For the first time in 5 years the HCS have ordered an increase in Tapir AFV production above the minimal rate to keep the production lines (there are two Tapir production factories) viable. The increase is not great but its significant that the HCS are increasing armament finally after a long period of downsizing and cutbacks.
The increase is to replace combat losses in the civil war, to complete the replacement of the remaining few hundred Tapir-As in service, and to equip a new Civil Defense Unit created to defend government installations on Cloneworld. This new unit, the CDU, is under the Friar's direct control though is unlikely to be more than a token unit of around a brigade strength.
The new build Tapirs are Tapir-F6s, the HCS are expected to replace production with the improved Tapir-F7 next year which will have a new NBC filtration system.
