Taiwan's military test-fires two new air defence systems as regional tensions rise

Taiwan has test-fired its new Land Sword II Missile System at a remote coastal location.

In a post on X, Taiwan's defence ministry says the SAM system is "capable of countering diverse aerial threats and significantly enhances force protection".

The land-based missile system can carry out a 360° search and track within a range of 15km.

• Take a tour of the battlefield game-changer Himars rocket launch system
• Taiwan runs first-ever war games to simulate a military escalation with China
• China taunts Taiwan with military drills as new leader rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims

Taiwan's military also demonstrated the TC-2, a US-supplied HIMARS air defence missile system, for the first time.

Taiwan's 58th Artillery Command deployed two TC-2 interceptors, with the 43rd Artillery Command launching one more missile shortly afterwards.

All three launches hit their drone targets.

As part of the exercise, Taiwanese troops were also seen responding to simulated aerial attacks from conventional aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones.

The US has sold 29 of the HIMARS systems to Taiwan and HIMARS is also used by Ukrainian forces in the war against Russia.

Taiwan's sovereignty dispute with China  

Taiwan's defence ministry says the new weapons system reflects the country's determination to enhance its defence posture amid growing tensions with China.

Last month, China conducted a live-fire exercise in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, as Beijing increases efforts to assert sovereignty over the island.

But Taiwan has a democratically elected government, which rejects China's claims.