Taiwan's Secret Missiles

[SBD-3]

May 1, 2011: A government official revealed that Taiwan had developed a IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile) with a range of 2,000 kilometers. The missile was successfully tested three years ago. Nothing was said about production. Seven years ago, Taiwanese officials discussed developing a 2,000 kilometer range IRBM, and manufacturing 30 of them, along with 120 with a range of 1,000 kilometers. Over the last decade, there have been reports of several different Taiwanese ballistic and cruise missiles developed for use against China. But few of these have been produced, or have been manufactured under great secrecy. Meanwhile, China has deployed about 1,500 ballistic missiles within range of Taiwan.

A decade ago, Taiwan apparently deployed 50 Tien Chi (Sky Spear) SRBM (Short Range Ballistic Missiles). Half were in silos on Tungyin Island, and the rest in some other location. Like most of Taiwan's Surface-to-surface missiles, it was based on a locally developed surface-to-air missile (in this case, Tien Kung 2/Sky Bow 2), with the addition of a booster to extend the range. The Tien Chi had a range of about 500 kilometers, but a small (100 kg/220 pound) warhead. The new IRBMs have a warhead of about half a ton.

Taiwan does not have nuclear weapons, although the nation possess the technical resources to develop such weapons, and perform the engineering work to make these nukes function in a ballistic missile. But Taiwan would be taking a big risk to attempt development of nukes. If China got word of the project, before useable warheads were in service (and thus able to dissuade China from attacking), the Chinese might well invade right away, or at least try to.
Strategic Weapons: Taiwan's Secret Missiles

 

[casual]

china and taiwan will not go to war

 

[axisofevil]

Taiwan will develop if China keeps on provoking them. They will do so secretly if the need is evident..

 

[S10]

Taiwan will develop if China keeps on provoking them. They will do so secretly if the need is evident..

They can develop all they want, but they are still a tiny island of 23 million. They cannot even match the total GDP of Guangdong province let alone China. In another words, they're running a losing race militarily and economically.

Besides, the average Chinese cannot wait for Taiwan to launch a few missile salvos into mainland to lower the housing price.

 

[jha]

Any of these work...?

 

[TEXAS BATTLESTAR]

Oh well, it's not so secret anymore if it's out in public already.

 

[TEXAS BATTLESTAR]

Any of these work...?

Good question. Perhaps it does as far as engine wise, but the guiding system is probably primitive.

 

[milvipes]

The US put a halt on the project to prevent a ballistic missile (& potentially nuclear) arms race in the region: if Taiwan does it, ROK & Japan will soon follow.

 

[Akasa]

Taiwan will develop if China keeps on provoking them. They will do so secretly if the need is evident..

And weapons will be deployed in Kashmir if India keeps provoking them. They will do so secretly and rapidly if the need is evident.