View source for Sky Bow

{{short description|Surface-to-air anti-ballistic missile}}
[[File:Tien Kung Ⅲ Missile Model with Launcher Trailer Display at Military Academy Ground 20140531a.jpg|thumb|Tien Kung III Missile Model with Launcher Trailer Display at Military Academy Ground]]
The '''Sky Bow''', or '''Tien Kung''' ({{zh|c=天弓|p=Tiān gōng}}), are a series of [[surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] [[anti-ballistic missile]] and anti-aircraft defense systems developed by [[Taiwan]]'s [[National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology]] (NCSIST). Development of the TK-1 was completed in 1986 and this system is now retired. The TK-2 and TK-3 are in service with the [[Military of the Republic of China]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3052029|title=Taiwan test fires Sky Bow air defense missiles amid tensions with Beijing|last=Everington|first=Keoni|newspaper=Taiwan News|date=2016-12-15|access-date=2017-02-10|archive-date=2017-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155642/http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3052029|url-status=live}}</ref> [[TK-4]] is in development. 

==Development==
Research into what became the Sky Bow project began after the United States ended bilateral relations with the Republic of China in 1979. Other names proposed by chief engineer Chen Chuan-hao for the project included Sky Horse (Pegasus) and Flying Horse. Upon formal approval of the project in October 1980, it became known as Sky Bow. Under the influence of aerospace engineer and rocket scientist Huang Hsiao-tsung the project expanded to include testing of [[ramjet]] motors. In 1981 the project received increased support from minister of defense [[Sung Chang-chih]] and was expanded into a general purpose air defense project benchmarked to the American Patriot and Soviet [[2K12 Kub]]. Sung set a seven year deadline for the project. The first test flight in 1982 ended in failure as did other early test flights. Huang left the project in 1982 for an executive role at NCSIST.<ref name= "Taipei Times Homegrown" >{{cite news |author1=Han Cheung |title=Taiwan in Time: The homegrown 'sky bow' project |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2023/10/29/2003808373 |access-date=29 October 2023 |work=Taipei Times |date=29 October 2023}}</ref> 

In 1984 Taiwan gained the cooperation of [[Raytheon]] and was allowed to examine semi-obsolete missiles in detail. NCSIST experts traveled to the United States studied the technology, but they were not allowed to ask any questions and quickly came to the conclusion that many of the missiles they had been allowed to examine were old and had been damaged while in storage.<ref name="Taiwan News November 2019">{{cite web |last1=Strong |first1=Matthew |title=Foreign arms buyers show interest in Taiwan's Sky Bow III missile |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3825965 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |date=27 November 2019 |publisher=Taiwan News |access-date=3 December 2019 |archive-date=3 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203042317/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3825965 |url-status=live }}</ref> Dedicated facilities needed to be constucted to support the developent of the TK-1 including Taiwan's first [[hypersonic wind tunnel]]. In 1986 the 12th flight test ended in a successful intercept of a target aircraft, the system's first. The system was officially unveiled in 1986 at a large ceremony presided over by premier [[Yu Kuo-hua]]. Its designation it was given, Zhongzheng 100/Sky Bow 1, referred to its 100km range.<ref name= "Taipei Times Homegrown" />

Missiles initially used a [[semi-active radar homing]] seeker. A passive [[infrared homing]] terminal seeker was also developed as a secondary seeker for the TK-1, this was successfully tested against a [[HAWK missile]] target but was never put into production. NCSIST also developed a large multifunction, phased-array radar known as Chang Bai (long white) for use with the Tien Kung (Sky Bow) series 
surface-to-air missile systems with 120 degree coverage and a maximum range of 450&nbsp;km. Two versions of the phased array radar exist, a towed trailer radar and fixed "hardened" radar sites.<ref name=tdr1>Mei, Fu S. "Medium Range Air Defense Radar," Taiwan Defense Review, June 19, 2006.</ref><ref name=csist1>[http://cs.mnd.gov.tw/english/Publish.aspx?cnid=1214&p=11056&Level=2 "Tien Kung Weapon System"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722234738/http://cs.mnd.gov.tw/english/Publish.aspx?cnid=1214&p=11056&Level=2 |date=2011-07-22 }} ''Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology''</ref> The Chang Bai radar system is reported to be based on the Lockheed Martin's ADAR-HP (Air Defense Array Radar-High Power) design and operates in the 2–4&nbsp;GHz range (S-band).  At least seven systems were said to be in service in 2006.<ref name=tdr1/>  The system performance specifications remain classified, but its effective detection range against a 1m<sup>2</sup> target is reported to be around 400&nbsp;km.<ref name=tdr1/>

