Taiwan is embarking on an ambitious project to manufacture between 1,200 and 1,376 Hai Chien II (Sea Sword II) missiles, marking a significant step towards modernizing its naval air defense systems. This decision comes on the heels of a successful live-fire test of the missile, a naval adaptation of the Tien Chien II air-to-air missile, conducted recently in southern Taiwan. The initiative aims to replace outdated air defense weapons on naval vessels, which defense officials consider insufficient against modern aerial threats posed by advanced aircraft and drones.
Current military plans indicate that to fully equip both existing and future naval vessels, the Taiwanese navy will need 688 Hai Chien II missiles. These vessels include the Kang Ding-class frigates, next-generation light frigates, Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, and the Yushan-class amphibious landing platform docks. To ensure readiness for sustained military operations, logistics assessments suggest maintaining a stockpile of missiles amounting to 1.5 to 2 times the operational requirement. Such strategic planning has influenced the elevated production targets for these missiles.
Designed for integration with ship-based vertical launch systems, the Hai Chien II missiles offer enhanced range and comprehensive 360-degree air defense capabilities. This technological advancement is expected to significantly bolster the fleet’s ability to counter threats from aircraft, drones, and missiles. In alignment with this modernization effort, Taiwan is also in the process of upgrading its Kang Ding-class frigates with new launch systems that can accommodate multiple Hai Chien II missiles, while future ship designs are being conceived with this missile as a central component of their air defense strategy.
The move to produce these missiles is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to enhance its maritime defense capabilities. This effort is particularly pertinent given the increasing military activities and security challenges in the region. By standardizing missile systems across its naval surface fleet, Taiwan is taking proactive steps to fortify its defenses and ensure its military readiness in a rapidly evolving security landscape.