Taiwan is to deploy 3 U.S. made Patriot anti-missile batteries in the southern part of Taiwan, adding to the 1 located in the northern part of Taiwan, Deputy Defense Minister Andrew Yang said on Thursday.
On Monday, Mr. Yang said, “Peace and stability in Taiwan could only be realized through self strength and the nation’s ability to defend itself”.
The recent purchase of additional Capability-3 (PAC 3) anti-missiles has annoyed China and in 2009, when the $6 billion deal was struck, China voiced its discontent by cancelling military drills and security talks with the U.S. Relations have since improved.
Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missiles overview
- $2-3 million per missile
- First produced in 1976
- Developed and built by Raytheon, Hughes and RCA
- Used by the US, Japan, South Korea, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- The PAC-3 has advantages over the former PAC-2 Patriot missiles, as its sensors have been upgraded to detect & target more advanced ballistic missiles.
- The PAC-3’s range has also been extened by a huge 50%.
- The PAC-3 is designed solely to intercept missiles, not aircraft, like the PAC-2 systems.
F-16A/B upgrade – Long overdue
Mr. Yang further stated that the US administration had not given assurances over upgrading aged F-16A/B fighter aircraft to more advanced F-16C/D.
He went on further to say that Taiwan would further push its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and stated there were large imbalances with Chinese and Taiwanese military strengths.
Taiwan should have the right to protect itself. The US is also RIGHT to support the protection and sovereignty of Taiwan from mainland China.