Taiwan unveils Strong Bow anti-ballistic missile specs in push for US$1.13 billion funding

Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has revealed key specifications of its new anti-ballistic missile system, Chiang Kung, or Strong Bow, as the island seeks funding for mass production to bolster its air defenses against increasing pressure from China. The system, designed to intercept incoming missiles at altitudes of 70km or higher, features hypersonic speed, two-stage solid-fuel propulsion, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a guidance system using inertial guidance and radar uplink corrections.

Strong Bow, also known as Tien Kung IV, is a land-based mid-tier missile that can reach hypersonic speeds, maneuver in the high atmosphere, and carry a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The institute plans to produce two systems and 128 interceptor missiles, with a proposed budget of NT$36.1 billion (US$1.13 billion). The missile defense network, dubbed the "T-Dome," aims to give defenders an early advantage in intercepting ballistic missiles.

However, the system was excluded from a recently approved special defense spending package, prompting the government to submit Strong Bow through a supplementary budget. Analysts warn that further delays could hinder Taiwan's efforts to build layered defenses against China's growing ballistic missile arsenal.