Taiwan has revealed details about the capabilities of its own missiles and drones

Taiwan is developing missiles that can attack enemy air bases and shoot down cruise missiles, as well as drones that can aim at locations where they fire. This became known from the report of the National Institute of Science and Technology, which reports to the military.

Hsiung Sheng missile, according to experts, has a range of up to 1000 km and comes in two versions: one with a high-explosive warhead for attacks on bunkers and fortified command centers, and another with ammunition that is able to “scatter” to destroy airfields.

Thus, the missile can reach most Chinese bases under the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army. One expert said it could help the national army delay or paralyze communist invasions of Taiwan, making it difficult for them to wage a quick war.

Advanced Sky-Bow III surface-to-air missile is designed to destroy ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as fighter planes. Also, about 64% of additional military spending is spent on anti-ship weapons, such as surface-to-air missile systems.

Little is known about our own production of drones. Last month, the Department of Defense announced that the first batch of US-built MQ-9 Reaper drones, which can be armed with missiles and operate at long distances, will enter service in Taiwan by 2025. Earlier, the Ministry of Defense announced plans to begin production of “assault drones” and produce 48 such aircraft per year.

We remind that last year Taiwan approved an additional budget of $8.2 billion military spending over the next 5 years. The decision was made due to the aggravation of relations with China, which considers Taiwan part of its territories. Chinese military planes regularly violated Taiwan’s airspace.

Taiwan plans to double its annual missile production capacity to nearly 500, boosting its combat potential. The state’s plans preceded Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the war sparked talk of lessons that Taiwan could use to counter the Chinese attack, including considering an example of how Ukraine opposes a numerically superior power.

Although Taiwan receives military aid from the United States, their own missile program will help ensure that the island does not rely entirely on foreign supplies. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has put defense modernization first.