Missile defense research to focus on low-altitude
from CHINA NEWS, 23 August 1999China cruise missile development presents new threat to island
China's ongoing plans to strengthen its air combat capabilities have highlighted the need for Taiwan to concentrate on construction of a low-altitude missile defense system, Defense Minister Tang Fei said yesterday.
The missile defense system, the Central News Agency quoted Tang as saying, will provide an effective shield against not only conventional missiles but cruise missiles as well.
The threat posed by intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and medium-range tactical missiles have previously grabbed much of the attention.
"But now, measures to counter cruise missiles should take the center stage in Taiwan's defense projects," said Tang.
"If successfully developed, cruise missiles will assuredly impose more critical dangers than guided missiles to the island."
China recently claimed that it was developing a high-tech cruise missile system.
"Our policy is clear-a low-tier air defense system will take the front seat," Tang said. "It is one of the potential weapons to repel China's increasing military threats."
Taiwan will depend on both its own research and development team and imported technology to establish the defense system, which will also include an early warning radar system and Patriot III systems, according to Tang.
The ministry has estimated a total budget of up to NT$300 billion for developing the system within 10 years, Tang added.
"As for high-tier defense system-the theater missile defense (TMD) system-which the United States is still working on, we will see and decide later," Tang said. The nascent TMD program will be jointly developed by the United States and Japan.
The minister, however, lamented the prevaling misconception that the missile defense system he envisaged is the highly contentious TMD framework, which China is blocking.
"Taiwan has not been (officially) invited to join the TMD program, and hence lacks adequate information to study the system," said Tang.
President Lee Teng-hui publicly backed the controversial program last week saying that TMD "not only meets the needs of the current situation but also is in line with the long-term interests of the country."
There have been mixed remarks on the issue, some analysts suggest that the United States' idea to include Taiwan under the TMD umbrella is aimed at sharing out the immense cost.
The TMD umbrella, which will comprise sub-systems based on land, sea and in space, is part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Program. It is designed to intercept incoming missiles using satellites.
But Major General Tyson G. Fu, the director of Armed Forces University's Institute of Strategic Studies, pointed out that TMD will not guarantee a 100 percent bulwark for Taiwan.
"Taiwan should consider preemptive special operation forces to boost its active defense."Copyright 1999 China News
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