Taiwan Builds T-Dome Air Defense System, President Lai: Needs To Fight Enemy Threats

Taiwan launched its34-Kong (Strong Bow) air defense missile designed to intercept Chinese ballistic missiles in the middle of its journey. (Source: Taiwan's Ministry of Defense)

JAKARTA - President Lai Ching-te on Friday said Taiwan would build a new layered air defense system called "T-Dome" to defend itself from enemy threats and increase its defense budget.

Speaking in a speech on Taiwan's National Day on October 10, President Lai said his country was determined to increase its defense budget, and would propose a special budget for military spending by the end of the year, demonstrating the government's determination to protect the island.

"The increase in the defense budget has a goal; it is a clear need to counter enemy threats and is a driving force to develop our defense industry," he said.

"We will accelerate the construction of the T-Dome, build a formidable air defense system in Taiwan with layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, as well as establish a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens," said President Lai, greeted with applause from the audience.

However, President Lai did not provide details about the "T-Dome" in his first public statement about the system.

Reuters reported on Thursday that President Lai would introduce "T-Dome", which one of the sources said would resemble Israel's Iron Dome.

A senior presidential office official told reporters the planned expenditure for the "T-Dome" would be included in the upcoming budget proposal at the end of the year.

"We look forward to building a more comprehensive air defense net with a higher level of interception," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added countries like the United States are also building a similar system.

Taiwan's current air defense systems are mostly based on US-made Patriot missiles and Taiwan-developed Sky Bow missiles.

Last month, Taiwan showcased its newest air defense missile calledTEN-Kong at an arms show in Taipei. The missile is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and reach higher airspace than Patriot missiles.

On that occasion President Lai again said China should abandon the use of force or coercion to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan will seek to ensure peace and stability.

"Looking back at World War II, we see so many people suffer from war and pain due to the invasion. We must learn from this lesson and ensure history tragedy does not repeat itself," said President Lai.

It is known that democratically-ruled Taiwan has faced increasing military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory, despite strong opposition from the Taipei government.