Taiwan to build ‘T-Dome’ defense system, will aim to be like Israel’s Iron Dome

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will build a new multi-layered air defense system called “T-Dome” to defend itself against enemy threats and will increase defense spending, President Lai Ching-te says, calling on China to renounce the use of force to seize the island.

Democratically governed Taiwan has faced increased military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory over the strong objections of the government in Taipei.

Taiwan is ramping up defense spending and modernizing its armed forces, but faces a China that has a far larger military and is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and a huge array of missiles.

Lai says in his National Day address that Taiwan is determined to spend more on defense, and would propose a special budget for military spending by the end of the year, showing the government’s determination to protect the island.

“The increase in defense spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defense industries,” he says.

“We will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens,” Lai says, to applause from the crowd.

He does not give details about “T-Dome” in his first public mention of the system. One source says it would aim to be similar to Israel’s Iron Dome.