Taiwan’s flagship “T-Dome” air defence programme faces potential delays until 2028 due to unresolved budget disputes. The island’s opposition-controlled legislature approved a reduced special defence budget of NT$780 billion (over US$24 billion) in May, rejecting the government’s proposed larger NT$1.25 trillion package.
Among the projects excluded from the approved budget was funding for the indigenous Chiang-Kong (Strong Bow) anti-ballistic missile system, a critical element of the T-Dome missile shield designed to counter aerial threats from Beijing. Following the budget cut, Taiwan’s military has sought to reinstate funding either through a supplementary budget this year or by including it in next year’s annual defence budget.
However, differences between the cabinet and the defence ministry have so far prevented agreement on an alternative funding mechanism, according to unnamed senior government officials cited by Taiwan’s Liberty Times.
This budget impasse raises uncertainty over the timely completion of the T-Dome programme, which is central to Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s defence strategy.
Loading comments.