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MND TO INSTALL PATRIOT III ANTI-MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS

2004-01-15 20:05:07

    Taipei, Jan. 15 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) is planning to install Patriot III anti-missile defense systems in central and southern Taiwan to beef up the nation's low-altitude missile defensive capability, a senior official said Thursday.

    Speaking at a luncheon with journalists, Minister of National Defense Tang Yiau-min said the MND has stepped up development of a comprehensive missile defense system in the face of mainland China's ever-mounting missile threat.

    In addition to deploying nearly 500 ballistic missiles along its southeastern coast opposite Taiwan, Tang said, the mainland has also intensified its development of cruise-type missiles and many other advanced weaponry systems. "To cope with this situation, we must upgrade our combined services defensive capability," Tang said.

    As a first step, Tang said, the MND will set up a "missile command" to integrate missile defense resources in the three military branches to allow quick response to any possible missile attack from the mainland.

    As to the nation's missile defense build-up, Tang said, the MND will adopt a two-pronged approach. "On the one hand, we'll purchase advanced missile defense weaponry systems from abroad, and on the other, we'll develop anti-missile defense systems by ourselves."

    Taiwan has installed three sets of U.S.-made Patriot II missile defense systems in densely populated northern Taiwan. In the future, Tang said, the MND will come up with a special budget proposal for the procurement of even more advanced Patriot III anti-missile defense batteries to be installed in central and southern parts of the island.

    In the pursuit of establishing an islandwide land-based missile defense system, Tang said, the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CIST) -- the military's research arm -- will play a very important role. "Up to two-thirds of the needed weaponry systems and equipment will be developed and produced by the CIST, " Tang said confidently, adding that the land-based missile defense system is based on the strategic policy of establishing an elite and effective deterrent force.

    After the Legislative Yuan passed the budget plan earlier this week to establish a combined services command, control and communications system, Tang said, the MND will complete the system in several stages between 2004 and 2009. "The system is expected to greatly upgrade our air defense capabilities," he added.

(By Sofia Wu)

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