There was also a mobile version of the phased array radar developed in the late 1990s which could provide all-round radar cover with four separate faces but with a much decreased detection range. This version only appeared in public once but was never put into service. The development of Sky Bow 2 started around 1986, this added a tandem boost motor and an [[active radar homing]] terminal seeker. Proposals were reported to develop Sky Bow 2 into a [[surface-to-surface missile]]; unconfirmed reports suggest that this missile is known as [[Tien Chi]]. Modifications have been developed for Sky Bow 2, changing it into a single-stage rocket and to provide it with a limited capability against shorter-range ballistic missiles; the first test firing against a ballistic missile target was reported in September 2008.<ref name=tdr5>Mei, Fu S. "Taiwan Tests TK-2A ATBM," Taiwan Defense Review, September 18, 1998.</ref> Seven batteries were in service in 2006.<ref name=tdr1/> In 2010 TK-1/2 SAMs were in service and deployed throughout Taiwan, on the [[Pescadores]], and [[Dongyin, Lienchiang|Dong Ying island]].<ref name=rept1>[http://www.us-taiwan.org/reports/2010_may11_balance_of_air_power_taiwan_strait.pdf "The Balance of Air Power in the Taiwan Strait"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928130122/http://www.us-taiwan.org/reports/2010_may11_balance_of_air_power_taiwan_strait.pdf |date=2011-09-28 }} ''US-Taiwan Business Council'', May 2010.</ref>

Chen claims that the Sky Bow I project was completed in less time and using less money than any comparable air defense system. The project was NCSIST's first ambitious weapons project and its success would have a large influence on the organization.<ref name= "Taipei Times Homegrown" />

==Sky Bow I==
[[File:Tien Kung I Surface-to-Air Missile Display in Chengkungling 20121006.jpg|thumb|300px|Sky Bow I Surface-to-Air Missile in [[Chengkungling History Museum|Chengkungling]].]]
The '''Sky Bow I''' ('''TK-1''') ({{Lang-zh|t=天弓一|labels=no}}, '''Tien Kung I''') is a [[surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air missile (SAM)]] system developed by the NCSIST in Taiwan. Originally based on the aerodynamics of the [[MIM-23 Hawk]] missile, the original missile design resembled a scaled-up Raytheon [[AIM-54 Phoenix]].<ref name=janes1>O'Halloran, James C. "Tien Kung I low-to-medium-altitude surface-to-air-missile system, pages 299-300," Jane's Land-Based Air Defense, 2002-2003 Edition.</ref>  The TK-1 missile was subsequently redesigned and eventually became very similar in appearance to the US [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot]] missile after the US government allowed [[Raytheon]] to transfer 85 percent of the MIM-104 Patriot missile technology.<ref name=janes1/>  There is no [[track-via-missile]] (TVM) homing capability as this technology was not included in the technology package licensed to Taiwan; the TK-1 system operates in a similar manner to the US [[RIM-67 Standard|Standard]] SM2 missile, requiring an illuminating radar during the terminal phase.<ref name=janes1/>

