Taiwan’s military is investigating a reported explosion of a Patriot PAC-2 missile during an annual precision munitions drill along the country’s southeastern coast, Focus Taiwan reported.
Observing video footage, local media outlets reported that during the drill in Jiupeng, Pingtung County, one of the two Patriot PAC-2 missiles exploded about four seconds after launch.
During the same exercise, a second missile was launched and performed without disruption.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Asian country’s military has not issued a public statement regarding the incident, and a source speaking on condition of anonymity said the cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Without referring to the explosion, Taiwan’s Air Force Command Headquarters said that its annual Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises are now completed.
According to the release, all types of ammunition were fired according to planned scenarios, and all situations that arose during the drill were managed following standard engagement procedures.
The air force noted that a military evaluation committee is moving forward to review the drill results.
Similar Episodes
Several incidents involving Taiwan’s Patriot systems have occurred in recent years.
In 2024, a military truck transporting Patriot air defense equipment overturned in southern Taiwan, injuring at least two personnel.
A year earlier, a Taiwanese Air Force official reported that a Patriot PAC-3 missile failed during a live-fire drill; however, US manufacturer Lockheed Martin clarified that it was not a PAC-3 missile.
The country’s air force confirmed the missile exploded before hitting its target.
Taiwan first received missiles of this type in 1996, according to Taiwan News.
