Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has tested a new cruise missile believed capable of reaching mainland China, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The weapon, said to be an extended-range variant of the Hsiung Feng 2E land-attack cruise missile, was launched from the island’s southernmost county of Pingtung.
It reportedly flew around 300 kilometers (186 miles) at an altitude of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). Sources say the maximum range of the missile is 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), far enough to hit China’s Wuhan in the center and Qingdao on the east coast.
Although the institute did not publicly identify the weapon, analysts claim it is the new Hsiung Sheng.
Four more tests are reportedly to be carried out this month amid increasing tension with Beijing.
Increase in Missile Production
Earlier this week, Liberty Times reported that the country is expected to ramp up missile production to exceed 1,000 by the end of this year.
Taipei reportedly produced more than 800 missiles in 2022, as it continues to strengthen its air defense.
The NCSIST currently has 16 production lines for various missiles, including the Wan Chien, Hsiung Sheng, and Sky Bow III.
The island nation has established more mass production plants that have “greatly improved” the manufacture of high-powered missiles.