Gabriel Honrada
Betting on stealth over speed, Taiwan is forging a long-range “carrier killer” to push back China’s carriers and toughen the First Island Chain—even as layered Chinese defences and shaky allied politics cloud the gambit. This month, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Taiwan is developing a long-range subsonic anti-ship cruise missile that defence analysts say could significantly strengthen deterrence against China’s growing naval power, citing a defence ministry procurement list.
Under the Defence Industry Development Act, the ministry will spend NT$40 million (US$1.3 million) over two years on 80 frequency-agile coaxial magnetrons, radar components for the new missile and existing models. Meanwhile, local media said more than NT$800 million (US$26 million) was allocated in 2021–2022 to adapt Hsiung Feng IIE land-attack technology with enhanced stealth. Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is believed to have led the weapon’s development since 2021.
Analysts, citing the US AGM-158B and C as references, estimate the missile will have a range of 600–1,000 kilometres—enough to reach beyond Chinese carrier-based aircraft and cover large parts of the East and South China Seas. The new weapon aims to offset the Hsiung Feng III’s 400-kilometre limit and the US-made Harpoon’s 200-kilometre reach, both requiring risky penetration of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) layered defences.
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