TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday announced a new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome and pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s military readiness, Reuters reported Friday.

In his National Day address, Lai said the government will propose a special defense budget before the end of the year for the system. The measure aims to enhance detection, interception, and protection capabilities across Taiwan’s skies.

“The increase in defense spending has a purpose,” Lai said. We will accelerate the building of the T-Dome and weave a safety net to protect the lives and property of our citizens, he added.

It was Lai’s first public mention of the project. Reuters reported earlier that T-Dome is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, with capabilities that can intercept missiles and drones at multiple ranges and altitudes.

Taiwan’s air defense systems rely primarily on US-made Patriot missiles and locally developed Sky Bow interceptors. Last month, the nation unveiled its newest Chiang-Kong missile, capable of intercepting mid-range ballistic threats at higher altitudes than existing Patriots.

Lai said Taiwan remains committed to peace but emphasized that strength is essential to deter aggression. He urged China to renounce the use of force or coercion to alter the status quo, warning that history has shown the human cost of war and invasion.

“Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion,” he said. “We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated.”