Taiwan Probes Patriot PAC-2 Missile Explosion During Live Drill
Taiwan’s military has launched an investigation into the reported explosion of a Patriot PAC-2 missile during its annual precision munitions exercise along the southeastern coast, Focus Taiwan reported.
Local media said video footage from the Jiupeng range in Pingtung County showed one of two PAC-2 missiles detonating roughly four seconds after launch. A second missile fired in the same drill functioned normally.
The military has not released a formal statement, though sources noted the cause of the explosion remains unknown. Without addressing the incident, the Air Force Command Headquarters stated the annual Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises had been completed successfully, with all scenarios managed under standard protocols. An evaluation committee will review the outcomes.
Recurring Incidents
Taiwan’s Patriot system has faced issues in recent years. In 2024, a truck carrying Patriot equipment overturned in southern Taiwan, injuring two personnel. In 2023, a PAC-3 missile reportedly failed in a live drill, though Lockheed Martin clarified it was not a PAC-3 system. The Air Force later confirmed the missile exploded before striking its target.
