Taiwan flexes defence self-reliance, US missile and drone partnerships at arms fair
Exhibition ‘marks critical moment’ for island’s twin strategy aimed at deterring Beijing’s growing military pressure, observers say
Taiwan has unveiled two flagship projects at its most ambitious arms fair yet – signalling both its push for defence self-reliance and its deepening cooperation with American firms aimed at deterring Beijing’s growing military pressure.
The three-day Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition (TADTE) opened on Thursday at the Nangang Exhibition Centre, drawing more than 400 local and international exhibitors from 14 countries, including the United States, Germany and France.
The biennial event, traditionally a platform for aerospace and defence technologies, has taken on added significance this year amid heightened cross-strait tensions and Taiwan’s drive to expand its defence industry.
This year’s spotlight is on the island’s first locally built anti-ballistic missile system as well as a cruise missile co-developed with a US defence firm – a dual strategy focused on self-sufficiency and foreign partnerships.
The Chiang-Kong system is designed to intercept enemy ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 70km (44 miles), boosting Taiwan’s layered missile defence from the lower tier – currently covered by the US-made Patriot PAC-3 and the island’s own Tien Kung III – to the medium range. NCSIST displayed the missile itself at the exhibition, including its launcher and a fire-control radar.