Amid rising military tensions between China and Taiwan, concerns have emerged regarding the use of suspected Chinese components in Taiwan's domestically developed 'carrier killer' anti-ship missile.
According to reports from Taiwanese media, including the China Times, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's state defense research institute, is facing scrutiny over the Hsiung Feng-3 missile intended for the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF).
It has been reported that a filter component for long-range communication equipment supplied by a contractor may contain Chinese-made materials, prompting an investigation. This filter is part of the communication equipment that will be installed on the IDF fighter jet, not the missile itself.
The filter is designed to enhance communication quality by reducing unwanted noise and frequency interference during communication between the fighter jet and the missile.
Sources have expressed concerns that the inclusion of Chinese components in critical defense equipment could pose risks in terms of supply chain management and security.
In response, the institute has confirmed that it identified the possibility of the filter's connection component being of Chinese origin during its inspection process and has requested clarification from the supplier. If the origin cannot be verified, the institute plans to terminate the contract in accordance with regulations.
However, the institute added that the test module does not contain electronic components or data transmission capabilities and is still in the environmental testing phase, meaning it has not yet undergone direct testing with the fighter jet, thus alleviating concerns about military information leaks.
Meanwhile, Taiwan strictly prohibits the use of Chinese components in its domestically developed weapons and military equipment to prevent national security risks, including potential leaks of military information. On October 14, two individuals associated with a company that used Chinese parts in military drones were arrested by Taiwanese police.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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