The TK-1 is designed primarily to target low and medium altitude attacks. Each TK-1 battery has one Change Bai 1 (Long White 1) S-Band phased-array radar for search and target tracking and two CS/MPG-25<ref name=csist1/> target illuminator radars that operates in the X-Band (18–32&nbsp;GHz) range for the terminal phase, servicing three or four 4-round missile launchers.<ref name=janes1/>  The combination of inertial/autopilot and mid-course command guidance with a terminal semi-active radar seeker allows the TK-1 missile to fly an energy-efficient flight path to the vicinity of the target where the seeker's semi-active radar would then receive target illumination for the final seconds of the engagement, giving the target minimum amount of time either to evade or commence [[electronic countermeasure]] (ECM).<ref name=janes1/> 

Two versions of the missile launcher exist, one is housed in underground shelters designed to survive an intensive attack. The other is a towed mobile version, and is an integral part of Taiwan's dense [[ROC Missile Command|air defense network]]. In addition to bases on Taiwan proper, the TK-1 has also been deployed by the [[Republic of China Army|ROC Army]] on the outlying islands of Penghu and Dong Ying, bringing all of the Taiwan Strait and parts of the [[People's Republic of China|PRC]]'s [[Fujian]], [[Zhejiang]] and [[Guangdong]] Provinces within range.<ref name=janes1/> 

It was reported in Jane's Missiles and Rockets, August 2006's issue, that the Tien Kung 1 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system would be retired. The TK-1 missiles would be replaced with TK-2 missile rounds and the existing TK-1 system would be upgraded with radar and training simulator to the Tien Kung II standard.<ref>Richardson, Doug  "Taiwan switches from Tien Kung I to Tien Kung II," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, August, 2006.</ref>

===CS/MPG-25 target illuminator radars===
The CS/MPG-25 X-band target illuminator radar entered service in the late 1980s. It has a reported maximum range of 222km and a ceiling of 30,480m.<ref>{{cite web |title=CS/MPG-25 (Sky Bow Illuminator) |url=http://cmano-db.com/sensor/919/ |website=cmano-db.com |publisher=CMANO |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801173334/http://cmano-db.com/sensor/919/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The CS/MPG-25 is a continuous wave disk antenna illuminator radar that was indigenously developed by NCSIST, and was derived from the I-HAWK [[AN/MPQ-46]] High-Power Illuminator (HPI) radar but is estimated to be 60 percent more powerful in output with improved [[Electronic warfare|EW]], [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]], and [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] capabilities.<ref name=janes1/>  It is tied into the main phased-array radar on a time-share basis similar to that employ by the US Navy's [[Aegis Combat System|AEGIS]] air defence system, allowing the TK-1 surface-to-air missile system multiple target engagement capability.<ref name=tdr1/>

===General characteristics===
* Primary Function: [[surface-to-air missile]]
* Power Plant: Single-stage dual-thrust solid-fuel rocket motor
* Launch platform: Towed quad launchers and underground silos 
* Length: 5.3&nbsp;m<ref name=janes1/>
* Diameter: 0.41&nbsp;m<ref name=janes1/>
* Weight: 915&nbsp;kg<ref name=janes1/>
* Top Speed: Mach 4.0<ref name=janes1/>
* Range: 70&nbsp;km
* Guidance: Inertial with mid-course guidance update from [[Phased array|ground-based phased array radar]], Semi-active radar homing ([[Semi-active radar homing|SARH]]) for terminal guidance
* Date Deployed: 1986

