments to the timeline.
The Taiwanese ministry’s public budget for the 2025 fiscal year indicates that the total project cost, including the purchase and related domestic logistic facilities, exceeds 4.89 billion New Taiwan dollars (approximately $153.265.118,40), spanning the period from 2022 to 2025. Upon arrival, the Volcano systems will be allocated to the engineer groups of the Army’s three corps in the northern, central, and southern regions of Taiwan.
To prepare for deployment, the military has formed “Mobile Obstruction Teams” by integrating engineer groups from each corps with personnel from mechanized infantry battalions within combined arms brigades. These teams are designed to execute emergency mine-laying and establish mobile obstruction facilities swiftly in strategic areas such as roads and bridges during combat emergencies. The inclusion of the Volcano systems is intended to enhance the operational flexibility of the engineer groups.