Taiwan has revealed plans to deploy its recently acquired, state-of-the-art National Advanced Surface-to-Air (NASAMS) in Northern Taiwan to safeguard the capital city, Taipei.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), the new surface-to-air missile systems, procured from the United States, will be stationed in the Songshan District of Taipei and the Tamsui District of New Taipei to defend against potential aerial threats, as reported by Taiwan News.

The recent arms agreement with the United States, valued at approximately NT$10.31 billion (around US$312.9 million), includes the acquisition of NASAMS and is set to extend until 2034. This initiative aims to bolster Taiwan’s air defense capabilities in light of escalating threats from China. The agreement also includes the installation of a radar system at key locations in Kaohsiung, Hualien, Miaoli, and New Taipei.

These military acquisitions are designed to enhance Taiwan’s operational readiness and strengthen its defensive posture. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has pledged to take control by force if necessary. Consequently, China regularly conducts military exercises and live-fire drills to assess Taiwan’s defensive measures.

The sale of NASAMS to Taiwan was approved by the United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency in October of the previous year. Taiwan is anticipated to receive three NASAMS units along with the necessary supporting equipment.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated last year, while endorsing the sale of NASAMS to Taiwan, that the transaction would enhance Taiwan’s ability to address both current and future threats. This enhancement will bolster Taiwan’s airspace defense capabilities, contribute to regional security, and improve interoperability with the United States through the NASAMS program.

The NASAMS will strengthen Taiwan’s existing air defense systems, which include the land-based Tien Chien II (Sky Sword II), Tien Kung (Sky Bow) missile families, and Patriot (PAC-3) missiles, by providing medium-altitude interception capabilities. This system will add a vital layer of air defense for the capital, which is the island’s most fortified area and the location of the Presidential Office.

As a key point defense asset, the NASAMS is also utilized by the United States to safeguard the sensitive airspace surrounding the White House and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Taiwan’s choice to acquire the NASAMS was notably influenced by the system’s effectiveness demonstrated in Ukraine. The island perceives this air defense system as a viable countermeasure against Chinese fighter bombers, drones, and land-attack cruise and ballistic missiles.

U.S. officials report that the system, developed by Norway’s Kongsberg and Raytheon in the United States, boasts a 100% success rate in intercepting Russian missiles.

Russia regularly targets civilian and military sites in Kyiv with waves of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, including the Kh-101, Iskander, Kalibr, and Geranium-2 kamikaze drones. The NASAMS platform employs the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in a surface-to-air missile role.

Taipei has been actively pursuing the same military equipment that the West provided to Kyiv, amid concerns that Taiwan could face a situation similar to Ukraine. This includes acquiring advanced systems such as the Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Stinger missiles, and Abrams tanks.

Enhancing Taiwan’s Air Defense with NASAMS

The NASAMS is designed as a point defense system aimed at countering threats from drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and aircraft targeting critical assets. It is capable of engaging threats at distances of up to 20 miles and altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 feet when utilizing standard AMRAAMs.

This self-sufficient system integrates radar, launchers, and a fire control center, enabling effective operation by company-sized units.

Featuring advanced capabilities such as a net-centric architecture, the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) operations, the NASAMS is a versatile addition to air defense strategies.

Moreover, it can be integrated into a larger integrated air defense system (IADS) that includes various sensors and weaponry, making it particularly valuable for Taiwan in addressing the challenges posed by China.

The NASAMS can deploy modern air defense missiles, including the short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder, the long-range AMRAAM-ER, and the US AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missile.

The AMRAAM-ER boasts an impressive range exceeding 50 kilometers, allowing it to intercept and neutralize hostile aircraft or cruise missiles at supersonic speeds before they approach their targets. Additionally, it is compatible with European IRIS-T SLS short-range missiles.

The primary armament of NASAMS includes the AIM-120 AMRAAMs, which are also utilized by Taiwan’s F-16s. These missiles can be launched from a NASAMS battery without requiring specific variants or modifications.

The F-16 fighters of the Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan’s Air Force) can directly supply NASAMS with their existing missile inventory, enhancing the system’s capabilities.

In the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, NASAMS could be outfitted with a substantial global supply of AMRAAMs, ensuring readiness for high-intensity conflict.

NASAMS is also capable of defending against land-attack cruise missiles launched from various platforms, including ground-based systems, bombers, submarines, and surface vessels. These threats could target Taiwanese air bases and other critical military sites across the island, and NASAMS is specifically designed to counter such assaults.

Central to the system is its X-Band, 360-degree phased array radar, which can identify targets at a range of 75 kilometers (approximately 47 miles). This sophisticated radar enables NASAMS to engage up to 72 targets simultaneously in both active and passive modes. By utilizing active seeker missiles, it can intercept targets beyond visual range, demonstrating its versatility in diverse combat situations.

Depending on the specific model, NASAMS features a modular design that allows for the integration of various radars, sensors, and launchers within a single battery, all coordinated through a central fire distribution center.