Taiwan’s military has conducted the first live-fire test of its domestically developed Land Sword II surface-to-air missile, marking a significant step in the island’s efforts to strengthen its air defenses.
Troops from the 43rd and 58th Artillery Command fired three Land Sword II missiles within 30 minutes at a base in Pingtung County, successfully striking drone targets.
Colonel He Hsiang-i, deputy commander of the 43rd Artillery Command, said the drill aimed to validate unit readiness and training standards amid growing tensions with China.
Taiwan continues to brace for a potential confrontation with Beijing, which considers the island a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to reclaim it.
