TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s next-generation Strong Bow anti-ballistic missile has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers and speeds exceeding Mach 10, according to details unexpectedly disclosed by a defense contractor.
At an investor conference on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, microwave power amplifier firm Transcom said its business covers Sky Bow II through IV and Sky Sword II and III missiles, per Liberty Times. It said that Sky Bow III has a range of 500 km, while Sky Bow IV (Strong Bow) reaches 1,500 km, marking the first public disclosure of the new missile’s range by a contractor.
Previous reports indicated the Strong Bow missile has an interception altitude of up to 70 km. It is also equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting targets beyond 500 km.
The Strong Bow missile mass production program has been included in a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.33 billion) special defense budget, with NT$36.1 billion allocated for two systems and at least 128 missiles. The system is planned to operate alongside Sky Bow III and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptors to form a layered air defense network.
A future command center will integrate dozens of launch systems and introduce AI-assisted decision-making to recommend engagement options. Depending on battlefield conditions, either Sky Bow III or Strong Bow missiles could be prioritized for interception.
The company also said the Strong Bow missile can exceed Mach 10 while maintaining its 70 km interception altitude and 1,500 km range. It added that Sky Bow V is under development, with a target interception altitude of 100 km.
