The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced that it will receive indigenously-developed Sky Sword II mobile missile launchers beginning next week.

The move is part of the country’s 23.65 billion New Taiwan dollar ($771.6 million) Sea and Air Combat Capability Enhancement Plan to build various missiles, launchers, and military facilities.

The National Chung-Shan Institute for Science and Technology has so far produced 19 Sky Sword II missile launchers to prepare the country for a potential Chinese invasion.

According to the MND, the rate of progress for production and procurement is currently at 95 percent.

The figure is on par with the recorded rate of progress for missile procurement of 100 percent.

The defense ministry expects that around 1,000 Sky Sword II and other types of missiles will be produced domestically this year.

The Sky Sword II

Taiwan’s Sky Sword II is a medium-range, air-to-air missile for fighter aircraft.

It features an inertial navigation system and an active radar seeker to effectively engage multiple airborne targets.

The weapon also has a fire-and-forget capability, eliminating the need for additional guidance toward enemy assets.

The missile first entered service with the Taiwanese Air Force in the 1990s, increasing the lethality of its Ching-Kuo fighter aircraft.

An updated version of the Sky Sword II has a new rocket motor and improved electronic components, extending its range to 80 kilometers (49.7 miles).

Weapons Stockpiling

Apart from missiles and launchers, the Taiwanese military is stocking up on other heavy weapons and equipment to defend against a potential Chinese attack.

Tensions have risen significantly between the nations as Beijing continues insisting that Taipei is part of its territory.

Last month, CNA announced that the island nation will receive its first batch of 200 Javelin anti-tank missiles from the US in the second half of 2023.

Another batch of 200 Javelins will reportedly be delivered “at some point in 2024.”

The US Air Force has also ordered four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones to help the Taiwanese military monitor China.