T-Dome
| T-Dome | |
|---|---|
| Taiwan | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Air and missile defense system |
| Controlled by | Republic of China Air Force |
Open to the public | No |
| Site history | |
| Built | Planned for 2026–2030 |
| Built by | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology |
| In use | Under development |
The T-Dome (Chinese: 臺灣穹頂; pinyin: Táiwān Qióngdǐng; lit. 'Taiwan Dome') is a proposed multi-layered air and missile defense system under development by Taiwan to counter aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, primarily from the People's Republic of China.[1][2] Announced by President Lai Ching-te in October 2025,[3] the system draws its concept from Israel's Iron Dome.
History
[edit]The T-Dome initiative was publicly unveiled during President Lai Ching-te's National Day address on 10 October 2025 in Taipei. The announcement coincided with pledges to increase defense spending to over 3% of GDP in 2026 and 5% by 2030, with T-Dome funding to be included in a special budget proposal by the end of 2025.[4] Development plans were reportedly in drafting stages prior to the announcement, with initial integration expected to commence shortly thereafter.[5] The planned system is being developed to respond to China's expanding military capabilities, including hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and frequent incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone.[6]
At present, Taiwan operates a unified air defense command-and-control system that integrates radar data from ground stations with information gathered by the Patriot Missile and Tien Kung III missile batteries stationed nationwide.[7]
Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized the plan as provocative, warning it would escalate tensions and harm Taiwan's economy.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Moritsugu, Ken; Mistreanu, Simina (2025-10-10). "Taiwan's president pledges to build air defense system in face of China threat". AP News. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ Ng, Kelly (2025-10-10). "Taiwan to build 'T Dome' air defence system to guard against 'hostile threats'". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ Vaid, Dharvi. "Taiwan unveils 'T-Dome' air defense system – DW – 10/10/2025". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ "Taiwan unveils 'T-Dome' air defence system plans to counter China threat". ABC News. 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ "Lai pledges to build 'T-Dome' air defense system in National Day address - Focus Taiwan". Focus Taiwan - CNA English News. 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ McCartney, Micah (2025-10-10). "Taiwan unveils missile defense 'dome' against China". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ↑ "Capabilities of proposed 'T-Dome' touted - Taipei Times". www.taipeitimes.com. 2025-10-12. Retrieved 2025-10-15.
- ↑ "Beijing takes aim at William Lai's T-Dome shield and defence plans for Taiwan". South China Morning Post. 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-10-13.