==Sky Bow II==
[[File:Tien Kung Ⅱ Missile Launcher Display at Hukou Camp Ground 20140329b.jpg|thumb|Tien Kung II Missile Launcher Display at Hukou Camp Ground]]
[[File:Tien Kung Ⅱ Missile Launcher with Truck Display at Gangshan Air Force Base Apron 20170812b.jpg|thumb|Tien Kung II Missile Launcher with Truck Display at Gangshan Air Force Base Apron]]
The '''Sky Bow II''' ('''TK-2''') ({{lang-zh|t=天弓二|labels=no}}, '''Tien Kung II''') is a SAM system also developed by the NCSIST. Originally a TK-1 with a first-stage booster, the system became a slightly-enlarged modified version of the Sky Bow I (TK-1) missile using an X-Band active-radar seeker,<ref name=tdr2>Mei, Fu S.  "CSIST Seeks New Seeker," Taiwan Defense Review, January 15, 2002.</ref> with a longer range and limited anti-missile capability. The TK-2 active radar seeker operates in the 28–32&nbsp;GHz frequency range and provides reasonably good performance against air-breathing targets of typical aircraft size.  The X-Band active radar seeker used on the TK-2 SAM system was developed from licensed radar technology that NCSIST purchased from the U.S. in the 1980s.<ref name=tdr2/> The system uses the improved Change Bai 2 (Long White 2) multifunction radar which entered service in the late 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Long White 2 (Sky Bow 2 MFR) |url=http://cmano-db.com/sensor/282/ |website=cmano-db.com |publisher=CMANO |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801174531/http://cmano-db.com/sensor/282/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first public test of the TK-2, codenamed Magic Arrow 43, occurred on May 10, 2002 during the [[Han Kuang Exercise|Han kuang 18 exercise]].<ref name="STRATFOR 2002">{{cite web |title=Taiwan: U.S. Ties Squeeze Missile Development |url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/taiwan-us-ties-squeeze-missile-development |website=worldview.stratfor.com |publisher=STRATFOR |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=9 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809005015/https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/taiwan-us-ties-squeeze-missile-development |url-status=live }}</ref>

The TK-2 also has the added benefit of being able to use the same box launcher as the TK-1. Internal components were replaced with miniaturized parts to take advantage of modern electronics technologies, yielding extra room within the missile for more fuel and a more powerful main rocket motor.<ref name="TDR 2004" /> The TK-2 possesses only modest capabilities against ballistic missiles but is highly effective against aircraft.<ref name="STRATFOR 2002" /> 

===General characteristics===
* Primary Function: surface-to-air missile
* Power Plant: Single-stage dual-thrust solid-fuel rocket motor
* Launch platform: Underground silos and mobile launch vehicles 
* Length: 5.673 m<ref name=tdr4>Fu S. Mei. "More Sounding Rocket Missions," Taiwan Defense Review, February 11, 2003.</ref>
* Diameter: 0.42 m<ref name=tdr4/>
* Weight: 1,135&nbsp;kg<ref name=tdr4/>
* Top Speed: Mach 4.5<ref name=janes2>O'Halloran, James C. "Tien Kung II, pages 298-299," Jane's Land-Based Air Defense, 2002-2003 Edition.</ref>
* Warhead: 90&nbsp;kg<ref name=janes2/>
* Range: 150&nbsp;km
* Guidance: Inertial with mid-course guidance update from ground-based phased array radar, Active radar homing ([[Active radar homing|ARH]]) for terminal guidance
* Date Deployed: 1997

===Variants===
[[File:Taiwan Sounding Rocket.png|thumb|TK-2 based [[sounding rocket]]]]
==== Sky Spear====
{{Excerpt|Sky Spear}} 

==== Sounding rocket ==== 
The TK-2 has also been modified for use as a [[sounding rocket]] to perform upper atmospheric research for the [[National Space Organization|civilian space program]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chern |first=Jeng-Shing |last2=Wu |first2=Bill |last3=Chen |first3=Yen-Sen |last4=Wu |first4=An-Ming |date=2012 |title=Suborbital and low-thermospheric experiments using sounding rockets in Taiwan |journal=Acta Astronautica |volume=70 |pages=159–164 |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.07.030 |issn=0094-5765}}</ref> The sounding rocket test vehicle launched on December 24, 2003, measures 7.7m in overall length and 1,680&nbsp;kg in launch weight.<ref name="TDR 2004">Mei, Fu S. "Taiwan Forming Missile Command," Taiwan Defense Review, February 16, 2004.</ref>  It reached a maximum altitude of almost 270&nbsp;km and splashed 142&nbsp;km down range around 8 minutes after launch into the Pacific.<ref name=tdr3>Mei, Fu S.  "Satellite Prospects," Taiwan Defense Review, October 20, 2004.</ref>  The science mission payload was in the {{convert|220|lb|kg}} weight class and the rocket reached a burnout velocity of 2,000&nbsp;m/s.<ref name=tdr3/>  According to the report from Taiwan Defense Review, depending on its payload and launch parameters, the rocket can be converted to attain a horizontal maximum range of up to 500&nbsp;km.<ref name=tdr3/>

