Taiwan is eyeing the mass production of its domestically developed Sky Bow III, IV, and V missiles, known locally as Tien Kung, during the second quarter of 2026.
The decision awaits the legislature’s approval of the government’s proposed 1.25-trillion new Taiwan dollar (around $40 billion) special defense budget, an unnamed official informed Taipei Times.
Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology leads the development of the Tien Kung missile family under the Chiang Kung (“Strong Bow”) advanced air-defense program, with support from Taiwanese defense contractors such as Transcom Inc. in developing key subsystems.
According to Taipei Times, Transcom Inc. is said to be expecting Tien Kung missile-related orders by March.
Tien Kung
As part of the T-Dome multi-layered air defense network, currently under development and officially unveiled in October 2025, the Tien Kung missiles are designed to intercept both ballistic and cruise missile threats.
The III variant, which made its maiden test flight in 2001, has a reported maximum altitude of 35 kilometers (22 miles).
Publicly debuted in September 2025, the Tien Kung IV builds on its predecessor. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array fire control system and reaches targets up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.
Meanwhile, the Tien Kung V has a range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles). According to sources familiar with the matter, the missile completed live-fire tests in the fourth quarter of 2025.
It is preparing to enter initial operational assessment. If the trials prove successful, the V missile is slated for low-rate initial production later this year.
Layered Air Defense
Taiwan’s T-Dome is a 400-billion New Taiwan dollar ($12.7 billion) program reportedly modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome.
The incoming air defense system includes two unspecified Chiang Kung systems with 128 missiles, an additional 230 Tien Kung III missiles, and Stinger missile systems.
It also integrates a PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) battalion and NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems), as well as Integrated Battle Command Systems (IBCS) for command and control.
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