Taiwan Tests Air-Launched Anti-Ship Missile

The Taiwanese Air Force has tested an air-launched variant of the Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) cruise missile, according to local media reports.

A photo shared by Taiwan’s United Daily News showed an Indigenous Defense Fighter carrying the anti-ship missile.

Each of the aircraft’s wings was equipped with one missile.

Taipei Times later revealed that the jet was part of a military exercise.

It remains unconfirmed whether a live-fire test took place.

Hsiung Feng-III

The missile is being developed by the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which also developed the original HF-3.

Development of the air-launched variant of the HF-3 began in 2022, with a focus on miniaturizing the missile for aircraft carriage.

It is considered smaller and lighter than its naval and land-based counterparts.

According to United Daily News, the HF-3 is 5.5 meters (18 feet) long, with a girth of less than 36 centimeters (14.17 inches), and weighs no more than 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds).

In comparison, the original HF-3 is 6.1 meters (20 feet) long, has a diameter of 46 centimeters (18 inches), and weighs around 1,400 kilograms (3,090 pounds).

Superior to Harpoon

The missile’s liquid-fuel ramjet motor allows it to reach supersonic speeds of Mach 3.5, making it much faster than Taiwan’s subsonic Harpoon anti-ship missile, which is launched from the F-16.

In terms of range, the HF-3’s 150-300 kilometers (93-186 miles) surpasses the Harpoon’s range of 125 kilometers (78 miles).

The missile’s original development timeline was set until 2028, but the project was suspended at one point and resumed in September 2024, according to United Daily News.

It is unclear whether the suspension will extend the project’s deadline.

The missile is expected to enter operational evaluation this year.