Missile plans await fundingBy Lo Tien-pin and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writerThe Ministry of National Defense is ready to move forward with mass production of Tien Kung IV (天弓, Sky Bow) missiles, if lawmakers authorize the funds, a defense official said yesterday on condition of anonymity. The ministry has secured suppliers and manufacturers to source at least two air defense systems and 128 missiles for an estimated NT$36.6 billion (US$1.16 billion) from the stalled special defense budget, the official said. The project is developing the Tien Kung V, an air defense system with a hoped-for interception altitude of 100km, they said. Transcom Inc, a major player in the Chiang Kung project, told investors late last year that the company expects the government to place orders next month for Tieng Kung III and IV missiles. Military demand for the systems would surge next year, the company said, citing projections of the time.

Source: Taipei Times February 03, 2026 17:13 UTC