On July 8, the U.S. State Department approved a $223 million sale of Stinger surface-to-air missiles to Taiwan. The Stinger is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) capable of engaging low-altitude airborne threats at short range. In response, the People’s Republic of China expressed “resolute opposition” to the sale at a press conference. Related Links: Taipei...
On June 7, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the successful test launch of its Hsiung Feng III antiship missile last year. Conducted on July 16, 2018, the projectile was fired from a Cheng Kung-class frigate and struck a target 47 km away amid difficult sea conditions. The missile features a reported range of 120-150 km and...
On February 13, Google released new maps, accidentally revealing the locations of once-secret missile bases and other defense infrastructure on Taiwan. Taiwanese Defense Minister Yen De-fa specified that the imagery showed the location of a Patriot missile base in Xindian district, as well as the National Security Bureau (NSB) and Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB). Minister...
On January 1, the Taiwanese Navy released a promotional video entitled “Toward 2019,” showing the first public footage of its Hsiung Feng III antiship missile launching from a Tuo Chiang-class stealth corvette. The video was released a day ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech outlining Beijing’s goal of reunifying Taiwan with China, and confirms Taiwan’s latest...
On June 29, the U.S. State Department approved a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The sale features seven main items, including technical support for an early warning radar system, upgrades for several torpedo systems, and components for the SM-2 missile. Congress will review the agreement and then negotiate the specific equipment and monetary value...
Missile threats facing both the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific are increasing in complexity, number, and source. In response, the Trump administration is using missile defenses to boost military capability and signal resolve, as indicated by the deployment of THAAD to South Korea...
Taiwanese media reports that Taiwan is pursuing upgrades to its indigenous anti-ship, surface-to-air, and air-to-air missile capabilities. Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, or NCSIST has been working to improve the range, electronic counter-countermeasures, and guidance systems of the Hsiung- Feng (Brave Wind) series of anti-ship missiles, the Tien Kung (Sky Bow) surface-to-air...
