Taiwan is developing lower cost air defense munitions as China is expanding the use of cheaper weapons in potential large scale attacks, Taiwan News reported.
National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology President Lt. Gen. Lee Shih-chiang said plans are already in place, with testing expected to begin next year.
The effort focuses on introducing more affordable interceptors for lower level threats, helping preserve advanced missile systems for more complex targets.
Boosting Air Defense
The push to develop more affordable air defense systems comes as Taipei plans to increase defense spending to around $40 billion over the next eight years, as part of efforts to strengthen deterrence against Chinese military pressure.
In parallel, the country is advancing its layered air defense architecture under the “T-Dome” concept, which is expected to be completed by next year.
T-Dome is designed as a multi-layer defense system covering low, medium, and high altitudes, while also countering long-range rocket threats.
A key element is a sensor-to-shooter network designed to reduce the time between target detection and interception.
The system combines domestic platforms such as Strong Bow, Sky Bow III, and Sky Sword II with US-supplied Patriot missiles and radars.
Last month, Taiwan approved the purchase of 102 Patriot Advanced Capability 3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, valued at about $637 million.
Authorities are also planning to acquire nine additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to reinforce the air defense network.
Under an earlier procurement, three NASAMS units are already set to be integrated into the T-Dome framework.
