Taiwan forms fourth Patriot battalion to prepare for US delivery of hundreds of PAC-3 MSE air defense missiles.

As reported by the Liberty Times on April 23, 2025, Taiwan is expanding its air and missile defense network with the formation of a fourth battalion equipped with the MIM-104 Patriot missile system, which will receive several hundred PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors from the United States in 2025 and 2026. The acquisition, funded with surplus resources from the existing Patriot procurement program, is aimed at reinforcing Taiwan’s air and missile defense posture. The new interceptors are likely to be deployed in Hualien and Taitung counties on Taiwan’s east coast, and each M903 launcher will carry up to 12 PAC-3 MSE missiles.
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The PAC-3 MSE missile is designed for higher-altitude and longer-range interceptions, with estimated operational altitudes between 45 and 60 kilometers. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

Taiwan’s involvement with the MIM-104 Patriot missile system began with the acquisition of three PAC-2 GEM batteries approved by the United States in 1992 and delivered in 1997. The systems were deployed to provide long-range air and missile defense, particularly amid regional security concerns. In 2004, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense requested approximately $4.3 billion to purchase six additional PAC-3 batteries and upgrade the existing three PAC-2 units to support the PAC-3 configuration. The proposal was delayed due to internal political debates, including a failed referendum in March 2004 and opposition from major parties in the Legislative Yuan. After several years of legislative negotiation, three arms sales from the U.S. government in 2007, 2008, and 2010 enabled Taiwan to acquire six new PAC-3-capable batteries and upgrade the three older ones. These deals also included the sale of PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. The overall program, extended to 2027, was valued at approximately $5.6 billion.

Taiwan currently operates nine combat-capable Patriot batteries deployed across its northern, central, and southern regions. These batteries protect the island’s western urban and military areas and are managed by the Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command. The batteries are believed to be equipped with a mix of PAC-2 GEM and PAC-3 CRI interceptors. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, approximately 200 PAC-2 GEM and 384 PAC-3 CRI missiles have been procured. Each battery site operates with support infrastructure including phased array radars and command stations, and batteries conduct regular mobile deployment exercises to rotate among pre-surveyed locations. This strategy is intended to preserve operational capability during high-threat scenarios. PAC-2 GEM live-fire testing began in 2001 in Taiwan, while PAC-3 CRI testing occurred in the United States in 2016 and 2021, and in the Republic of Palau in 2023 with U.S. assistance.

In addition to the Patriot system, Taiwan’s air defense includes domestically developed systems such as the Tien Kung III, Strong Bow extended-range interceptors, Chien Hsiang anti-radiation loitering munitions, and Hsiung Sheng surface-to-surface cruise missiles. The Ministry of National Defense has not formally adopted the U.S. Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) or the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), both of which are designed to integrate radar and missile systems across multiple platforms. However, the PAC-3 configuration deployed in Taiwan shares compatibility with these systems. Limitations in eastern radar coverage due to the Central Mountain Range have led to plans to deploy PAC-3 MSE systems in eastern Taiwan, specifically in Hualien and Taitung counties. Taiwan also expects to receive the first of three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) by the end of 2025, which will form part of a new battalion-level unit under the same command.

The PAC-3 MSE interceptor incorporates a larger dual-pulse solid rocket motor, enhanced guidance electronics, and larger aerodynamic surfaces compared to the CRI variant. The MSE missile is designed for higher-altitude and longer-range interceptions, with estimated operational altitudes between 45 and 60 kilometers, compared to 24.4 kilometers for the PAC-3 CRI. These changes reduce the missile loadout per M903 launcher from 16 CRI interceptors to 12 MSE interceptors. Taiwan redirected surplus budget funds from a reduction in PAC-3 CRI procurement to finance the MSE acquisition, with estimates indicating between 58 and 300 MSE interceptors ordered. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025.

The PAC-3 MSE uses a Ka-band active radar seeker, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and 180 attitude control motors (ACMs) for terminal phase guidance. This configuration allows for high maneuverability and precise target engagement through hit-to-kill impact. The interceptor is designed to address a range of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles and air-breathing targets with low radar signatures. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the PAC-3 MSE variant is intended to expand the engagement area, improve firepower, increase effectiveness against chemical and biological payloads, and enhance capabilities against fast and low-RCS targets. The hit-to-kill design is expected to reduce collateral effects from intercepted warheads by physically destroying the payload rather than detonating it near the target.

The PAC-3 MSE is part of a wider international user network, with 15 partner nations including Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Poland. The interceptor has undergone phased development since 2014, including approval for full-rate production in 2018 and international deliveries through foreign military sales. While the PAC-3 MSE is designed to engage a broad range of threats, its operational performance against low-observable aircraft such as the Chinese J-20 remains unverified. Chinese media previously claimed that the J-20 had flown over Taiwan undetected, although the Ministry of National Defense did not confirm any such incident. During military exercises in January 2025, Taiwan demonstrated the deployment and operational procedures for the PAC-3 system, including target acquisition and engagement decisions through command center systems. The exercise scenario included simulated drone incursions and support operations involving Apache helicopters and armored vehicles.