Taiwan is preparing to manufacture more than 1,200 Hai Chien II (Sea Sword II) surface-to-air missiles as part of a broader effort to strengthen the air defence capabilities of its naval fleet and standardize missile systems across multiple classes of warships. The initiative follows the successful completion of a live-fire test off southern Taiwan, during which the missile effectively intercepted a simulated unmanned aerial threat.
Once fully deployed, the Sea Sword II is expected to become the primary medium-range naval air defence weapon of the Republic of China Navy, replacing older short-range systems with limited engagement envelopes. Taiwanese defence planners view the missile as a critical component of future fleet survivability amid evolving aerial threats.
According to defence sources, a minimum of 688 missiles will be required to arm vessels currently in service and those under development, including upgraded Kang Ding-class frigates, next-generation light frigates, Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, and the Yushan-class amphibious transport dock. When operational reserves and wartime stockpiles are included, total demand is projected to rise to between 1,200 and 1,376 missiles.
The Sea Sword II is integrated with Taiwan’s indigenous vertical launch system, providing full 360-degree air defence coverage. Weighing approximately 183 kilograms, the missile has an engagement range of around 50 kilometres and can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.
Under current plans, each upgraded Kang Ding-class frigate will carry up to 32 Sea Sword II missiles, replacing the aging M48 Chaparral air defence system. Taiwan’s new light frigates will also field Sea Sword II variants tailored for either air-defence or anti-submarine warfare missions.
Meanwhile, most Tuo Chiang-class corvettes will be equipped with 16 missiles each, enabling the fast attack vessels to support distributed “wolf pack” operations that combine offensive strike capability with self-defence against aerial threats. The Yushan-class amphibious transport dock will also carry 32 Sea Sword II missiles launched from four dedicated launcher modules, significantly enhancing its ability to protect itself and accompanying forces during operations.
