Big threat to China, THIS country unveils its deadliest weapon, consists two-stage interceptor system, can hit…., it is..

Taiwan has deployed the new anti-ballistic missile system, Chiang Kung or Strong Bow, for the first time. It is being produced in mass and has two-stage interceptors. Additionally, it makes use of Taiwan’s first indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Taiwan is worried that if the situation escalates to a conflict with China, it could be faced with an overwhelming number of ballistic missiles. In anticipation of such an event, the country is already improving its defenses. This missile defense system is designed to intercept the Chinese ballistic missiles before they enter their terminal phase and could increase tensions with China.

What is the name of the two-stage interceptor missile?

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has provided further information on the Chiang Kung anti-ballistic missile system. In conjunction with that information, they also provided video footage of the testing of that system. According to the NavBharat Times Hindi report, the system was also featured at the biennial Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition in Taiwan. The display included four-cell trailer-based launchers for the Chiang Kung missiles. The Taiwanese had previously confirmed the existence of this missile system at the 2023 exhibition but had not publicly displayed it in any physical form at that time.

When was this missile system officially deployed?

According to the NavBharat Times Hindi report, NCSIST has now revealed that the two-stage Chiang Kung interceptor first takes target information from the large trailer-mounted AESA radar of the system. Then the interceptor is launched and its second stage separates during flight. It then uses its internal millimeter-wave radar seeker to carry out the interception. This enables the interceptor to locate and destroy its target with exceptional accuracy. A notable capability of this system is that it is jam-proof against electronic warfare measures, reported NavBharat Times Hindi.

A report from Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) stated that the interceptor’s second stage uses composite materials and has thrust-vectoring capability. It is not completely clear whether the system is intended to function as a hit-to-kill interceptor, which destroys the target based on impact force only, or if it carries a high-explosive warhead. Furthermore, the CNA report states that the Chiang Kung is also capable of intercepting enemy tactical ballistic missiles in the mid-range, but it is not fully known if the system can target midcourse-phase objects beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

1. This missile defense system is designed to intercept the Chinese ballistic missiles.
2. A report from Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) stated that the interceptor’s second stage uses composite materials.
3. The U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is capable of engaging targets at altitudes above 31 miles (50 kilometers).
4. The CNA report states that the Chiang Kung is also capable of intercepting enemy tactical ballistic missiles in the mid-range.

As reported by CNA, NCSIST Director Li Shih-Chang stated that the Chiang Kung interceptor can intercept targets at altitudes of at least 43 miles (70 km). For example, the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is capable of intercepting enemy missiles during their terminal phase within the atmosphere and is capable of engaging targets at altitudes above 31 miles (50 kilometers).