Taiwan’s acquisition of extended-range Patriot PAC-3 MSE missile systems from the United States for its Air Force is progressing as planned, according to a statement from the Air Force Command. The institution reported that “all work is being carried out in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA),” although no further details were provided. As reported by The Liberty Times, delivery of the Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) systems is expected before the end of the year.
Taiwan signed an agreement with Washington in March 2021 to purchase these missiles, with two delivery batches scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The extended-range missiles use a dual-pulse rocket motor that enables them to reach greater altitudes and distances than the standard PAC-3 variant.
Former Air Force officer Chou Yu-ping (周宇平) explained that the upgraded PAC-3 MSE “can intercept ballistic missiles at higher altitudes and longer ranges, expanding Taiwan’s air defense coverage.” He added that while the indigenous Sky Bow system—presented at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in September—can intercept targets at around 70 kilometers, the PAC-3 MSE operates in an intermediate range between the current Patriot PAC-3 and Sky Bow systems.
Meanwhile, Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), division director at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, stated that Taiwan should continue acquiring more extended-range PAC-3 MSE missiles to counter diverse threats, including high-altitude missiles and low-flying drones.
In 2022, the U.S. government offered to sell Taiwan up to 100 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The proposal aimed to strengthen the island’s air defense capabilities amid growing military pressure from China.
The package included upgraded systems, modification kits for M903 launchers, training missiles, and software updates to bring Taiwan’s MIM-104 Patriot systems up to the latest standard. Taiwan had received its first Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-2 systems in 1997, primarily deployed around Taipei. Over time, those batteries were upgraded to the PAC-3 configuration, and additional equipment and missiles were incorporated—now forming a key component of Taiwan’s defense against Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles.
The PAC-3 MSE was developed by Lockheed Martin with significant improvements, including a more powerful dual-pulse rocket motor, new control systems, and updated software. According to the company, PAC-3 family missiles are the only combat-proven hit-to-kill interceptors, capable of neutralizing tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft through direct impact, transferring kinetic energy to destroy the target.
In parallel, Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) announced in September the start of serial production of the Tien Kung IV surface-to-air missile system, an improved version of the Tien Kung III. The institute’s president, Li Shih-chiang (李世強), stated that the decision to exhibit the system at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2025 confirms its entry into mass production.
Li explained that Taiwan’s air defense “does not rely on a single weapon, but on an integrated system.” He detailed that the Tien Kung IV, also known as the Strong Bow program, is designed to intercept high-altitude cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 70 kilometers.
Sky Bow deputy program director Lu Chien-sheng noted that the new system represents a medium-phase ground-based defense aimed at countering China’s tactical ballistic missiles. He also stated that it is the first domestically developed surface-to-air system equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar, providing greater accuracy and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously.
According to Lu, the Tien Kung IV will operate alongside the current Tien Kung III and U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3 systems, forming an integrated air defense network designed to strengthen Taiwan’s security amid growing regional threats.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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