Taiwan is making strides in enhancing its military capabilities with the development of a new long-range cruise missile, designed specifically to strengthen its naval defenses against potential threats in the region. Referred to as the “carrier killer,” this advanced missile is reported to have a striking range of up to 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621 miles), allowing it to target substantial portions of both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. These areas are known operational zones for Chinese aircraft carriers, underscoring the strategic importance of this development.
The Ministry of National Defense has characterized the missile as subsonic, which signifies that it will travel at speeds less than the speed of sound. It builds upon the existing land-attack technology utilized in Taiwan’s earlier Hsiung Feng IIE missiles. Moreover, the new missile is expected to feature enhanced stealth capabilities, making it more difficult for adversaries to detect and intercept.
The push towards refining and deploying this missile comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly with ongoing military assertiveness from China. By developing such a potent weapon, Taiwan aims to deter potential aggressors and assert its defense posture in the face of increasing regional hostility. The advancement of the “carrier killer” missile reflects Taiwan’s commitment to fortifying its military assets and ensuring a robust defense strategy.
