Taiwan will form its fourth Patriot air defense battalion as it anticipates the arrival of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors from the US.
The defense ministry procured hundreds of PAC-3 MSEs scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, eyeing them for potential deployment in Hualien and Taitung in the country’s east, Liberty Times reported.
In addition to the PAC-3 MSEs, Taipei expects to receive its first of three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) at the end of this year, following an estimated $1.16-billion order in October 2024.
The self-governing island’s Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command will also create a battalion-level unit to deploy the NASAMS to engage enemy drones, missiles, helicopters, and aircraft from up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.
Altogether, the command operates the battalions for the Patriot missile and NASAMS, as well as its domestically made air defense systems, including the Tien Kung III missiles, Strong Bow extended-range interceptors, Hsiung Sheng surface-to-surface cruise missiles, and Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munitions.
PAC-3 MSE
Amid increasing tensions with China due to a looming potential invasion, Taiwan has been reinforcing its air and missile defense capabilities.
In December 2022, the US proposed upgrading Taiwan’s standard Patriot surface-to-air missiles with a range of 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) into the PAC-3 MSE version with a range of 45 to 60 kilometers (27 to 37 miles).
These enhanced interceptors come with a “larger, dual pulse solid rocket motor, larger fins, and upgraded actuators and thermal batteries,” according to their developer, Lockheed Martin.
This larger size means that each launcher can carry 12 PAC-3 MSEs compared to 16 standard PAC-3s.
However, the upgraded performance enables it to intercept tactical ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, in addition to enemy cruise missiles and fighter jets flying at higher altitudes.
