US equips Taiwan with new air defence systems

The Taiwanese navy has deployed 13 Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapons systems on its warships, enhancing their defensive capabilities.

The upgrade cost NT$10.16 billion ($314.67 million). Additionally, eight Block 1A systems are undergoing upgrades in the US and are expected to be delivered next year, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The Phalanx system, used by Taiwan for the defense of its warships and key radar installations, is a radar-guided gun system capable of firing 4,500 rounds per minute at targets up to 1.5 km away. The Block 1B variant, with its extended engagement range, high rate of fire, and forward-looking infrared sensor, significantly enhances the defensive capabilities of naval vessels against missiles, aircraft, and small boats.

Taiwan’s navy deploys Phalanx systems on various warships, including the Keelung-class destroyers, Tuo Chiang-class frigates, and Kang Ding-class frigates, as well as the Yushan-class landing platform docks and the next-generation light frigates currently under construction.

Typically, Taiwanese warships are equipped with one or two Phalanx systems as part of their point defence. The navy is set to evaluate the Sea Oryx Missile System, developed by the Chunghsan Institute of Science and Technology, in live-fire exercises later this month as a potential successor to the Phalanx system.

Looking ahead, the navy considers the US-made RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile or a similarly capable system as the optimal choice for point defence on future warships.