Taiwan NCIST to deliver more than 1 000 missiles and drones to armed forces in 2024.

As per a report from Taiwan News, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), a prominent arms manufacturer in Taiwan, is set to provide the country's military with over 1,000 missiles in the coming year, as announced on Saturday, September 16.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Tien Kung III (Sky Bow III) air defense missile launcher display at the Taiwanese Military Academy ground (Picture source: Wikipedia)

For the second consecutive year, the NCSIST has presented an operational budget exceeding NT$110 billion (equivalent to US$3.44 billion), as reported by the Liberty Times. The budget for 2024, newly disclosed, amounts to NT$110.85 billion, slightly lower than the NT$120.88 billion allocated for the year 2023.

In the midst of escalating tensions between Taiwan and China, the missile deliveries are expected to peak in 2024, with the NCSIST planning to supply over 1,000 missiles to Taiwan's armed forces during the year. This comprehensive missile inventory includes:
• 70 units of supersonic anti-ship Hsiung Feng III missiles
• A combination of 131 Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles and Hsiung Sheng cruise missiles
• 96 Sky Bow III (Tien Kung III) air defense missiles

Additionally, the NCSIST is anticipated to provide 50 Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles, 150 Sky Sword II missiles deployable from land or sea, and 48 Chien Hsiang attack drones.

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is a state-owned corporation. It was previously a part of the Armaments Bureau under the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China. NCSIST is actively engaged in the development, manufacturing, support, and maintenance of a wide range of weapons systems and dual-use technologies.

Initially established by the Republic of China government to serve as a center for military research and development (R&D) and systems integration, NCSIST underwent a transformation in 2014 and became an administrative corporation under the ownership of the Government of Taiwan. The institute plays a crucial role in the entire product development process, including research, manufacturing, delivery, and the long-term sustainment and maintenance of these systems.

NCSIST serves a similar function to the United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) but also assumes diverse roles in competing for and awarding research and development contracts, integration projects, and manufacturing contracts. Alongside the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, NCSIST is recognized as one of Taiwan's two primary defense contractors. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being one of the world's top 100 largest defense companies.

Defense News September 2023