Defense Budget Increase Adds Drones and Mid-Range Anti‑Tactical Ballistic Missiles

The Executive Yuan formally approved the supplemental budget for the current fiscal year today, with the allocation for the defense sector drawing particular attention from observers. Faced with a severe and complex regional security environment and evolving threats, the Executive Yuan has made concrete plans to enhance overall defensive combat capability. The plan includes procurement of weapons and frontline combat unit supplies, totaling NT$145.7 billion. This sizable defense supplement demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its own defense and delivers precise resource allocation to address asymmetric warfare, critical air defense, and the welfare of frontline personnel.

A close look at the NT$145.7 billion defense supplement reveals several strategically significant military investment projects. In the publicly disclosed and semi‑publicly disclosed categories of weapon and equipment procurement, two major highlights emerge. First, the upgrade of mid‑level air defense capabilities is planned through seven sub‑programs with a total cost of about NT$13 billion. The most closely watched element is the mid‑level anti‑tactical ballistic missile system. Introducing this system aims to fill gaps in the existing air defense network at specific altitudes and interception ranges, further strengthening the country’s depth of response and defense against ballistic missile attacks.

Beyond the mid‑level anti‑tactical ballistic missile system, another major focus of the defense supplement is the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) force, which has played a key role in modern warfare. According to the Executive Yuan’s approved plan, three projects for coastal surveillance UAVs alone will cost NT$55.9 billion. In the context of modern asymmetric warfare, UAVs offer low cost, high effectiveness, no risk of personnel casualties, and long‑duration loitering for surveillance. By procuring and deploying large numbers of coastal surveillance UAVs, the armed forces can establish a denser and real‑time reconnaissance network in frontline maritime areas, greatly enhancing situational awareness of surrounding air and sea domains. This capability is irreplaceable for strengthening early warning and maritime defense monitoring.

In addition to the publicly listed equipment purchases, the defense supplement also includes a substantial portion of classified projects. The Executive Yuan’s information indicates that there are two classified projects totaling NT$64.5 billion. Such classified defense budgets typically involve highly sensitive weapon systems, special equipment, or critical intelligence‑gathering facilities that the country either purchases abroad or develops domestically. Because these projects involve national security and sensitive military‑diplomatic matters, details are not fully disclosed. However, the large amount of NT$64.5 billion suggests that this funding will be used to fill gaps in strategic deterrence, long‑range strike, or electronic warfare capabilities, playing a decisive role in building a comprehensive defense system.

The supplement also addresses “soft‑side” aspects of force maintenance, namely the morale and welfare of frontline soldiers. Facing frequent gray‑zone incursions by the Chinese Communist Party and high‑intensity joint sea‑air readiness patrols, frontline combat units endure significant physical and mental stress and workload. Accordingly, the supplement specifically includes provisions for combat unit supplies, aiming to improve frontline personnel compensation and benefits. Even the most advanced weapons require professional, highly motivated soldiers to operate them, and caring for the base level remains the cornerstone of sustaining strong combat power.

Overall, the Executive Yuan’s approved defense supplement covers a mid‑level anti‑tactical ballistic missile system of NT$13 billion, UAV construction of NT$55.9 billion, classified projects of NT$64.5 billion, and frontline combat unit supplies, totaling NT$145.7 billion. The scale of the allocation clearly conveys the government’s steadfast stance on strengthening defense autonomy, implementing asymmetric warfare, and enhancing defensive resilience. In the face of a volatile regional geopolitical landscape, if these budgets successfully pass the third reading in the Legislative Yuan and are implemented, they will accelerate the country’s construction of a more deterrent‑capable defense system and help ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

(Source: Central News Agency)