National Defense: Defense R&D

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

The research and development of national defense technology stresses integration with the operational demands of the armed forces, and establishment of Taiwan's autonomy of national defense. Because of enemy threat, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is responsible for the R&D of advanced technology and the production of weapons of crucial importance in improving the joint combat force.

If Taiwan has the technology it needs, the government will not need to purchase weapons from other countries; if other countries have the technology Taiwan needs, then the government will help the private sector obtain the technology. Based on these requirements, the MND has been expanding its cooperation with related industries, government agencies, academic circles, and research institutions. Concurrently, through the Executive Committee for the Development and Promotion of Defense Science and Technology, established jointly by the National Science Council, MND, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the government has formulated a plan of developing national defense technology industries by integrating the technological capacity of the military and private sectors, coordinating opinions, goals, strategies, and concrete measures. It is expected that such a program will enhance the development of national defense technology and will also be conducive to upgrading the private sector industry.

Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology

As the ROC's leading institution for the research, design, and development of defense technology, the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) employs approximately 4,000 scientists and more than 5,000 technicians.

Headquartered at Longtan in Taoyuan County, CSIST facilities cover nearly 4,000 acres in various locations around Taiwan. It is divided into research divisions such as aeronautics, mechanics, electronics, radar, information, communication, chemistry, materials, electro-optics, and quality assurance. In addition, CSIST has a great capacity in large-scale system design, manufacturing, and integration, and thus has become the nation's primary scientific R&D center for defense technologies. In order to support national economic development and promote dual-use technological development and service, the institute has established CSIST Scientific Research Parks, utilizing the defense technology capacity built up by CSIST over the years.

Based on the defense guidance of "effective deterrence and resolute defense," CSIST is engaged in the R&D of various systems. Most of the advanced arms systems have been deployed. These include the Tiangong I and Tiangong II "multi-level" advanced air-defense missile systems. The Tianjian I short-range AAM and Tianjian II medium-range AAM equi IDF fighters. Syongfong II anti-ship missiles have been deployed on Chenggong-class and Kangding-class frigates and Yang-series destroyers. Thunder 2000 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) has a long range and wide impact area for anti-landing operation.

Current Projects

• Upgrade surveillance and communications tactical radar systems to improve the air defense capabilities of jamming or fooling enemy by false image as well as to counter the detection of satellite and vehicle-mounted radar.
• Develop information protection and communications security technology to ensure security of the information networks of the ROC Armed Forces.
• Create an environment for the ROC Armed Forces' electronic confrontation simulation testing, evaluation, exercises and training so as to improve the ROC Armed Forces' operation capabilities.
• Upgrade hardware, software, and flight control systems of IDF fighters to meet mission-specific requirements.
• Upgrade intelligence-gathering capacities of unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen and widen the scope of capabilities for tactical drone which provides the ROC Army brigade commanders with crucial intelligence.