{| class="wikitable"
!Mission!!Date!!Payload!!Result
|-
|SR-I||15 December 1998||None||Successful first test flight<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-II||24 October 2001||[[Trimethylaluminium|Tri-Methyl Aluminum (TMA)]] release experiment||Second stage ignition failure, mission lost<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-III||24 December 2003||Tri-Methyl Aluminum (TMA)||Mission successful<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-IV||14 December 2004||[[Airglow]] photometer, GPS receiver||Mission successful<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-V||15 January 2006||Ion probe, 3-axis [[magnetometer]]||Mission successful<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-VI||13 September 2007||[[Hydrazine]]-fueled [[reaction control system]], [[reentry capsule|recovery capsule]]||Mission successful, capsule lost in the sea due to bad weather conditions<ref name="AA" />
|-
|SR-VII||10 May 2010||Ion probe||Mission successful<ref name="AA">{{Cite journal |last=Chern |first=Jeng-Shing |last2=Wu |first2=Bill |last3=Chen |first3=Yen-Sen |last4=Wu |first4=An-Ming |date=2012 |title=Suborbital and low-thermospheric experiments using sounding rockets in Taiwan |journal=Acta Astronautica |volume=70 |pages=159–164 |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.07.030 |issn=0094-5765}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mepopedia.com/blog/index.php?/archives/2010/05/10.html|title=美寶落格 MEPO Log - 文章在 週一, 五月 10. 2010|website=Mepopedia.com|access-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181313/http://mepopedia.com/blog/index.php?%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F10.html|archive-date=February 20, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|SR-VIII||5 June 2013||[[Hydrogen peroxide]] reaction control system, recovery capsule||Mission successful<ref name="GCAT" />
|-
|SR-IX||26 March 2014||Ion probe||Mission successful<ref name="GCAT" />
|-
|SR-X||7 October 2014||Ion probe||Mission successful<ref name="GCAT">{{Cite web |last=McDowell |first=Jonathan C. |date=13 November 2024 |title=Launch List - By Family - NSPOB |url=https://www.planet4589.org/space/gcat/data/launch/NSPOB.html |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=www.planet4589.org}}</ref>
|}

==Sky Bow III==
[[File:天弓三型防空飛彈.png|thumb|Tien Kung III Missile launch]]
[[File:Tien Kung Ⅲ Missile Launcher Trailer Display at Military Academy Ground 20140531.jpg|thumb|Tien Kung III Missile Launcher Trailer Display at Military Academy Ground]]
[[File:TK-3 radar.jpg|thumb|Tien Kung III radar]]
[[File:Tien Kung Ⅲ Missile Model Display at MND Hall 20150815a.jpg |thumb|Tien Kung III Missile Model Display at MND Hall]]

'''Sky Bow III''' ('''TK-3''') ({{lang-zh|t=天弓三|labels=no}}, '''Tien Kung III''') is the third generation of the missile system. Taiwan had initially sought and even proposed a joint development effort to co-produce a missile defense interceptor with the U.S.<ref>Stokes, Mark A. [http://www.aei.org/outlook/24113 "Taiwan's Security - Beyond the Special Budget,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426165056/http://www.aei.org/outlook/24113 |date=2011-04-26 }} American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, March 2006.</ref> Taiwan officials asked for U.S. technical support for Taiwan's indigenous anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) effort, including the transfer of Hit-to-Kill (HTK) technologies, specifically those related to an active radar Ka-band seeker and precision attitude control. NCSIST was reported to had sought the release of the associated [[traveling-wave tube]] (TWT) transmitter of the Ka-band active radar seeker technology. However, U.S. refusal of the export release of a complete Ka-band active radar seeker without tamper protection or to provide the TWT on a stand-alone basis forced NCSIST to use a different active radar seeker technology with a little European content.<ref name=tdr6>Mei, Fu S. "Retaining Missile Defense Focus," Taiwan Defense Review, March 27, 2006.</ref>

