Taiwan's Tien Kung IV Missiles: Strengthening Air Defense Capabilities

New Missile System Poised to Enhance Taiwan's Defense Arsenal

Taiwan's defense capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the successful initial tests of the new Tien Kung IV (Sky Bow IV) missile system. A defense official announced that the system has completed initial operational evaluations and limited field testing, paving the way for mass production expected to commence next year.

Developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology's Strong Bow (強弓) program, the Tien Kung IV system is a cutting-edge air defense weapon. The system boasts a maximum altitude of 70km, representing a notable advancement over existing systems.

This upgrade is a marked improvement compared to the Tien Kung III, with a maximum altitude of 45km, and the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement systems, which have a maximum altitude of 60km. The enhanced capabilities of the Tien Kung IV are designed to improve interception of high-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, thus elevating the overall defense posture.

While the final quantity of Tien Kung IV systems to be procured is still under consideration, the mass production of the Tien Kung III system is scheduled to conclude early next year. This is due to the NT$27.4 billion (US$908.1 million) budget being almost exhausted by December.

The Ministry of National Defense has plans to further develop two additional weapon systems under the Strong Bow program, including an air defense missile with a maximum altitude of 100km and a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,000km. Furthermore, the armed forces are planning a move to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP.

The ministry has allocated a special budget of NT$247.2 billion for the acquisition of 66 F-16C/D Block 70 jets and a special budget of NT$388.3 billion to support various domestically manufactured missile systems. Moreover, next year, the ministry plans to dedicate NT$116.4 billion to reinforce military telecommunications hubs, command centers, and upgrade training facilities as part of the Cabinet's initiative to bolster national resilience.

Additionally, the ministry is planning to spend NT$500 billion on purchasing arms from the US. The plans are scheduled to be unveiled in late August. The armed forces also plan to invest in other domestic programs, which include Albatross uncrewed aerial vehicles, second-generation Kestrel anti-armor rocket launchers, and the expansion of assembly lines for 155mm artillery shells.