TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will receive hundreds of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement systems interceptors from the US this year.

In response to the threat of Chinese ballistic missiles, the defense ministry used surplus funds from the existing Patriot missile procurement project to purchase several hundred additional PAC-3 MSE missiles, per Liberty Times. These new missiles are expected to arrive this year and next, with potential deployment in Hualien and Taitung, to bolster eastern Taiwan's air defenses.

Currently, the Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command operates three Patriot missile battalions. In preparation for the arrival of the PAC-3 MSE missiles, the command is forming a fourth battalion.

The PAC-3 MSE has a higher range than the standard PAC-3 missile, increasing from 24 km to approximately 45–60 km. This allows it to intercept ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, as well as high-value targets such as cruise missiles and advanced fighter jets, at higher altitudes.

Due to the larger size of the missiles, each launch vehicle can only carry 12 PAC-3 MSE surface-to-air interceptors. In comparison, the standard PAC-3 launch vehicle carries 16 interceptors.

In addition, the US has sold Taiwan three NASAMS units, with the first system expected to arrive by the end of this year at the earliest. According to military plans, this medium-range air defense system, capable of engaging targets at over 40 km, will also be operated by the Air Defense and Missile Command. It will establish a new battalion-level unit to manage it.

In addition to operating the above systems, the Air Defense Command is also responsible for domestically developed systems such as the Tien Kung III (Sky Bow III) missiles, the Strong Bow extended-range variant, and newly acquired systems under the Sea and Air Combat Power Improvement Plan. The latter systems include the Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munitions and the Hsiung Sheng surface-to-surface cruise missile.