Explosion of Patriot PAC-2 Missile Under Review by Taiwan Military
The Taiwanese military is examining reports that a Patriot PAC-2 missile exploded shortly after launch during an annual live-fire exercise, Focus Taiwan reported.
Media outlets citing video footage said the missile detonated about four seconds after takeoff at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung County. A second PAC-2 missile launched in the same exercise completed its flight without problems.
The Air Force has yet to acknowledge the incident publicly. In a statement, it only confirmed the drills had concluded as planned, with all ammunition fired under approved scenarios and managed according to standard procedures. An internal review committee is expected to assess the results.
Background
This is not the first issue with Taiwan’s Patriot systems. In 2024, a military truck transporting Patriot equipment overturned, injuring personnel. In 2023, a missile misfire during an exercise was initially attributed to a PAC-3 but later clarified by Lockheed Martin. The Air Force confirmed the missile exploded prematurely.
