Taiwan reveals details of hypersonic Qiang Bow ballistic missile defence system

NCSIST's Qiang Bow mid-tier counter-tactical ballistic missile system being launched from a mobile vertical launcher. (NCSIST)

Taiwan's state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has revealed details about a new domestically developed hypersonic mid-tier counter-tactical ballistic missile system, designated Qiang Bow (which translates as Strong Bow).

In product information recently published on its website, NCSIST said Qiang Bow is a land-launched system intended to intercept tactical ballistic missiles. The system comprises a missile, a mobile vertical-launch vehicle, a tactical command vehicle, and an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar vehicle.

According to NCSIST, the Qiang Bow missile consists of a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach hypersonic speeds. The missile features inertial navigation with radar uplink corrections during the midcourse phase before transitioning to active seeker guidance in the terminal phase.

NCSIST added that the missile employs thrust-vector control during the terminal phase to maintain manoeuvrability in the thin atmosphere. The interceptor is armed with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. NCSIST said the missile's precision guidance and directional warhead design enhance its lethality against incoming targets.

NCSIST said the command vehicle supports fire-control, target identification, and threat assessment. The radar is capable of identifying and tracking targets, distinguishing friend from foe, countering electronic interference, and engaging multiple ballistic missile targets.

However, NCSIST did not disclose details of the system's range.

An image published by NCSIST shows the Qiang Bow missile being launched vertically from a canister-type launcher. The missile appears to feature a narrow, streamlined body, a pointed nose section, and small control fins mounted around the middle of the airframe.

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