TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology President Lt. Gen. Lee Shih-chiang (李世強) said Monday that the institute will develop cost-effective air defense munitions to prevent China from using large quantities of inexpensive weapons to deplete Taiwan’s advanced missiles.

Lee said at a Legislative Yuan hearing that relevant plans are already in place and testing is expected to begin next year, CNA reported.

Lt. Gen. Lien Chih-wei (連志威), deputy chief of the General Staff, said that Taiwan’s “T-Dome” air defense system aims to build low-, medium-, and high-altitude air defense layers, as well as defenses against long-range rockets. The military hopes to acquire munitions through multiple channels, Lien said.

Taiwan seeks to complete the T-Dome by next year. The system integrates the Strong Bow, Sky Bow III, and Sky Sword II missile systems, along with US-made Patriot missiles and radars.

In response to a question about the lull in Chinese air defense identification zone incursions earlier this month, Lt. Gen. Hsieh Jih-sheng (謝日升), deputy chief of the General Staff, said that many developments occurred during that period, including China’s annual plenary sessions. Taiwan’s military will continue to monitor developments, he said.