An improved Sky Sword II missile is scheduled to enter mass production in 2027, according to the military.
The newly designed missile launches from a rail system, which increases the Indigenous Defense Fighter’s payload from two to four medium-range air-to-air missiles, Liberty Times reported.
In the past, the IDF carried two Sky Sword II missiles in a semi-recessed configuration under the fuselage. At launch, a rack mechanism would first push the missile downward to a safe distance from the aircraft before the missile’s engine ignited and propelled it forward.
However, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology developed a rail-launch mounting technology that allows missiles loaded onto launch rails under the wings to ignite directly on launch.
By making improvements to the rocket motor grain and drag-reduction design, the missile’s range has increased from 60 km to 80–100 km, giving it stronger beyond-visual-range strike capability. It also has enhanced anti-jamming capabilities to counter enemy electronic warfare interference and maintain accurate targeting.
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