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Taiwan Unveils Chiang Kung Hypersonic Missile Interceptor System

8/26/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute unveiled the Chiang Kung hypersonic missile interceptor.
The interceptor can engage ballistic missiles up to 70 km altitude via a mobile vertical launch system.
Taiwan plans two Chiang Kung systems, fielding at least 128 missiles, costing $1.13 billion.
The system uses a mobile active electronically scanned array radar co-developed with the United States, jam-resistant.

History

Historical Context

During the 1995-96 Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, China fired missiles near Keelung and Kaohsiung, prompting the United States to send 20 Patriot launchers with 100 missiles and a $1.5 billion aid package; Lee Teng-hui won the March 23, 1996 presidential election amid the tension. Building on that joint defense, the U.S. and Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute now co-develop the 128-missile, $1.13 billion Chiang Kung hypersonic interceptor.

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Story summary

Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute unveiled the Chiang Kung hypersonic missile interceptor.
The interceptor can engage ballistic missiles up to 70 km altitude via a mobile vertical launch system.
Taiwan plans two Chiang Kung systems, fielding at least 128 missiles, costing $1.13 billion.
The system uses a mobile active electronically scanned array radar co-developed with the United States, jam-resistant.

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