Taiwan deploys new Qingtian hypersonic missile to counter China's growing missile capabilities.

On December 28, 2024, the Liberty Times reported that Taiwan had finalized the development of its hypersonic cruise missile, the Qingtian, with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers. The missile builds on the Yunfeng and Yungeng II programs, originally designed for ranges between 1,200 and 2,000 kilometers. The Qingtian introduces advancements in propulsion, navigation, and guidance technologies, enhancing its range, speed, and operational flexibility. Mass production of the Qingtian began in late 2024, with initial units already delivered to Taiwan’s Air Force missile brigades.
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According to information available, the Qingtian hypersonic missile is based on the earlier Yunfeng and Yungeng II programs, originally designed for ranges between 1,200 and 2,000 kilometers, allowing Taiwan to target strategic locations deep within mainland China. (Picture source: Taiwan MoD)

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) led the Qingtian’s development. The missile incorporates ramjet propulsion and materials capable of withstanding high temperatures during hypersonic flight, supported by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense’s “National Defense Advanced Technology Research Plan.” Utilizing composite ceramic materials, the missile can endure the extreme conditions associated with speeds exceeding Mach 6. These attributes enable it to evade air defense systems and extend its operational applications.

The Qingtian will be deployed on both fixed-launch systems and mobile platforms, enhancing survivability against potential preemptive strikes. The Czech-made Tatra Force 12X12 trucks, were chosen for their off-road capabilities, adaptability to mountainous terrain, and maneuverability. If Czech procurement encounters difficulties, the American Oshkosh M983 serves as an alternative platform. The adoption of mobile launch platforms represents a shift from previous trailer-mounted systems, aligning with modern military trends favoring self-contained launchers.

The Qingtian program builds on decades of work on Taiwan’s long-range strike capabilities, originating with the Yunfeng program under President Lee Teng-hui’s administration. Despite challenges such as technical issues in guidance systems and international restrictions under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the program advanced significantly after key restrictions were eased in 2023. This easing, facilitated by agreements with the United States, provided Taiwan access to critical components for precision guidance and propulsion, enhancing the Qingtian’s accuracy and range.

The Qingtian forms part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to bolster deterrence capabilities while maintaining technological independence. The Wanjian air-to-ground missile, with a range of 200 kilometers, recently entered mass production, with a longer-range variant under development. Taiwan’s defense initiatives also include domestic submarine production and research into advanced propulsion technologies, such as scramjet engines for future hypersonic applications. These efforts diversify Taiwan’s missile inventory and address various tactical and strategic requirements.

Taiwan’s missile advancements come in response to increasing military pressure from China. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) now fields over 3,000 ballistic missiles, including 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) such as the DF-5, DF-31, and DF-41, which have ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometers. The PLARF also operates 900 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), 1,300 medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), 500 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), and 400 ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs). These systems include dual-use missiles like the DF-26, the DF-17 equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, and the CJ-100, with a range of 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers.

The Qingtian missile, with its range of approximately 2,000 kilometers, can target strategic locations within mainland China. Reports indicate that its reach extends to areas north of Beijing, including Hohhot in Inner Mongolia. This range covers significant political and military centers, including Beijing and other urban and industrial hubs. The deployment of the Qingtian provides Taiwan with the capability to address critical areas within northern China, strengthening its overall defense strategy.

Hypersonic missiles, including the Qingtian, challenge existing defense systems due to their speed, maneuverability, and low-altitude flight paths. Traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, they reduce response times for interception. Unlike ballistic missiles that follow predictable trajectories, hypersonic systems perform evasive maneuvers, complicating detection and tracking. Their low-altitude profiles further evade radar detection, necessitating advanced interception technologies to counter their threat.