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

Taiwan's top weapons developer, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), has unveiled key specifications of its new anti-ballistic missile system, Strong Bow, or Tien Kung IV, as it seeks funding for mass production. The system, designed to intercept incoming missiles at altitudes of at least 70km, boasts hypersonic speed, two-stage solid-fuel propulsion, guidance system, and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

The defence ministry aims to secure US$1.13 billion in funding to produce two Strong Bow systems and 128 interceptor missiles, as part of a multilayered missile defence network called "T-Dome." The system has already undergone operational testing and evaluation, but securing funding remains a significant challenge, as it was initially excluded from a pared-back special defence spending package approved by the opposition-controlled legislature in May.

Brief written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.