Taiwan Conducts Large-Scale Missile Test
October 16, 2009 :: AFP :: News
It appears that Taiwan conducted a significant missile test on Tuesday from Chiupeng base in southern Taiwan. It is being reported that among the missiles launched was the Hsiung Feng IIE, a surface-to-surface cruise missile with a range somewhere near 600 km.
The Taiwanese test comes just under two weeks after China paraded its significant and growing missile arsenal at its 60th anniversary celebration. (Article, Link)
» New Missiles Allegedly on Display at China Parade
» More stories on: Taiwan
2009 Report on Chinese Military Power
March 26, 2009 :: Department of Defense :: News
The Defense Department this week released its 2009 report, Military Power of the People's Republic of China, as mandated by Congress. The annual report describes China's continued development and deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the development of a new class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and the steady increase of medium range ballistic missiles near both the China-India border and the Chinese coast near Taiwan. China also continues to pursue both counterspace and cyberwarfare capabilities, which could threaten America's considerable reliance upon space and electronic assets.
As it does every year, the Chinese government reacted negatively to the report. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang suggested that the United States "drop the Cold War thinking and prejudices, stop releasing such China military reports and stop the groundless accusations over China."
Ballistic and Cruise Missiles
China, the report observes, "has the most active land-based ballistic and cruise missile program in the world."
One highlight of China's missile efforts is the development of an anti-ship variant of the CSS-5 ballistic missile. This anti-ship missile has a considerable range, of some 1,500 km. Its final stage is designed for maneuverable reentry, making its target more difficult to anticipate, and thus complicating defense against the missile. Such a missile could enhance the Chinese ability to attack ships at sea, including for example American aircraft carriers in the Taiwan Strait.
Unchanged from the 2008 report, China continues to deploy road-mobile solid-fueled ICBMs—most notably the DF-31A, which brings within range any location in the continental United States. The DF-31 and DF-31A are the newest and most sophisticated ICBMs in China's arsenal. Their mobility and solid-fuel engines also make them among the most survivable.
The Pentagon's estimate of China's inventory of CSS-2, CSS-3, CSS-4, DF-31, DF-31A and CSS-5 ballistic missiles remains unchanged in number from last year. China has, however, increased its inventory since 2007 of CSS-6s (from 315-355 to 350-400), of CSS-7s (from 675-715 to 700-750), and of DH-10 cruise missiles (from 50-250 to 150-350).
The JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is still being developed. Once completed, the JL-2 will be deployed aboard new JIN-class (Type 094) submarines. With a range of 7,200 km, the JL-2 would give China its "first credible sea-based nuclear strike capability."
China's industrial ability to produce and upgrade short- and medium-range ballistic missiles has also increased. The Pentagon estimates China could significantly increase the number of short range missiles it produces each year, and could even double the annual output of medium range missiles. The increased production capability may be designed to create a missile export market, thereby proliferating such systems abroad.
China continues to expand the force opposite Taiwan; seven brigades are now stationed nearby, comprising a total of 1,050-1,150 CSS-6 and CSS-7 short range missiles. China continues to augment its missiles within striking distance of Taiwan at the "rate of more than 100 per year."
Along its border with India, China has replaced its older liquid-fueled nuclear-capable CSS-3 intermediate range missiles with more sophisticated solid-fueled CSS-5 medium range missiles.
China continues to produce and purchase an array of sophisticated and accurate cruise missiles, including the DH-10 and YJ-62 land-attack cruise missiles and the Russian SS-N-22/SUNBURN supersonic air-launched cruise missile. The SS-N-27B/SIZZLER supersonic air-launched cruise missile is placed on China's KILO-class diesel electric submarines purchased from Russia. The YJ-62C, a new variant of the YJ-62, has a range of 150 nautical miles; China has reportedly deployed 120 of these to naval bases near Taiwan.
Submarines and Ships
China's growing submarine fleet could begin to pose a threat to the United States navy. Two new SHANG-class (Type 093) nuclear-powered attack submarines and one JIN-class (Type 094) submarine, previously scheduled to enter service last year, are now operational. The JIN-class is of particular interest, as it will be the deployment vehicle for the JL-2 ballistic missile now in development.
These newer submarines will supplement China's four older HAN-class nuclear attack submarines and China's one XIA-class sub. The DoD estimates that China has 13 SONG-class (Type 039) diesel-electric attack submarines, designed to carry the YJ-82 (CH-SS-N-7) anti-ship cruise missile. The next generation attack submarine is the YUAN-class SS: one of these is already operational and another is undergoing sea trials. Judging from China's purchase of diesel engines from Germany, the report estimates that China plans to build up to 15 additional YUAN-class attack submarines.
China's guided-missile destroyers have been hardened and are being given anti-aircraft capabilities, including both Russian and indigenous surface to air missiles (SAMs). These include the Russian SA-N-20 long-range SAM and China's own medium-range HHQ-16, a vertically launched naval SAM under development.
Space and Counterspace
Since China successfully tested a direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in January 2007 using a ballistic missile, China has continued to pursue ASAT capabilities. The 2009 report describes China's interest in counterspace systems as "more than theoretical. In addition to the ‘kinetic kill' capability demonstrated by the ASAT test, the PLA is developing the ability to jam, blind, or otherwise disable satellites and their terrestrial support infrastructure."
China placed fifteen satellites into orbit in 2008, including four new remote sensing satellites, a manned spacecraft and a companion satellite, three communications satellites, and two satellites for meteorology. In April 2008, China launched its first data relay satellite, the TianLian-1.
Construction has begun for a new rocket launch facility near Wenchang to eventually place heavier payloads in space using its March V booster rocket (the world's largest) still in development.
China's first lunar probe, the Chang'e-1, continues to operate successfully. Its successor will launch in 2009 and will survey the moon surface. China, however, continues to "remain silent about the military applications of [its] space programs and counterspace activities."
Cyberwarfare
China continues to experiment with cyberwarfare. The PRC appears to have been the source of numerous cyber intrusions during 2008, including against computer systems owned by the U.S. Government. These hacks were intended to extract information rather than attack, but the logistics and skill-set required for each activity are similar.
Spending
China's defense spending grew 18% in 2008. China reports its annual military budget as $60 billion, but this number is widely recognized as understated. Pentagon estimates of actual military spending range from $105 to $150 billion. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Analysis, China, Cruise Missiles, Taiwan
» Missile details: CSS-3 (DF-4), CSS-4 (DF-5), CSS-4 (DF-5A), CSS-5 (DF-21), CSS-5 Mod 2 (DF-21A/B), CSS-6 (DF-15/M-9), CSS-7 (DF-11), CSS-7 Mod 2 (DF-11A), CSS-8 (M-7), CSS-9 (DF-31/DF-31A), CSS-N-3 (JL-1), CSS-N-3 (JL-1A), CSS-NX-5/CSS-NX-4 (JL-2)
Taiwan To Develop 'Blackout Bomb'
October 22, 2007
Taiwan may develop a non-lethal graphite bomb designed to disable rival China's power supplies, according an October 21 report by the United Daily News. The so-called "blackout bomb" would be carried by Hsiungfeng 2E cruise missiles, and in the outbreak of hostilities would be designed to paralyze the power systems of China's southeastern coastal cities. The proposed warheads, which have yet to be funded by the Taiwan parliament, would sprinkle a cloud of chemically treated carbon fibers over power supplies, causing them to short-circuit, but without killing people. The United States is said to have used a similar graphite bomb against Iraq in the Gulf War, wiping out 85 percent of its electrical supply. (Article, Link)
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Taiwan to Deploy Home-Grown Missile Shield
September 13, 2006 :: AFP :: News
Taiwan will introduce a new home-grown missile defense shield next year, reports the AFP. The article quotes Taiwan’s Apple Daily newspaper, which states that the shield, known as the Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM), is “expected to effectively counter the threat of China’s M-9 [CSS-6/DF-15] and M-11 [CSS-7/DF-11] ballistic missiles.” The system is believed to have evolved from Taiwan’s existing Tien Kung (Sky Bow) surface-to-air missile, and will eventually comprise 12 ATBM missiles batteries and an uncertain number of U.S.-made Patriot missiles and early warning radars. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China, Taiwan
» Missile details: CSS-6 (DF-15/M-9), CSS-7 (DF-11)
Taiwan Indicates PAC-3 Purchase
September 13, 2006 :: AFP :: News
Ex-Premier Yu Shyi-kun, chairman of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, held talks with Bush administration officials yesterday and assured them that a much-delayed deal to purchase U.S. weapons would be approved by the new Taiwanese legislature. “I really have much greater confidence that during the next session when the [legislature] reconvenes [September 19], it will be passed,” Yu told a news conference after the White House meeting, quoted by the AFP. He did not give any details of the package, although Taiwan’s 2006 National Defense Report called for the purchase of six Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) air/missile defense systems, as well as eight conventional submarines and 12 P-3C submarine-hunting aircraft for a price of around 340 billion Taiwan dollars ($10.8 billion). In July, Beijing warned Washington not to proceed with the reported deal, indicating such weapons sales would impact regional security and harm U.S.-Chinese relations. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Allies, Taiwan
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Jane’s Profiles Taiwan’s Hsiung Feng-3 Anti-ship Missile
