Breaking News: Taiwan Strengthens Air Defense with First Live-Fire Test of Locally-Made Land Sword II Missile.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense officially confirmed via a post on its X account (formerly Twitter) on May 13, 2025, the successful live-fire debut of the Land Sword II surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. This locally-made defense system underscores Taiwan’s strategic commitment to self-reliance and its growing capability to deter sophisticated aerial threats posed by the People’s Republic of China. The test not only showcases indigenous technological advancement but also marks a pivotal moment in Taiwan's military modernization agenda amid persistent regional tensions.
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The Taiwanese Army conducts a live-fire launch of the domestically developed Land Sword II missile, showcasing its precision and operational readiness. (Picture source: Taiwan MoD)

The Land Sword II is a culmination of decades of Taiwanese innovation in missile technology, designed to meet the unique strategic demands of the island nation. Its development traces back to the adaptation of the TC-2N naval missile, which itself evolved from the Sky Sword II (Tien Chien II) air-to-air missile initially deployed on Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). Recognizing the increasing complexity of aerial threats, especially from China's rapidly modernizing air force and missile arsenal, Taiwan sought to create a mobile, ground-based platform capable of fast deployment, high survivability, and reliable interception of multiple target types.

Developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the Land Sword II features a truck-mounted launcher equipped with four missile pods, offering rapid deployment and mobility essential for surviving initial strikes in a high-intensity conflict. The missile incorporates active radar homing for autonomous guidance and thrust-vectoring control to enhance in-flight agility, allowing it to engage targets with high accuracy even in contested electromagnetic environments. Its all-weather operational capability and estimated 15 km range make it an effective solution for defending against fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles.

Strategically, the Land Sword II fills a critical gap in Taiwan’s layered air defense network, which includes longer-range systems like the Tien Kung III and U.S.-supplied Patriot PAC-3 air defense missile system batteries. This new system provides short- to medium-range coverage, protecting key military assets, urban centers, and infrastructure from saturation attacks, loitering munitions, and coordinated drone swarms, a growing concern given China’s large inventory of precision-guided munitions and expanding drone capabilities.

The live-fire test, conducted at Jiupeng Military Base by the 43rd and 21st Artillery Commands, demonstrated the system's precision and operational maturity. All three launched missiles successfully intercepted aerial drone targets, confirming its effectiveness under real combat simulation conditions. This drill was part of Taiwan’s Shen Gong (Divine Bow) exercise series, which aims to refine inter-service coordination and rapid response in high-threat scenarios.

Originally revealed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, the Land Sword II has also gained international attention, both for its technical sophistication and its potential as an exportable product. Its modular design supports interoperability with allied defense systems, positioning Taiwan not just as a consumer of military technology but increasingly as a regional defense innovator.

Taiwan plans to deploy six batteries comprising around 30 launchers, significantly strengthening the Republic of China Army’s air defense grid. This move aligns with Taiwan’s strategic shift since the 1996 Armed Forces streamlining initiative, from offensive posturing to robust, adaptive, and layered defense capabilities. It also resonates with the emerging doctrines such as the U.S. Replicator Initiative, which promotes the use of autonomous and attritable weapons systems in large-scale, high-tempo conflicts.

Given China’s frequent airspace incursions and expanding regional military footprint, the Land Sword II represents a timely and necessary reinforcement of Taiwan’s sovereignty. It not only increases the ROC Army’s operational resilience but also sends a powerful message of deterrence. Taiwan’s investment in advanced, domestically developed systems like the Land Sword II illustrates its determination to maintain a credible defense posture and preserve stability in the Indo-Pacific region through technological self-sufficiency and tactical innovation.

The successful live-fire debut of the Land Sword II is more than a technical milestone. It is a strategic declaration. As threats continue to evolve, Taiwan’s ability to defend its skies with homegrown precision weaponry signals a robust national defense capability shaped by both foresight and necessity.