Taiwan plans to buy new Patriot systems

Taiwan plans to deploy a new air defense battalion equipped with several new Patriot PAC-3 systems.

This is reported by the Taipei Times, citing its own sources.

The Taiwanese Air Force plans to form a fourth air defense battalion, expecting the delivery of new Patriot anti-aircraft systems during 2025-2026.

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan has allocated funds for the purchase of an unspecified number of Patriot PAC-3 systems, as well as PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

The country already has three battalions of Patriot systems deployed in the northern, central, and southern regions of the country. Sources suggest that the new unit will be deployed on the eastern borders of the island nation to protect the cities of Hualien and Taidong.

Patriot launchers with PAC-3 CRI missiles during a Taiwanese army exercise, 2019. Photo credits: Taiwan News

Taiwan’s air defense battalions differ significantly from the typical American structure in terms of reducing the number of batteries to three each. In total, the country has nine active batteries in PAC-3 versions and older PAC-2 versions that are being modernized to the next level.

Depending on whether a new unit will be formed based on the existing structure of the army, the probable order of Taiwanese officials may range from 3 to 6 batteries.

According to the procurement data of the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan, the ammunition of these anti-aircraft batteries consists of about 200 long-range PAC-2 GEM missiles, designed mainly to defeat air targets, as well as 384 PAC-3 CRI ballistic missile interceptors.

The PAC-3 MSE missiles were originally developed to replace CRI interceptors as a more powerful alternative with increased range and altitude of ballistic missile interception, as well as advanced air-to-surface capabilities.

PAC-3 MSE air defense missile of the Patriot system

The Republic of China Air Force also continues preparations for the formation of the NASAMS anti-aircraft battalion. The first of three ordered systems is to be delivered by the United States by the end of 2025.

NASAMS is a medium-range system capable of engaging air targets at a distance of up to 40 kilometers. Together with Patriot units, these systems can provide a layered defense to repel combined attacks from cruise and ballistic missiles.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense is actively preparing its troops, identifying 2027 as the likely time for China’s invasion of the island.