Taiwan Unveils ‘T-Dome’ Air Defense System to Counter China’s Growing Threat

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Friday announced the development of a new multi-layered air defense system named “T-Dome”, designed to strengthen the island’s ability to counter external threats and reinforce national defense spending. He also urged China to renounce the use of force in its pursuit of unifying Taiwan.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory despite strong objections from Taipei, has intensified military and political pressure on the island.

As Beijing continues to expand its already vast military — adding stealth fighters, aircraft carriers, and advanced missile systems — Taiwan has been ramping up defense modernization and investment in its armed forces to safeguard its sovereignty.

A stronger defense network

In his National Day address, President Lai emphasized Taiwan’s resolve to increase defense spending and said a special budget proposal for military expenditure would be introduced by the end of the year, underscoring the government’s determination to protect the island.

“Increasing defense spending has a clear purpose,” Lai said. “It is a necessary response to growing threats and a driving force for the development of our defense industries.”

He added to applause, “We will accelerate the construction of the T-Dome — a robust air defense system featuring multi-layered protection, advanced detection, and effective interception — to create a security net safeguarding the lives and property of Taiwan’s citizens.”

Modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome

While Lai did not share technical details, it was the first public mention of the “T-Dome.” A Reuters report earlier suggested that the system would be similar in concept to Israel’s Iron Dome.

A senior official from the Presidential Office said that budget allocations for T-Dome would be included in the upcoming defense proposal by year’s end.
“We aim to build a more comprehensive air defense network with higher interception efficiency,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that other nations like the United States were developing similar systems.

Taiwan’s existing air defense relies largely on U.S.-made Patriot missiles and domestically developed Sky Bow systems. Last month, during a major defense exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan unveiled its newest air defense missile, the Chiang-Kong, designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and operate at higher altitudes than the Patriots.

China’s reaction

Reacting to Lai’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaqun said that “seeking independence by force” would only push Taiwan toward conflict.
“He is fueling separatist illusions of Taiwan independence,” Guo said at a press briefing in Beijing. “This once again exposes his stubborn and provocative nature as a troublemaker and war instigator.”

China, which last year staged military drills around Taiwan in response to Lai’s speech, continues to label him a “separatist” and has rejected his calls for dialogue.

Lai reiterated that China must stop attempting to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion, emphasizing that Taiwan remains committed to peace and stability.

“Reflecting on World War II,” Lai said, “we see the suffering caused by aggression and conflict. We must learn from history and ensure that such tragedies never happen again.”

U.S. welcomes Taiwan’s stance

A senior U.S. administration official welcomed Lai’s commitment to boosting defense capabilities and maintaining peace and stability.
“We will not speculate on Beijing’s reaction,” the official said. “But our consistent view is that routine speeches should never be used as a pretext for coercion or military action.”

Taiwan’s National Day marks the anniversary of the 1911 revolution that overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty and led to the establishment of the Republic of China. After losing the civil war to Mao Zedong’s Communists in 1949, the Republican government fled to Taiwan, where the Republic of China remains the island’s official name.