Quick Facts
| Variants | N/A |
| Role and Mobility | Medium-Range Air Defense System; Ship-Based |
| Interceptors and Range | Tien Chien-2 Missile; 100 km |
| Sensors | Active Radar |
| Targets | Anti-Ship Missiles and Air-Threats |
| Status/Exports | Completed Development, Ready for Production; None |
| Designer/Producer | National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) |
Overview
The Tien Chien-2N is a medium-range air defense system developed for the Taiwanese Navy. The system uses a variant of the Tien Chien-2 missile with an improved active radar seeker and with the addition of a booster and a thrust vector controller (TVC).[i]The missile can be launched from an incline or vertically and has all-weather and multi-target capabilities.[ii]A folded wing design minimizes the volume of the missile and maximizes the number of ready-fire missiles onboard ships.[iii]
Strategic Implications
Taiwan developed the TC-2N to fill a gap in its ship-based air defenses between the SM-2 and Phalanx CIWS systems. It is valuable in scenarios requiring a fast response and a high fire power capability. Its extended range allows ships to intercept anti-ship missiles and other threats farther away where they pose lower risks.
Timeline
August 13-16, 2015: TC-2N is shown at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition.[iv]
2014: A TC-2N missile is successfully fired from a Taiwan Navy frigate and intercepted a drone representing an anti-ship missile.[v]
2006: Development of the vertical launch system for the TC-2N is finished.
1997: A successful live firing test of a TC-2N to intercept a low-flying drone.
1994: Primary development of the TC-2N begins.[vi]
Recent News
References
[i]http://www.ncsist.org.tw/eng/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_id=290&catalog=41
[ii]Ibid.
[iii]Ibid.
[iv]https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2015/08/12/taiwan-defense-show-exhibits-new-weapons/
[v]http://www.ncsist.org.tw/eng/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_id=290&catalog=41
[vi]Ibid.
