While those of us who follow these issues read reports and news accounts breathlessly detailing China’s buildup of missiles opposite Taiwan, we seldom hear if Taiwan is doing anything to boost its missile defenses; although we hear a lot about the never ending drama surrounding the F-16 aircraft sale.
As would be expected, Taiwan is building up a “missile defense shield” in response to those 1,600 some odd Chinese missiles pointed in its direction. The latest addition will be six Patriot III batteries and a long-range early warning radar system, according to this news report; the defenses are expected to be in place by the end of the year.
Now, what Taiwan really needs is a bunch of Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) units, like the units we’re selling to the UAE. Although, it sounds like Lockheed Martin is having trouble building the missiles fast enough.
-- Greg Grant
