TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan unveiled its advanced Strong Bow (強弓) air defense missile system Thursday (Sept. 18) at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (台北航太展暨國防展). The annual exhibition showcases domestically produced weapons and drones, highlighting Taiwan's growing defense capabilities. The event demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to enhancing national security through innovative military technologies.
The Strong Bow system, developed from the Sky Bow III (天弓三型) missile system, features a two-stage rocket booster and a new phased array radar vehicle. Missiles reach altitudes up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles), intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles. Chen Kuo-ming (陳國銘), interview director of Defence International Magazine, noted the Strong Bow increases Taiwan's interception altitude from 45 to 70 kilometers (28 to 43.5 miles).
The exhibition displayed M1A2T Abrams tanks, HIMARS rocket systems, and Taiwan's 105-mm Clouded Leopard (獵豹) D3 armored vehicle alongside the Strong Bow. Clouded Leopard vehicles underwent height reduction and turret adjustments to improve operational efficiency. The exhibition featured the "Kuai-Chi" (快奇) unmanned surface vessel and "Jing Feng" (勁蜂) attack drone, demonstrating unmanned joint strike capabilities.
The military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) partnered with U.S. company Anduril to showcase autonomous naval mines and low-cost cruise missiles, including the Barracuda-500. Institute president Shih-Chiang Li (李世強) stated plans to establish a Taiwan supply chain within 18 months and reduce cruise missile costs to NT$6.5 million (around US$216,000). Underwater project leader Sun Chun-ching (孫春青) highlighted that autonomous torpedoes can remain dormant underwater and track targets upon receiving commands.