Taiwan Tests indigenous Air-Launched Hsiung Feng-III Missile

Taiwan has successfully tested an air-launched version of its indigenous Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) supersonic anti-ship missile, marking a significant step in enhancing its aerial strike capabilities. The missile was spotted mounted on an Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) during a military exercise, fueling speculation about its imminent deployment.

Developed by Taiwan’s National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the HF-3 has long been a key part of the country’s defense strategy. While the original version is deployed on naval vessels and land-based launchers, this new variant has been modified for aerial launch, making it more versatile in countering maritime threats. Reports indicate that efforts to miniaturize the missile for aircraft use have resulted in a smaller, lighter design, without compromising its striking power.

With a length of 5.5 meters and a weight of under 900 kilograms, the air-launched HF-3 is notably more compact than its ship-based counterpart. However, it retains its supersonic speed advantage, reaching up to Mach 3.5—making it far superior to the subsonic Harpoon missile currently used by Taiwan’s F-16 fleet. Additionally, the HF-3’s range of 150 to 300 kilometers surpasses the Harpoon’s 125-kilometer limit, allowing Taiwanese forces to strike enemy ships from a greater distance.

Taiwan began developing the air-launched HF-3 in 2022, but the project faced delays before resuming in late 2024. Despite previous uncertainties, the missile is now expected to enter operational evaluation soon. If successfully integrated into Taiwan’s air force, it will provide a crucial boost to the island’s deterrence capabilities, offering a high-speed, long-range anti-ship solution against potential threats in the region.