TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Navy will renew parts of its Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship cruise missiles, reports said Thursday (Sept. 5).

As some parts of the missiles’ pyrotechnic systems have reached the end of their lifespan, the Navy has budgeted NT$2.47 billion (US$77 million) to replace them, the Liberty Times reported.

The latest versions of the Hsiung Feng II missiles have increased their reach from 148 kilometers to between 160 km and 200 km, while their capacity to deter interference by enemy electronic systems is on a par with missiles made in the United States and Europe, the Navy said. The newest version of the Hsiung Feng III would upgrade its reach from a maximum of 250 km to 400 km.

As the pyrotechnic systems are aging, replacements were needed, with the program budgeted by the Navy scheduled to be completed in 2028 for the Hsiung Feng II and in 2029 for the Hsiung Feng III missiles.