A model of Taiwan's indigenous Tien Kung Ⅲ surface-to-air anti-ballistic missile on display. Photo: WikiMedia

The acquisition of new main battle tanks, next-generation guided missile frigates and armed uncrewed aerial vehicles are high on the Taiwanese military’s shopping list this year.

They are on top of ongoing deals for infantry fighting vehicles and heavy long-range submarine-launched torpedoes, as well as Taiwan’s multibillion-dollar program to upgrade its F-16 jet fighter fleet.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has reportedly ordered the military to prioritize the development and deployment of air defense systems, including the Tien Kung III and Hsiung Feng III hypersonic anti-tactical ballistic missile, as well as the US-made MIM-104F Patriot surface-to-air missile, to respond to the changing threats facing the self-ruled island.

The ministry has sped up mass production of the Tien Kung III, whose delivery date has been pushed up to 2022, two years ahead of the original schedule, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

Production of the Tien Kung III system will replace Taiwan’s stocks of MIM-23 Hawk missiles. Previously, the US had given Taiwan the option of upgrading the Hawk, buying the NASAMS missile or buying the THAAD missile system to replace their Hawks. But Taiwan ultimately decided to pursue the development of indigenous weapons to meet its needs.

The Taiwanese army will replace the fiber-optic cables in its information infrastructure with satellite equipment to augment the security and efficiency of command, control and communications.

Multiple-layered deterrence, defending littoral seas and preventing an adversary from establishing beachheads are among the key defense strategies acceding to a report submitted to the island’s Legislative Yuan.

Join the Conversation

29 Comments

  1. After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked
    the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
    now every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment.
    Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service?

    Thanks!

  2. Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads
    a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

  3. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest
    authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas
    you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work.
    If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send
    me an e mail.

  4. I like the helpful information you supply on your articles.

    I will bookmark your blog and test once more right here regularly.

    I’m slightly certain I will learn many new stuff right right
    here! Best of luck for the following!

  5. I do not even know the way I stopped up right here, however I believed this submit used to be good.
    I do not recognize who you’re however certainly you’re
    going to a famous blogger for those who are not already.
    Cheers!

  6. I am extremely impressed together with your writing talents and also with the format to your weblog.
    Is this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it
    is uncommon to look a nice weblog like this one nowadays..

    plenty of fish natalielise

  7. Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
    Carry on the fantastic work!

  8. Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.
    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be
    able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations,
    please share. Many thanks!

  9. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
    I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to
    get my own, personal site now 😉