TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced Friday plans to speed up construction of a “Taiwan Shield” to strengthen the country’s missile defenses.

In his National Day address, Lai said defense spending would reach 5% of GDP by 2030. The increased budget aims to accelerate T-Dome development but he did not elaborate further, leaving experts to weigh in.

Institute for National Defense and Security Research research fellow Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) said the system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which detects and intercepts rockets, per CNA. Similarly, he said T Dome would intercept not only Chinese missiles but also warplanes.

National Sun Yat-sen University’s Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies Director Kuo Yu-jen (郭育仁) noted that Taiwan’s missile‑defense posture has long been a weak link.

Patriot missiles intercept re-entering warheads while Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Aegis systems cover high altitudes, he explained. T-Dome aims to strengthen mid-altitude defenses.

National Taiwan University Department of Political Science Professor Chen Shih-min (陳世民) warned that China’s hypersonic missiles showcased in its Sept. 3 parade highlight the urgency for better defense. T-Dome provides a psychological boost to the public, he added.

Meanwhile, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology last month partnered with US firm Northrop Grumman. The project explores integrating domestic and US-made missile systems under an Integrated Battle Command System.