:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/LLEE2ZJEKVGI3AHWUBD5FPGMQ4.jpg "Taiwan successfully tested a self-made anti-aircraft missile to defend itself against the Chinese threat")
Taiwan successfully tested a domestically manufactured anti-aircraft missile, the Land Sword II, during military maneuvers in Pingtung county as tensions with China continue to rise. The missile, developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, demonstrated its interception capabilities by successfully reaching target drones.
The Land Sword II is intended to replace the Chaparral surface-to-air missile system of American origin and is part of Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities in response to increasing threats from China. The system, a derivative of the Sky Sword II family of air-to-air missiles, offers 360-degree detection, tracking, and target assignment with an effective range of up to 15 kilometers.
This successful test comes as Taiwan faces continued provocations from China, with 18 PLA aircraft detected in Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and six PLA Navy vessels operating in Taiwan’s waters. In response, Taiwan deployed combat air patrol aircraft, navy ships, and coastal missile defense systems.
The Taiwanese government, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has increased its national defense budget to a record level to ensure the security and sovereignty of the island. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its military capabilities in the face of growing threats from China, which sees the island as a rebellious province.