![]() ![]() Taiwan's three armed services mostly use standard US radar systems, and works to improve upon those radars capabilities through innovation and modernization. Taiwan has replaced its old SKY NET air defense network with a new network called STRONG NET to provide a comprehensive picture of the surrounding airspace. Taiwan has established an air defense early warning network which, when used in conjunction with its ground-based SAMs and fourth-generation tactical aircraft, appears to pose a credible deterrent against an air attack from the mainland. Taiwan's close proximity to China has caused the Taiwanese armed forces to adopt an "air supremacy first" strategy that emphasizes early warning. The Dual-Mounted Stinger (DMS) missile system was delivered to Taiwan in mid-2001. Taiwan has procured the STINGER SAM system. The SKYGUARD is an integrated air defense system consisting of a modified AIM-7M/SPARROW AAM and a 35 mm AAA gun. The CHAPARRAL consists of four modified AIM-9C SIDEWINDER missiles mounted on a tracked vehicle. Short-range air defense coverage is provided primarily by the CHAPARRAL and the SKYGUARD systems. Taiwan is expected to forgo production of the Tien Kung IV, an indigenous man-portable SAM. For target acquisition, tracking, and mid-course missile guidance requirements, the Tien Kung employs a multifunction, phased-array radar with associated fire-control computer system and a continuous wave dish antenna illuminator which are tied into the radar in order to allow multiple target engagement. It is deployed in two configurations: as a mobile, containerized system employing a quad-box launcher similar in appearance to the M901 PATRIOT missile launcher and as a fixed, silo-launched SAM.Ī follow-on variant, the Tien Kung-II, is configured as a fixed, two-stage, single-rail or silo-launched system. The Tien Kung-I is a single-stage, solid-propellant missile. The Tien Kung is a medium-to-long range system, reportedly based on early versions of the U.S. Taipei also has deployed an indigenously-produced SAM-the Tien Kung or Sky Bow- designed to replace the recently retired NIKE-HERCULES system. Under the Missile Reliability Restoration program, Taiwan's operational inventory of HAWK missiles was also modified to HAWK Intercept Aerial guided missile specifications. In 2000 the US Department of Defense announced the possible sale to Taiwan of 162 HAWK Intercept Aerial guided missiles and peripheral equipment at an estimated cost of US$106 million. The standard I-HAWK site consists of a pulse acquisition radar, a continuous wave acquisition radar, a high power illuminating target tracking radar, a range-only radar, and six three-missile launchers. It is a medium-range, low- to medium-altitude system, designed to defend fixed and mobile assets from high speed aircraft. The Improved HAWK (I-HAWK) SAM system remains a mainstay of Taiwan's air defense.
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