Taiwan plans to manufacture more than 1,200 Hai Chien II (Sea Sword II) missiles to strengthen naval air-defense capabilities and standardize weapon systems across its surface fleet. The decision follows a successful live-fire test against a simulated drone target and supports efforts to replace older air-defense missiles with a more capable indigenous solution. The missile weighs approximately 183 kilograms, travels at Mach 4, and has an operational range of around 50 kilometers. It will be deployed aboard upgraded Kang Ding-class frigates, Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, Yushan-class amphibious transport docks, and future warships. Officials estimate that between 1,200 and 1,376 missiles may ultimately be required to equip operational fleets and maintain wartime reserves.
