Taiwan’s long-range early-warning radar system played a crucial role in tracking China’s recent ballistic missile launch from the South China Sea.Taiwan reportedly shared real-time intelligence with Washington throughout the operation, reflecting deepening defence and intelligence cooperation between the two sides, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.While Beijing has not disclosed the type of missile used, Joseph Wu, secretary general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, said it was likely a JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
US-made radar detected missile shortly after launch
According to Taiwan’s Liberty Times, citing a senior security official, the AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws early-warning radar detected the ballistic missile soon after it was launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in the South China Sea.Located at the Leshan Radar Station in Hsinchu County, the radar sits at an altitude of 2,600 metres and has a detection range of up to 5,000 kilometres.The system enables Taiwan to monitor missile launches across mainland China, the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.Taiwan’s customised version has also been upgraded to better detect low-flying cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
All we know about $1. 4bn radar
The AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, developed by US defence contractor Raytheon, became fully operational in Taiwan in 2013 and is considered one of the island’s most important early-warning systems.Besides tracking ballistic missiles, it can monitor aircraft, cruise missiles and maritime activity in the Taiwan Strait, making it a central component of Taiwan’s defence network.The US $1.4 billion radar is regarded as a key pillar of Taiwan’s missile early-warning system and a vital asset in any conflict with the People’s Liberation Army. But its significance has also raised fears that it could become a prime target in the event of a cross-strait war.Concerns have grown after reports that a similar upgraded early-warning radar in Qatar sustained damage during an Iranian attack earlier this year.
