Military hardware including aircraft and missiles showcased on National Day

A big part of the National Day parade this year was the display of Taiwan''s military might, which included flybys of the F-16V and Mirage 2000 jet fighters, as well as the Apache and Cobra attack helicopters. On land, Taiwan''s self-developed Sky Bow III anti-tactical ballistic missiles and Sword II missiles were rolled out in front of the Presidential Office building.

Five F-16V fighters first flew overhead just above the Presidential Office building, followed by Indigenous Defense Fighters, Mirage 2000s and Blackhawk, Cobra and Apache attack helicopters.

Yang Kai-an
FTV reporter
In addition to the airpower displayed on National Day, land-based military hardware was also a highlight. Taiwan’s self-developed missile-launching vehicles were showcased for the first time.

The surface-to-air anti-falcon Sword II missiles were developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. They have an effective range of 15 kilometers and a maximum range of 45 kilometers. Their missile-launching vehicles also made their first public appearance on this day.

The Sky Bow III anti-tactical ballistic missiles are surface-to-air missiles that are capable of repelling enemy planes, cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles.

The anti-ship Hsiung Feng III supersonic missiles were also rolled out. These are the main anti-ship missiles of Taiwan’s navy that are capable of countering electronic warfare and penetrating an enemy navy’s web of defense.

As the weaponry was put on display, the PLA once again sent its warplanes into Taiwan’s ADIZ, which were again driven away by Taiwan’s fighter jets.

Beijing’s continued intimidation was not limited to air incursions. Chinese president Xi Jinping on Saturday inferred to Taiwan, saying that those who betray the motherland do not end well. However, Taiwan’s military has remained undaunted, flexing its military muscles on National Day and demonstrating its resolve to defend the country.

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