Taiwan creates new missile to bolster defense against China
- Taiwan unveiled a new prototype cruise missile developed with U.S. arms maker Anduril Industries, aimed at enhancing its defense industry.
- The missile is designed to be cost-effective and capable of targeting both sea and land objectives, with production expected to commence in the next 18 months.
- This initiative is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to strengthen its defenses against Chinese military pressures.
Taiwan has recently introduced a prototype cruise missile developed in collaboration with Anduril Industries, an American arms manufacturer. This unveiling comes as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities in the face of increasing military threats from China. The government-run National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) revealed the missile ahead of a major defense exposition. It aims to establish a production line for the missile within the next 18 months, at an estimated cost of approximately $216,000 each. This effort reflects Taiwan's broader ambition to foster a self-sufficient arms industry. The region has faced mounting military pressures from China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, Beijing has intensified its military posture and has frequently conducted military activities near Taiwan, stoking fears among its population. In response, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has announced plans to increase defense spending to 5% of its GDP by 2030, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The cruise missile is described as a low-cost autonomous weapon that can target both land and sea assets. It adapts technology initially developed for Anduril's existing systems and represents a significant step in Taiwan's defense strategy that prioritizes autonomous and locally-produced weaponry. The NCSIST also indicated plans to develop additional defense technologies, such as underwater drones and mobile mines, in collaboration with Anduril, showcasing Taiwan's push for a techno-industrial renaissance in national defense. Washington has been a long-time supporter of Taiwan's defense efforts and continues to play a key role in supplying arms. However, supply constraints in the U.S. have complicated weapons deliveries, leading Taiwan to emphasize domestic production. The dialogue around Taiwan's defense capabilities has captured international attention, particularly amid concerns regarding regional stability. Taiwan's recent initiatives reflect its determination to counter potential aggressions while fostering a more robust national defense industry, independent from external supply chains.