Tien Kung (Sky Bow)

The Tien Kung ("Sky Bow" or "Heavenly Bow") series of surface-to-air missiles has been one of Taiwan's most ambitious and most expensive defense programs. Begun as a derivative of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot missile system, the updated Tien Kung II has a maximum engagement altitude of almost 100,000 ft (30,480 m) and is being upgraded for anti-ballistic missile defense.

The Tien Kung I resembles the U.S. Patriot, no doubt reflecting the transfer of 85 percent of the Patriot's...