News Story: Taiwan Develops New Missiles To Counter China's Threat

LUNGTAN, TAIWAN — Taiwan arms developers said Tuesday that new surface-to-air missiles would defend its airspace for “up to 20 years” as it aims to update weaponry to counter a perceived military threat from China.

Production of the Tienkung III (Sky Bow III), the most advanced model in a line of locally-developed air defense missiles, is slated to last from 2015 until 2024.

Parliament recently approved the budget for the Tw$74.8 billion ($2.5 billion) project.

“The missile is capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets,” a senior official in charge of the missile project at Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the island’s arms development hub, told AFP.

“Together with US-made Patriot missiles, Tienkung III system will guard Taiwan’s airspace in the next 15 to 20 years,” said the official, surnamed Huang. 

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