Taiwan's indigenous missile development program reached an important milestone. It successfully tested the air-launch version of the Hsiung Feng III (HF-3) supersonic anti-ship missile.
The Taiwanese Air Force used an Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF/F-CK-1C) for the test. The plane was part of the "Xiong-Zhi Project." Several news outlets in Taiwan said that the plane took off from Chihhang Air Base in Taitung.
Multiple sources in Taiwan reported that the aircraft departed from Chihhang Air Base in Taitung. The aircraft accomplished its firing task in Jiupeng sea area and returned to base without incident.
The test missile which local news outlets reported used a modified HF-3 round without any operational warhead. The researchers aimed to study how the rocket would separate and ignite while flying instead of focusing on its final impact.
The air-launched version received modifications which reduced its size and weight from the surface-launched HF-3 while engineers made safety adjustments for fast jet platform deployment.
The program operates under the direction of Taiwan's Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to develop the HF-3 missile system for use in airborne platforms after its initial deployment on ship and land launchers. The missile will proceed to a wider operational assessment phase after all following tests demonstrate their intended performance capabilities.
The test takes place at a critical era as Taiwan exists as an island state faces ongoing military threats from China. Taiwan continues to enhance its abilities for preventing enemy access to its territory and denying access to its seas. The Chinese government maintains its claim of sovereignty over the island while conducting more military activities in Taiwan's surrounding waters through air and naval operations.
The addition of an air-launched supersonic anti-ship missile to Taiwan's arsenal would create a more adaptable system which could effectively strike surface ships from distant ranges.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
