Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) showcased some of its latest weapon systems at the 2019 Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), which is being held from 15–17 August in Taipei. Organised by Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the biennial trade show features 150 defence industry exhibitors from Taiwan and overseas.
The MND pavillion was once again the largest of the 800 booths at the show and featured the latest model of the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) on display, which is being developed by Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC). Defence officials said AIDC is scheduled to unveil the first prototype in September, when ground testing is due to begin, with the first test flight set for June 2020.
AIDC has been commissioned to design and build 66 AJTs by 2026. They will replace the Republic of China Air Force’s ageing AT3 trainers and F5 fighters.
The latest model of AIDC’s Advanced Jet Trainer was displayed at the 2019 TADTE. (G Phipps)
The air force showcased a new trailer-mounted multiple launcher for the Jian Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munition at TADTE. The Jian Hsiang is similar to the Israeli Harpy anti-radiation weapon and has been developed by the Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which has a USD2.54 billion five-year contract to develop and manufacture a fleet of such weapons. According to defence officials, the trailer-mounted multiple launcher is “nearly ready for deployment”.
Although neither the MND nor NCSIST have released details of the Jian Hsiang endurance or payload, the system is reportedly able to attack radar emitters and military installations along China’s southeastern coastal region.
The Republic of China Air Force showcased a new trailer-mounted multiple-launch system for the Jian Hsiang anti-radiation fixed-wing loitering munition at the 2019 TADTE. (G Phipps)
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
