Taiwan missile production passes key test, official says

Taiwan's defense industry has successfully met a critical production target, manufacturing 2,577 missiles over the last five years. This achievement demonstrates the nation's enhanced capability to surge military production in response to demand. The National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), responsible for this output, optimized its assembly lines and overcame significant production challenges to fulfill orders placed under the Sea-Air Combat Power Improvement Plan.

The missiles produced include various versions of the Hsiung Feng anti-ship cruise missiles, Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles, Tien Kung air defense missiles, and Chien Hsiang loitering munitions. The production runs for these systems varied, with some, like the Wan Chien missiles, having a three-year production cycle, and others, such as the Hsiung Feng IIE extended-range missiles and Chien Hsiang drones, requiring four years.

NCSIST's success was attributed to overcoming three key production bottlenecks. The institute enhanced its missile propellant factory by acquiring a domestically sourced 300-gallon industrial mixer, a crucial piece of equipment that Taiwan cannot procure internationally due to export controls. This mixer, capable of over 80 production cycles annually, has significantly increased capacity since its installation in July last year. Additionally, upgraded X-ray equipment, designed to penetrate heavy rocket motors, has accelerated the quality control process by 36 percent.

Official reports indicate NCSIST's production capacity for specific missiles per year, including up to 150 Wan Chien missiles, 96 Tien Kung III missiles, and 70 Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles. The institute can also produce up to 50 Wan Chien missiles and 48 Chien Hsiang drones annually, with the potential for increased output if upgraded variants are produced. This robust production capability is vital for Taiwan's defense strategy.

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The NCSIST’s acquisition of a mixer manufactured entirely in Taiwan was significant, as stringent foreign export controls prevent Taiwan from procuring the equipment overseas.