Taiwan has unveiled its latest anti-ballistic missile system, Strong Bow, designed to intercept high-flying cruise munitions.
It is the first domestically built surface-to-air missile equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control system, allowing the weapon to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously with improved accuracy.
The Strong Bow targets mid-altitude ballistic threats flying at up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles), forming a layered interception network alongside other Taiwan-made systems like Sky Bow III, which covers lower-altitude threats.
Before launch, the missile is guided via a trailer-mounted AESA radar, then switches to its built-in wave radar seeker to pursue the target independently. It launches vertically from a four-pod launcher designed to reduce air resistance.
The state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology confirmed that the Strong Bow has now entered production and is making its public debut at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025.
Against Neighborhood Threats
Earlier this month, China showcased a series of hypersonic weapons, including the Y-J17, Y-J19, and Y-J20, reportedly capable of taking down US warships.
It is also in possession of ballistic missiles such as the DF-21D and DF-26, both designed to threaten naval and land targets across the region.
The emergence of the Strong Bow could serve as Taiwan’s potential answer to this growing Chinese arsenal of high-speed, high-altitude missiles.
With US funding, the island nation has accelerated development of asymmetric weaponry to counter a possible invasion from China.
“We are determined to defend ourselves, and to pass on to China that the nation’s military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life,” said Taiwan Prime Minister Wellington Koo.
