Experts tout the benefits of US missile systemLAND-BASED: The Block II Harpoons can hit targets even in high waves, a perfect choice for the nation’s coastal defense needs, Sung Yu-ning saidStaff writer, with CNAThe proposed sale of a coastal defense missile system that the US approved on Monday would complement Taiwan’s anti-ship missile system and boost its asymmetrical warfare capabilities, local military experts said yesterday. Washington on Monday said that it approved a possible sale to Taipei of up to 100 Harpoon coastal defense systems and related equipment for about US$2.37 billion. Institute for National Defense and Security Research research fellow Su Tzu-yun attends an international relations forum in Taipei on Sept. 27. The Harpoon missiles approved for sale on Monday are for ground-based launchers in coastal areas, similar to Taiwan’s Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missile system produced by the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, Sung said. Compared with their predecessors, Harpoon Block II missiles have enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and improved targeting, making them more deadly to enemy vessels, he said.

Source: Taipei Times October 27, 2020 15:56 UTC