Interceptor Boost: US Sends Taiwan 102 Patriot Missiles, Despite Iran War |Taiwan Talks EP797

Taiwan is racing to build a layered air defense system — known as the “T-Dome” — to counter growing missile threats from China. With high-altitude Tien Kung (Sky Bow) interceptors, mid-altitude US NASAMS and PAC-2/PAC-3 systems, last-resort point defense weapons like Stingers and Skyguards, PAVE PAWS radars, and AI-enabled IAMD command networks, the plan is to create a fully integrated shield capable of defending against ballistic missiles, drones, advanced aircraft and saturation attacks. A new US$14 billion arms package and the timely delivery of 102 Patriot missiles suggest Washington remains committed to Taiwan’s defense, despite concerns over resource constraints. But can Taiwan meet its ambitious 2027 target? And are there any remaining gaps? In this episode, we examine Taiwan’s evolving deterrence strategy, political challenges at home, and what it means for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

*Recorded on March 18, 2026 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time

Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat

Consultant: Max Yu
Research Assistant: Ryan Pham

Our guests:

Holmes Liao
- Former Taiwan National Defense University Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Member
Guermantes Lailari
- Jewish Policy Center Senior Non-Resident Fellow
Kitsch Liao
- Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub Associate Director

Chapters:
00:00:00 – What Taiwan Must Do to Really Defend Itself
00:02:14 – Trump Delays Meeting with Xi over Iran War
00:04:41 – Lai: T-Dome Needed to Counter China Missiles
00:16:00 – Legislature Approves US Arms Deal After Delay




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