Taiwan Plans 1,200-Plus Sea Sword II Missiles as Navy Standardizes 50-Km Air Defense
Updated
Updated · The Defense Post · Jun 8
Taiwan Plans 1,200-Plus Sea Sword II Missiles as Navy Standardizes 50-Km Air Defense
2 articles · Updated · The Defense Post · Jun 8
Summary
Taiwan aims to build 1,200 to 1,376 Hai Chien II missiles after the weapon passed a live-fire test off southern Taiwan, where it successfully hit a simulated drone target.
At least 688 missiles are needed for ships already in service or under development, while the navy favors the higher estimate to withstand potential PLA saturation attacks on Taiwanese vessels.
The Sea Sword II is set to become the navy’s main medium-range air-defense missile, replacing shorter-range legacy systems and integrating with Taiwan’s vertical launch system for 360-degree coverage.
Kang Ding-class frigates and the Yushan amphibious ship are expected to carry 32 missiles each, while most Tuo Chiang-class corvettes will carry 16 to support mobile 'wolf pack' operations.
The domestically developed missile has a roughly 50-km range, weighs 183 kg and flies at Mach 4, underscoring Taiwan’s push to harden naval defenses with indigenous weapons.