TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mass production of the Sky Bow III will continue starting in 2027, military officials said last week.

To effectively support the T-Dome air defense system, the number of various interceptors must be expanded for both operational readiness and stockpiling, the officials said, per Liberty Times. The budget for Sky Bow III missile production was previously included in the five-year special budget for enhancing naval and air combat capabilities, totaling NT$27.4 billion (US$855.06 million), which ends late this year, they said.

The officials said that the annual production capacity for the Sky Bow III is 96 missiles. If production runs at full capacity, total output over five years would reach 480 missiles, they said.

The officials emphasized that operating at maximum production capacity is intended to build a certain level of counterstrike capability quickly, but it also means that missiles from the same production batch would face service-life limits. Taking into account threat conditions, phased production, and the need to expand stockpiles, the Sky Bow III missile and the land-based Sky Sword II missile system will both be moved into the Ministry of National Defense’s annual budget after the special budget program ends, they said.

The T-Dome is designed to counter Chinese threats, including missiles, long-range rockets, fighter aircraft, and drones, by establishing layered air defense across high, medium, and low altitudes. High-altitude interceptors include the Strong Bow missile (Sky Bow IV), Patriot Advanced Capability-3, and Sky Bow III systems. Medium and low-altitude defenses include the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System and the Sky Sword II system. At lower levels, defenses include the Avenger missile system, 35mm guns, and vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems.