Taiwan has announced plans to spend an additional $40 billion over the next few years to build a new, advanced air-defence system known as the T-Dome. The project aims to strengthen the island’s protection against increasing military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
President Lai Ching-te said the T-Dome will act as a major “safety net” to defend Taiwan from Chinese fighter jets, missiles, and drones. He added that China’s threat is growing, and Taiwan must be prepared to protect both its people and key infrastructure.
What is the T-Dome?
The T-Dome was first introduced on October 10 and has been compared with Israel’s Iron Dome, but experts say Taiwan’s system will handle a wider range of threats.
According to security analysts, the T-Dome will be designed to detect and intercept:
Fighter jets
Ballistic and cruise missiles
Drones
Taiwan already uses air-defence systems such as the Patriot and the locally made Sky Bow. It is also expecting new equipment from the United States, including the NASAMS missile system. The T-Dome will combine all these weapons with advanced radars and sensors to respond faster and more accurately to any attack.
Experts say the system will have two main parts:
Command and control – collects radar data, identifies threats, and decides which weapons to use.
Interceptor layer – missiles and other weapons that destroy incoming targets.
Why Taiwan Needs It
Taiwan has closely studied the war in Ukraine, where strong air defence has been critical. China has a much larger and stronger military, and Taiwanese experts warn that Chinese warships and land-based launchers could fire hundreds of missiles at Taiwan within minutes.
An integrated system like the T-Dome would help Taiwan:
Protect airports and military bases
Defend critical infrastructure
Reduce damage from a surprise attack
Military researchers say this could discourage China from attacking at all.
When Will It Be Ready?
The timeline is still uncertain. Taiwan is waiting for several US weapons deliveries, and its parliament has not yet approved the new budget.
President Lai has set two goals:
By 2027 – a high level of joint combat readiness
By 2033 – a strong, fully resilient defence capability
Experts say the full T-Dome system cannot be completed by 2027 because building and integrating new missiles, radars, and defence technology takes time. Training the military to operate the system properly will also require years of preparation.
Despite the uncertainties, Taiwan says it will continue strengthening its defence to ensure safety for its people and stability in the region.
