Defense industry of Taiwan

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Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen sits in an AIDC T-5 prototype at rollout 09.24 Zong Tong Chu Xi [Kong Jun Xin Shi Gao Jiao Ji Chu Chang Dian Li ] (48786235457).jpg
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen sits in an AIDC T-5 prototype at rollout
NCSIST Albatross 9717 on display at CKS Memorial Hall UAV 9717 Display at CKS Memorial Hall 20140607.jpg
NCSIST Albatross 9717 on display at CKS Memorial Hall
Chien Hsiang Loitering munition designed by NCSIST Chien hsiang loitering munition.jpg
Chien Hsiang Loitering munition designed by NCSIST

The defense industry of Taiwan is a strategically important sector and a significant employer. They primarily supply weapons and platforms to the Republic of China Armed Forces with few major weapons systems exported abroad. Taiwanese defense industry has produced fighter aircraft, missile systems, surface ships, radars, rocket artillery, armored vehicles, and small arms. [1]

Contents

History

ROCA CS/MPQ-90 Bee Eye manufactured by NCSIST ROCA Point Defense Array Radar System Truck Display at Chengkungling Ground 20150606c.jpg
ROCA CS/MPQ-90 Bee Eye manufactured by NCSIST

Early

From 1825 until 1866 a shipyard in Tainan produced warships for the Qing navy. Logging for warship production was one of the impetus for the Qing's colonial expansion into Taiwan's mountainous interior. [2]

Modern

The defense sector was invigorated following the recognition of the PRC by the United States in 1979 and the subsequent uncertainty this injected into the US-Taiwan relationship. The KMT government aimed to eventually achieve full self sufficiency in weapons systems. [3] During that period, Taiwan made the IDF fighter in which is playing the role of rapid response towards PLA fighters approaching.

In 2014 the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation was privatized with the government retaining a 39% stake and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology was made an administrative corporation of the government rather than a constituent of the Armaments Bureau.[ citation needed ]

Under DPP President Tsai Ing-wen, there was a renewed focus on indigenous manufacturing, particularly of air and naval defense. [4] [5] President Tsai has also increased the military budget. [6]

Taiwan's defense industry has seen significant growth, aligning with the ruling party's goals set in 2014 to revitalize domestic weapons production. Recent milestones include the unveiling of a fighter jet trainer prototype and the initiation of Taiwan's first homegrown submarine project. These developments not only contribute to Taiwan's economy but also enhance its self-defense capabilities. The government has matched military needs with local companies' capabilities and has steadily increased the defense budget, with 2020 marking a record high. [7]

In 2021 Ministry of National Defense launched an initiative to recruit foreign workers to permanent jobs in Taiwan to address local talent shortages. The initiative also aims to address disruption stemming from the churn of contracted foreign technicians and advisors. [8]

In 2022, 800 combat drones manufactured by DronesVision were transferred to Ukraine through Poland for use during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [9] [10]

Taiwanese company JC Tech has created a "Taiwanese Switchblade" suicide drone called the Flyingfish. [11] [12] After a while, NCSIST also demonstrated a loitering munition made indigenously. [13] Following the widespread use of drones in the war between Ukraine and Russia the official drone development program was expanded to include non-state owned companies as prime contractors for the first time. The government views drones as a destabilizing technology whose adoption would allow Taiwan to asymmetrically counter the threat from the PLA. [14] The government has designated both drone and drone component manufacturing as strategic industrial focuses. [15] In 2023 Taiwanese drone component manufacturing self sufficiency stood at 70-80%. [16]

Missile production is extensive with annual production surpassing 1,000 units in 2023, this included the Wan Chien, HF-2E, and HF-3 among others. [17]

Manufacturers

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the Armaments Bureau, and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation are the only three Taiwanese defense manufacturing firms with the capabilities of a full defense prime. [18] For naval systems there are three major shipbuilders and more than a half dozen active shipyards. [19] In addition to the big defense firms there are more than 200 small and medium businesses involved in the defense industry. [20] As the Taiwanese military budget increases many Taiwanese firms which did not formerly make defense products have explored the market, interest was particularly piqued following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [21]

Land Vehicles

Taiwan's domestic vehicle industry supplies the ROC Army with armored personnel transport and some light vehicles. Famous examples include CM-12 Tank, CM-21 Armored Vehicle, and CM-32 Armoured Vehicle.[ citation needed ]

Maritime industry

Yushan-class landing platform dock 09.30 Zong Tong Zhu Chi [Yu Shan Jun Jian Jiao Jian Dian Li ] -52394040396.jpg
Yushan-class landing platform dock

