Taiwan Army to Continue Mass Production of Sky Sword II Ground-Based Air Defence Missiles

Taiwan’s army will continue producing its domestically made ground-launched Sky Sword II air defence missile after the current special-budget production program ends. The Defence Ministry’s next annual budget allocates NT$3.6504 billion for a manufacturing contract running from 2027 through 2031. The budget does not disclose how many missiles will be purchased.

The continued procurement keeps the production line active as Taiwan strengthens its field air defence capabilities. The system originated as a ground-based variant of the air-launched Sky Sword II missile. Each launcher vehicle can carry four missiles and use active radar guidance.

Publicly available information describes the system as capable of all-weather, 360-degree and multi-target engagements. It is intended to intercept fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Its effective range is publicly listed as more than 15 kilometers, allowing it to operate alongside Stinger, Avenger and other medium- and long-range air defence systems.

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology is working on improvements to the system. Current launcher vehicles require up to 30 minutes to lift, position and secure the missile containers, which weigh 800 kilograms. The upgraded version aims to cut the reloading process to less than 10 minutes and replace the current twin-mount dedicated containers with a common container that could give the Sky Sword II family greater operational flexibility.