Images of Taiwan’s TK-4 anti-ballistic missile and a new radar for interceptions at the upper layers of the atmosphere have been shared by local sources.
Taiwan-based UP Media reported that TK-4, as a dedicated anti-ballistic missile system, will be officially introduced during the Taipei International Aerospace and Defence Industry Exhibition (TADTE).
The image shows both the TK-4 missile and the trailer-based launcher holding four missiles. Capable of interceptions at altitudes up to 70 km, the missile has two stages with a very large booster for high acceleration. The main section carried by the booster is apparently using aerodynamic manoeuvring and thrust vectoring, which suggests a considerable warhead weight to guarantee interception. The terminal guidance is reportedly provided by a Ka-band seeker. Missiles of this class are usually rated for defence against MRBMs at the very least.
While TK-4 lacks some of the capabilities posed by other systems like THAAD and Arrow 2/3, which have sophisticated features such as IIR seekers protected against aero-thermal conditions and thruster-based steering, it is nevertheless an upgrade Taiwan needs against the large inventory of Chinese MRBMs.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