The major shipbuilders, CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Company, and Lungteh Shipbuilding, all build military and coast guard vessels. [1] Military and Coast Guard orders make up a large portion of shipbuilders books by dollar value. Between the Taiwanese Navy and the Coast Guard Administration Taiwan spends approximately a billion dollars a year on new vessel construction. [22]

The vessels are usually constructed by the shipyards and weapon installation done by NCSIST afterwards.[ citation needed ] Famous examples include Tuo Chiang-class corvette, Panshih-class fast combat support ship, and Yushan-class landing platform dock. [23] Moreover, Taiwan is building on the Hai Kun-class submarine to create a fleet of new diesel attack submarines. [24] Domestically produced minelayers were inducted into service in 2022. [25]

Law and regulation

In 2019 the Legislative Yuan passed the National Defense Industry Development Act which among other things instructed the Ministry of National Defense to evaluate prospective defense companies and rank them in three tiers based on their technological capability, the size of their operations and their experience in researching, developing, manufacturing and maintaining military equipment, as well as their track record working with academia, businesses or foreign companies.[ citation needed ]

Later in 2019 the Legislative Yuan passed a bill which encourages foreign direct investment in the defense industry and other ”strategic” industries. The bill allows foreign investors in these sectors to claim "special tax rates" and also tax rebates of up to half their tax bill. [26]

The Taiwanese government restricts the export of dual use items to certain countries. In 2023 Taiwan placed additional restrictions on machine tool exports to Russia and Belarus in response to reports that certain Taiwanese machine tool manufacturers were playing a key part in Russia's war effort. [27]

Exports

T91-3 manufactured by the 205th Arsenal T91-3 (65).JPG
T91-3 manufactured by the 205th Arsenal
Philippine Navy Multipurpose Assault Craft Mk2 Philippine Navy MPAC Mk2 Panguan.jpg
Philippine Navy Multipurpose Assault Craft Mk2

The T65 and T91 assault rifles have been widely exported to many nations with the upper receiver for the T91 been sold on the US civilian market. [28] Taiwanese SOEs have not exported any major high-end weapons systems but the Taiwanese Government is becoming more open to the idea. [29] Private companies have been more successful, with Lungteh Shipbuilding supplying multiple generations of the Multipurpose Assault Craft to the Philippines. [30] [31] The Taiwanese government has expressed increasing interest in supplying high end weapons systems and components to like-minded democracies. [32] [33]

Dual use items

Taiwan manufactures many of the "military grade" computer chips that are used by the American military-industrial complex, especially high performance ones. TSMC manufactured computer chips power the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter. TSMC has faced pressure from the US government to move more of its military chip production to the United States. [34] There have been reports of Taiwanese produced chips being used in Chinese missiles, although these reports have been disputed by the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs. [35]

Ukrainian engineers have found numerous commercial off-the-shelf Taiwanese components in Russian weaponry used in the Russo-Ukrainian war, including five on the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal. Taiwanese components were also found in the ZALA Lancet loitering munition, Kh-101 cruise missile, and Ka-52 attack helicopter. [36] Taiwanese components were also found in the wreckage of a North Korean KN-23 or KN-24 ballistic missile purchased from Russia and fired at Ukraine, a small minority of the 270 foreign components identified. [37] Significant quantities of nitrocellulose (used in gunpowder production) from Taiwanese producers have made its way to Russia during the war, primarily through traders in Turkey. [38]

Trade shows

The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition is the primary Taiwanese defense industry trade show, it is held biennially. [39]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republic of China Armed Forces</span> Combined armed forces of the Republic of China

The Republic of China Armed Forces, also known as the ROC Armed Forces are the armed forces of the Republic of China (ROC) that once ruled Mainland China and now currently restricted to its territorial jurisdictions of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Islands. They consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Military Police Force. The military is under the civilian control of the Ministry of National Defense, a cabinet-level agency overseen by the Legislative Yuan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation</span> Company in Taiwan

Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation is a Taiwanese aerospace company based in Taichung. It is one of only two Taiwanese companies with the capabilities of a traditional American or European defense prime contractor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republic of China Air Force</span> Aviation branch of the Republic of Chinas armed forces on Taiwan

The Republic of China Air Force, also retroactively known by its historical name the Chinese Air Force and colloquially referred to as the Taiwanese Air Force, is the military aviation branch of the Republic of China Armed Forces, based in Taiwan since 1949. The ROCAF was founded in 1920 by the Kuomintang. While its historical name is sometimes used especially in domestic circles, it is not used as often internationally due to the current ambiguous political status of Taiwan and to avoid confusion with the People's Liberation Army Air Force of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Sword II</span> Taiwanese beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with active radar homing

