Taipei is working on developing lower-cost air defense munitions in response to China’s increasing use of inexpensive weapons in potential large-scale attacks, according to Taiwan News.
Lee Shih-chiang, head of the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, stated that development plans are already underway, with testing expected to begin next year. The initiative aims to deploy cost-effective interceptors for lower-tier threats, preserving advanced missile systems for more complex engagements.
The move comes as Taiwan plans to raise defense spending to roughly $40 billion over the next eight years to strengthen deterrence against growing military pressure from China.
At the same time, Taiwan is advancing its layered air defense network under the “T-Dome” concept, expected to be operational by next year. Designed to provide multi-layer coverage across low, medium, and high altitudes, the system also addresses long-range rocket threats.
A central feature of T-Dome is a sensor-to-shooter network that minimizes the time between detection and interception. The architecture integrates domestic systems such as Strong Bow, Sky Bow III, and Sky Sword II alongside US-supplied Patriot missile system and radar.
Recently, Taiwan approved the procurement of 102 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors worth about $637 million. Authorities are also planning to acquire nine additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System units to further strengthen the network. Three NASAMS batteries from an earlier order are already slated for integration into the T-Dome framework.
