Taiwan’s military has taken a notable step in bolstering its air defense capabilities by successfully conducting the first live-fire test of the domestically developed Land Sword II surface-to-air missile. This test was carried out by troops from the 43rd and 58th Artillery Command at a military base in Pingtung County, where three Land Sword II missiles were launched and successfully intercepted drone targets within a mere 30 minutes.
Colonel He Hsiang-i, the deputy commander of the 43rd Artillery Command, emphasized that the drill was aimed at validating unit readiness and enhancing training standards in light of escalating tensions with China. The geopolitical climate remains tense as Taiwan prepares for potential scenarios involving Beijing, which regards the island as a breakaway province and has not dismissed the possibility of reclaiming it through force.
The live-fire test was conducted as part of the Shen Gong military exercise, which aims to improve inter-service coordination and develop rapid response capabilities in high-threat environments. This exercise reflects Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture amid increasing military pressures from the mainland.
The Land Sword II missile system, known locally as the TC-2, serves as a ground-launched counterpart to the Sky Sword II air-to-air missile and is intended to replace the outdated US-supplied MIM-72 Chaparral system. Each unit of the Land Sword II comprises four vehicles: a radar truck, a missile launcher equipped with four pods, a command vehicle, and an ammunition carrier. With an operational range of 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles) and the ability to function effectively in adverse weather conditions, the Land Sword II addresses crucial gaps in Taiwan’s layered air defense strategy.
Taiwanese defense officials have indicated that the Land Sword II is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including fast-moving aircraft, hostile drones, and incoming cruise missiles. This system, developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, is intended to complement existing defense systems such as the Tien Kung III and the US-supplied Patriot PAC-3, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of Taiwan’s military arsenal.
This milestone underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and adapt to the evolving security landscape in the region, as the island continues to navigate its complex relationship with China.
