Taiwan accelerates hypersonic missile development with advanced scramjet programme

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence has announced plans to advance supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) technology as part of its hypersonic missile system development.

According to a solicitation notice for next year’s National Defence Advanced Research Programme, the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology will lead this three-year initiative, focusing on the development of heat-resistant composite ceramic materials and enhancements in scramjet engine ignition and flame retention, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Hypersonic systems, with their unparalleled speed, altitude, and in-flight maneuverability, significantly surpass conventional ballistic missiles in deterrence capabilities, leaving potential targets minimal time for countermeasures or retaliatory actions. The scramjet program underscores Taiwan’s strategic ambition to develop a long-range deterrent against potential threats, particularly from China.

Su Yu-pen, an adviser at the Chungshan Institute, emphasized earlier this month that materials science and thermal design are critical to Taiwan’s pursuit of hypersonic technology. He noted that Taiwan possesses ample resources and expertise in other domains essential to developing these advanced weapon systems.