A land-based version of the anti-ship missile will add depth to Taiwan’s ability to interdict areas in the Taiwan Strait
In yet another sign that Taiwan is taking the threat of a Chinese sea attack seriously, the Taiwan Navy this week introduced a land-based version of the indigenous Hsiung Feng “Brave Wind” 3 (HF-3) supersonic anti-ship cruise missile at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE).
Designed by the Armaments’ Bureau's Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST), the HF-3 “carrier killer” was the highlight of TADTE 2011, where it was showcased as a direct response to China’s first aircraft carrier, the
Liaoning, which had just embarked on its maiden sea trial. The display showed an aircraft carrier that bore a striking resemblance to the
Liaoning being repeatedly struck by HF-3 missiles.
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| HF-3 land-based launcher prototype on display |
Production of the ramjet-powered supersonic anti-ship missile began in 2007. Since then, Cheng Kung-class (Perry) and Ching Chiang-class vessels have been outfitted with the HF-3, which can reach targets within a range of 130km. A new 500-ton radar-evasive fast attack corvette, which is also featured at TADTE 2013, will also be outfitted with the HF-3.
TADTE 2013 runs from Aug. 15 through Aug. 18 at the World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1.
My article, published today in
The Diplomat, continues
here. (Photos by the author)
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