The National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) yesterday disclosed technical specifications of the Chiang Kung missile, amid a legislative deadlock that cast doubt over the program’s future.
The Chiang Kung missile, also known as Tien Chien IV, is intended to serve as the principal high-altitude interceptor of the proposed “T-Dome,” an integrated air defense matrix for Taiwan proper.
The Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that it would seek to fund Chiang Kung missile production via a supplementary budget, since the program was not included in the special defense budget passed by the Legislative Yuan.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
According to the NCSIST, the state-run defense research and development group, the Chiang Kung air defense system uses a land-based vertical launch system to fire hypersonic weapons capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at mesospheric altitudes.
The interceptor missile uses vectored thrust to ensure speed and maneuverability in the low-air-density conditions of high altitudes, the institute said.
The warhead of the Chiang Kung missile is mounted atop a two-stage solid-propellant rocket housed in molded composite materials to enable large-scale production at a low cost, it said.
The Chiang Kung’s radar can identify different types of targets, engage multiple tactical ballistic missiles, and is hardened against electronic warfare countermeasures, the NCSIST said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a defense official said that the Chiang Kung system’s ability to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes up to 70km is a significant improvement over the Tien Kung III.
The Chiang Kung features a mobile active electronically scanned array radar vehicle developed jointly by Taiwan and the US, which possesses formidable detection and is designed to operate under heavy electromagnetic interference and GPS jamming, they said.
The Chiang Kung missile is a crucial part of the planned “T-Dome” air defense network, which incorporates multiple types of interceptors under the control of the US-made Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, they said.
This system’s importance stems from its high-altitude capability, which is absent in Taiwan’s arsenal and cannot be otherwise obtained through foreign procurement, the official said.
The ministry’s budget woes have impacted the Chiang Kung system acquisition timetable, which has negative ramifications for the entire “T-Dome” project, they said.
The military cannot integrate its patchwork of air defense missiles when key pieces are missing, the official said, adding that Taiwan can ill afford this problem as Chinese capabilities grow by leaps and bounds.
The uncertainty surrounding the funding of key weapon systems, including Chiang Kung, is highly worrisome to the military’s leadership, they said.
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