Taiwan plans to establish anti-ship missile squadrons across the territory against a potential Chinese navy invasion, Liberty Times revealed, citing a project report.
The first stage of the two-stage project, running from 2017 to 2026, involves improving the missile firing control system at six fixed sites.
Seven locations will be engineering facilities, including a “mobile launch vehicle garage, the mission control center, and the ammunition depot,” the Taipei-based outlet added.
These sites will be located in various counties and cities of southern Taiwan, including Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, and Taitung.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences also recently constructed a bomb-resistant ammunition depot, CNA reported.
Indigenous Missile Development
In the second stage, from 2023 to 2026, Hsiung Feng II, III, and extended-range Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles will be procured.
The Hsiung Feng II has a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles), while the Hsiung Feng III can strike targets at up to 400 kilometers (250 miles).
The Taiwanese Navy’s Haifeng (anti-ship) Brigade has added an anti-ship missile squadron equipped with Hsiung Feng II and III missiles.
Once the extended-range Hsiung Feng III missile goes into mass production, the squadron will be deployed, Taiwan News reported. The brigade will have six fixed-position and two mobile squadrons.
25 Anti-Ship Squadrons
Taiwan also procured 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems from the US in 2020, including 400 Harpoon Missiles with a maximum range of 75 miles (125 kilometers) for $2.4 billion.
Two more Harpoon system deals have been signed between Taiwan and the US for over $700 million.
The Harpoon contract is expected to run through 2028. According to Liberty Times, the Taiwanese Navy will eventually have 20-25 anti-ship squadrons.
