Taiwan is expanding its Patriot missile capabilities by utilizing excess procurement funds and drawing on a proposed NT$1.25 trillion ($40 billion) special defense allocation.
Liberty Times reported that the armed forces acquired 102 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors for about NT$20 billion ($637 million), using savings from a separate domestic missile procurement program. Officials cited by the publication noted that the high price of each missile, along with the required maintenance systems and technical support packages, determined the purchase quantity. Deliveries of the first batch reportedly began in early January.
Taiwan News indicated that further PAC-3 MSE acquisitions will be financed through the special defense budget, enough to equip more than one additional missile battalion. In April 2025, Taipei confirmed the formation of its fourth Patriot battalion while awaiting additional US-supplied missiles.
In a related development, the US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract in January to refurbish PAC-3 interceptors, with part of the funding tied to a foreign military sales arrangement for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Patriot systems are set to operate alongside its indigenous Sky Bow III (Tien Kung) and Strong Bow missiles under the “T-Dome” layered air and missile defense concept, designed to deter or counter a potential Chinese invasion. The Sky Bow III addresses lower-altitude ballistic and cruise missile threats, while the Strong Bow system engages mid-altitude ballistic targets at distances of up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). The PAC-3 MSE provides interception capability at altitudes reaching 60 kilometers (37 miles), with extended-range engagement options.