August 3, 2006 :: Jane's Information Group :: News
The September 1 issue of Jane’s Navy International includes a profile of Taiwan’s Hsiung Feng-3 (HF-3) anti-ship cruise missile. Designed and produced by the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the HF-3 is believed to be a supersonic variant of the Hsiung Feng-2, with an increased range that some sources claim exceeds 600 km. If true, the HF-3 would be able to strike a number of Chinese naval facilities including Shantou, Xiamen, Sandu, and Xiazhen. Jane’s classifies the HF-3 as an anti-ship missile that will be deployed on Taiwan’s Cheng Kung and Kang Ding-class frigates. The lead Cheng Kung-class frigate, the Cheng Kung, was seen at the Suao Naval Base in northern Taiwan, fitted with four HF-3 missile launch tubes. Yet local media reports suggest that the HF-3 might also serve as the basis for a surface-to-surface cruise missile capable of striking targets within China. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has denied these reports, claiming that the HF-3 program is strictly limited to the development of a supersonic anti-ship missile. Jane’s reports that Taiwan has allocated funds for the production of 120 HF-3 missiles this year, according to the Ministry of National Defense. (Link)
» More stories on: Cruise Missiles, Taiwan
Taiwan to Upgrade to Tien Kung-2 SAM
July 31, 2006 :: Jane's Information Group :: News
Taiwan plans to retire its Tien Kung-1 (Sky Bow-1) surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and upgrade to the Tien Kung-2 (Sky Bow-2), reports Jane’s Missile and Rockets in the August 1 issue. The Tien Kung-1 was developed by the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology during the 1980s, and entered service in 1993. It is a single-stage, medium-range SAM similar to the U.S. Patriot interceptor. The Tien Kung-2 is an improved Tien Kung-1 with an active-radar terminal seeker, rather than the semi-active seeker used by its predecessor. The Tien Kung-2 is reportedly longer and heavier than the Tien Kung-1, with a range of 120 km. It is believed to carry a 90 kg high explosive warhead. Jane’s also reports that Taiwan has developed a surface-to-surface variant of the Tien King-2 known as the Tien Chi (Sky Halberd). Based on reports from the Chung Shan Institute, the Tien Chi has a range of 300 km and can carry a 500 kg payload. (Link)
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» Missile details: Trident C-4
Taiwan Test Launches PAC-2 Interceptors, Destroys Target Missile
July 20, 2006 :: AFP :: News
Taiwan launched two Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) interceptors as part of its largest-ever, live-fire military exercise. The AFP reports that the U.S.-made Patriots were fired from mobile launchers on a beach off the northeastern city of Ilan, and successfully shot down an incoming target missile launched some 30 km (18 miles) away. The military exercises, codenamed Han-Kuang 22, simulated a Chinese invasion and also included fighter jets and ground troops. “This is the first time Patriot missiles were launched before the eyes of the public … to show our determination to safeguard Taiwan,” said President Chen Shui-bian afterwards. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Allies, Taiwan, Testing - Foreign
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Chen: China Has 820 Missiles Aimed at Taiwan
July 17, 2006 :: AFP :: News
China has 820 ballistic and cruise missiles currently aimed at Taiwan, according to Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. Speaking today at a forum of Japanese scholars in Taipai, Chen stated that the People’s Liberation Army had deployed 784 ballistic and 36 cruise missiles, adding that the number of missiles is rising at a rate of 120 per year.
Chen’s figures are in line with those of the Pentagon’s 2006 Report to Congress on the Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, released in May 2006, which estimated the number of Chinese CSS-6 and CSS-7 short-range ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan as numbering 710-790, an increase over the previous year’s 650-730 missiles. In his statement, President Chen noted that a ten-hour Chinese bombardment could paralyze Taiwan’s communications, transportation, and command centers. He added that China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should it declare formal independence. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China, Taiwan
» Missile details: CSS-6 (DF-15/M-9), CSS-7 (DF-11)
Taiwan to Test Launch Missile Capable of Hitting China
July 6, 2006 :: Reuters :: News
Taiwan plans to test launch a Hsiung Feng-3 short-range ballistic missile capable of hitting China, reports Reuters. According to an online report by the Taiwanese cable news network ETTV, the missile was developed by Taiwan’s Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology and has a range of 600 km (360 miles). If accurate, the range would put Chinese coastal areas from Fuzhou in Fujian Province to Nan’ao in Guangdong within striking distance of the missile. China has already deployed nearly 800 short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan. The ETTV report speculated that the Hsiung Feng-4 test launch might take place in September. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China, Taiwan
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