Taiwan Develops Advanced Supersonic Missile to Counter Chinese Threats
Taiwan has tested a new supersonic missile, the Hsiung Feng III, capable of sinking ships, amidst rising tensions with China. This missile can be air-launched from fighter jets, has a range beyond 62 miles, and is designed to evade enemy defenses, enhancing Taiwan’s military deterrence against potential invasions.
Taiwan has developed and successfully tested a new supersonic missile, designed to target invading vessels, which can be launched from fighter aircraft. This advancement occurs amidst increasing military pressure from China, which asserts territorial claims over Taiwan despite never having governed the island. The situation is particularly critical as U.S. defense officials encourage Taiwan to bolster its military budget to better prepare for potential conflicts.
Initially reported by Taiwan’s United Daily News on February 21, the missile, known as the Hsiung Feng III (HF III), can reach speeds of Mach 3.5. It is capable of being deployed from ships and mobile trailers. Recently, images surfaced showing an Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) jet equipped with these missiles for the first time, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities against potential threats.
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which has been developing the HF III since 2022, states that the missile has a range exceeding 62 miles. It employs a low-altitude flight path to improve attack efficacy and reduce detection by enemy defense systems. The design enables multiple missiles to engage a single target concurrently, overwhelming enemy defenses.
China, currently possessing the world’s largest navy, conducts regular patrols around Taiwan with an extensive fleet, including aircraft carriers. This ongoing military posture underscores the challenges faced by Taiwan’s defenses. Additionally, experts assert that anti-ship missiles will be crucial for Taiwan’s defense, aiming to slow any aggressive advances by the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
The future operational timeline for the HF III air-launched missile remains uncertain as tensions escalate between Taiwan and China. The situation indicates a pressing need for Taiwan to enhance its military capabilities in response to the broadening strategic threat from its neighbor.
The development of the HF III supersonic missile signifies Taiwan’s proactive measures to defend against Chinese military threats. This advanced missile, with its impressive speed and technological capabilities, may play a pivotal role in Taiwan’s defense strategy in the face of growing Chinese naval power. As tensions rise, the operational readiness of such systems will be critical for Taiwan’s security.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
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