The Sky Sword II, or TC-2, is a Taiwanese beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It has an inertial navigation system, a data-link for mid-course guidance and active radar homing for terminal guidance, beyond visual range. It also has ECCM capability and can engage multiple targets. According to Su Tzu-yun, chief executive officer at the Center for Advanced Technology at Tamkang University, they are a cost-effective design which can perform a key role in Taiwan's defense strategy, and substantially offset China's air superiority. Some details of its design were revealed for the first time at the Paris Air Show in 2015. The pulse doppler radar seeker reportedly has a detection range of 9.3 km (5.8 mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology</span> Taiwanese defense company

National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology is a Taiwanese state owned corporation, formerly part of the Ministry of National Defense's Armaments Bureau, which is active in the development, manufacturing, support, and sustainment of various weapons systems and dual use technologies.

The Hsiung Feng IIE is a surface-to-surface land-attack cruise missile system developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CM-32 Armoured Vehicle</span> Taiwanese/Irish wheeled fighting vehicle

The CM-32 "Clouded Leopard", officially Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle (TIFV), is an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle currently being produced for the Republic of China Army. It is based on the 6x6 CM-31 designed by Timoney Technology Limited of Ireland and is further developed by the Ordnance Readiness Development Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation</span> Chinese state-owned defense company

The China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation Limited is a Chinese state-owned enterprise that designs, develops and manufactures a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. CASIC is the largest maker of missiles in China.

<i>Tuo Chiang</i>-class corvette Taiwanese class of war vessel

The Tuo Chiang-class corvette is a Taiwanese-designed class of fast and stealthy multi-mission corvettes built for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy. It is designed to counter the numerous and increasingly sophisticated People's Liberation Army Navy ships by utilizing hit-and-run tactics, and thus features clean upper structure design with very few extrusions to reduce radar signature, pre-cooled engine exhaust to reduce infrared signature, and a reduced visual signature to reduce chance of detection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armaments Bureau</span>

The Armaments Bureau is the affiliated authority of the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republic of China Military Police Special Services Company</span> Military unit of Taiwan

Republic of China Military Police Special Services Company is a special forces unit of the military police of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This unit is stationed at Wugu, Taipei. Little is known about this unit, since informations regarding it are classified by the Ministry of National Defense. It was formed in 1978. According to the Taipei Times the MPSSC has a standing collaboration with United States Army Special Forces which includes regular joint exercises. They also have a standing invitation to the Pacific Area Special Operations Conference hosted annually by Special Operations Command Pacific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle</span> Taiwanese advanced jet trainer

The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle is a transonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kestrel (rocket launcher)</span> Anti-tank weapon

The Kestrel is an individual shoulder-launched weapon system developed by Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and currently in service with the Republic of China Armed Forces and Coast Guard Administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NCSIST Chien Hsiang</span> Taiwanese loitering munition

The NCSIST Chien Hsiang is a Taiwanese anti-radiation loitering munition developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bayraktar TB2</span> Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicle

The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. It is manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar Makina Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., primarily for the Turkish Armed Forces. The aircraft are monitored and controlled by an aircrew in a ground control station, including weapons employment. The development of the UAV has been largely credited to Selçuk Bayraktar, a former MIT graduate student.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NCSIST Albatross</span> Type of aircraft

The Albatross(Chinese: 銳鳶; pinyin: Ruì yuān,“Sharp Kite”), also known as the Chung Xiang II, is a medium unmanned aerial vehicle made by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. It is in service with the Republic of China Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NCSIST Teng Yun</span> Type of aircraft

The Teng Yun is a UAV under development by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) of Taiwan. It was said to be able to carry armaments to conduct combat missions.

The semiconductor industry, including Integrated Circuit (IC) manufacturing, design, and packaging, forms a major part of Taiwan's IT industry. Due to its strong capabilities in OEM wafer manufacturing and a complete industry supply chain, Taiwan has been able to distinguish itself as a leading microchip manufacturer and dominate the global marketplace. Taiwan’s semiconductor sector accounted for US$115 billion, around 20 percent of the global semiconductor industry. In sectors such as foundry operations, Taiwanese companies account for 50 percent of the world market, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) the biggest player in the foundry market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HESA Shahed 136</span> Iranian loitering munition

The HESA Shahed 136, or Geran-2 in Russian service, is an Iranian loitering munition in the form of an autonomous pusher-prop drone. It is designed and manufactured by HESA in association with Shahed Aviation Industries.

References

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