DECOMMISSIONED HAWK MISSILES
Why in News?
- Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, recently said that it is up to the United States to decide the future of Taiwan’s decommissioned HAWK anti-aircraft missiles.
- This statement came in response to a question about whether Taiwan might send these older missiles to Ukraine to aid in its defense against Russia.
- Taiwan has not made any formal announcement about sending weapons to Ukraine, but it has been a strong moral supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
BACKGROUND OF HAWK MISSILES
- HAWK System:
- The Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK missile system was initially developed by the United States in the 1960s to defend against enemy bombers.
- Over time, it has been upgraded by various countries, including Denmark, Netherlands, and Norway.
- The system is capable of intercepting targets flying at low altitudes (as low as 60 meters), making it effective against slow-moving drones or missiles.
- The US military phased out the HAWK system in favor of more advanced defense systems, but it remains in service with several other countries, including Taiwan.
- Use in Ukraine:
- Although the HAWK is considered less advanced than newer missile defense technologies, the system has been adapted to counter specific threats in Ukraine, particularly drone attacks.
- Ukraine has been facing a heavy barrage of one-way attack drones from Russia, and the HAWK’s capabilities against such low-altitude threats could still be valuable.
TAIWAN’S GROWING DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH USA
- The recent $2 billion NASAMS deal highlights the deepening defense ties between Taiwan and the United States, as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its ability to defend itself against China.
- The NASAMS is a medium-range air defense system that has already been proven in battle in Ukraine, making it a critical addition to Taiwan’s defense infrastructure. The US’s support for Taiwan’s defense is part of its broader strategy to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
- As Taiwan faces an increasing threat from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, military and strategic partnerships with the US are becoming more critical for Taiwan’s security.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORLD
- Missile Support to Ukraine:
- The potential transfer of Taiwan’s decommissioned HAWK missiles to Ukraine would add to the growing number of military supplies from Western nations and their allies to Ukraine.
- It would also demonstrate how countries with outdated or surplus military equipment can contribute to Ukraine’s defense without directly sending new weapons.
- Taiwan’s Defense in Context of China:
- Taiwan’s ongoing military upgrades, such as the NASAMS system, are crucial as they ensure Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities in the face of a potential Chinese invasion.
- The situation also brings attention to the broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States, with Taiwan caught in the middle.
- The United States’ role in Taiwan’s defense is critical, both for the island’s security and as a counterbalance to Chinese expansion in the region.
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