Taiwan has switched on an automated production line for its new T112 rifle, a boost for the island's push to arm itself without relying on foreign suppliers.

• The military's 205 Arsenal moved to a new site in Kaohsiung and rebuilt its rifle line around robotic arms and smart factory controls.
• Tens of thousands of T112 rifles are due to be delivered over the next five years, replacing the army's current standard infantry weapon.
• Six key parts, including the barrel and bolt, are now made in-house, and almost all the machinery comes from Taiwanese suppliers.
• Only the cold forging machine used to cut the rifling is bought from abroad, which makes repairs and upkeep easier.
• The upgrade comes as Taiwan pushes to build more of its own weapons in the face of pressure from China.

Outlook: Deliveries to the army and military police should ramp up over the next few years as Taiwan keeps shifting arms production onto home soil.