The TK-3 (formerly known as '''TK-2 ATBM''') was conceived as a lower-tier missile defense system based on the TK-2 missile that uses an imported Ku-Band (12–18&nbsp;GHz) active radar seeker, a directed fragmentation warhead,<ref name=tdr6/> and improved precision controls for engaging high-speed, low [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) targets such as tactical ballistic missiles.<ref>Minnick, Wendell "Taiwan Proceeds on LACM," Defense News, September 15, 2008.</ref> It is designed with greater mobility in mind than the original TK-1/2 systems, with an integrated battle management system, and uses an upgraded Chang Bai phased array radar or with the new mobile phased-array radar that is reportedly called the Mobile 3-Dimensional (3D) Air Defense Fire Control Phased Array Radar (Mobile 3D ADFCPAR).<ref name=tdr1/>

The new mobile radar reportedly called Chang-Shan ("Long Mountain") radar system, like the Patriot's Raytheon AN/MPQ-65 radar system, is reported to operate on the C-Band (4–8&nbsp;GHz) frequency range, and like the AN/MPQ-65 system, it is trailer-mounted with a rectangular planar array radar of approximately similar size. However, it does not appear to have any identifiable missile guidance sub-array like those found below the main array on the AN/MPQ-65 system and it is therefore not clear if this new radar can provide target guidance illumination function in support of TK-1 SARH missiles. However, this should not present any problem for the new radar to be utilized on both TK-2 missile (X-Band) and TK-3 missile (Ku-Band) active radar seekers, as these missile systems do not require target illumination. The new radar enhances the survivability and operational flexibility of the TK2/3 missile systems by allowing a TK surface-air-missile battery to be deployed rapidly to a previously unprepared site.<ref name=tdr1/> The TK-3 incorporates advanced ceramics and carbon fiber in its construction. The missile's nose cone can resist temperatures in excess of 1,000 °C.<ref name="Taiwan News November 2019" /> The TK-3 is capable of both midcourse and terminal defense against ballistic missiles.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Freeman |first1=Cameron |title=China's Next Generation Missile: The DF-17 in Pacific Conflict and Great Power Competition |journal=Institute for National Defense and Security Research |date=December 2019 |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=35–54 |url=https://indsr.org.tw/Download/Volume%208%20Issue%204.pdf |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531181515/https://indsr.org.tw/Download/Volume%208%20Issue%204.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Production of the Tien Kung 3 SAM commenced in 2014 with an initial production run of 12 batteries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=呂 |first=昭隆 |date=December 3, 2014 |title=國軍將採購12套天弓三飛彈 |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20141203000354-260501?chdtv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528141911/https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20141203000354-260501?chdtv |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=中國時報}}</ref>  With the retirement of the HAWK batteries and the Sky Bow II becoming more obsolete, another twelve batteries of Sky Bow IIIs were ordered to replace these older systems. Conversion of six older batteries to Sky Bow IIIs began in 2022 and is to be completed by 2025.  Work on the remaining six batteries began in early 2023 and is to be completed by 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2023 |title=DEFENSE/Taiwan to build 12 new domestic TK III missile sites by 2026 |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202310230013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102061949/https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202310230013 |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=Focus Taiwan CNA News}}</ref> Previously, the United States had given Taiwan the options of upgrading the Hawk, buying the [[NASAMS]] system, and/or buying the [[THAAD]] missile system to replace their Hawks. The Ministry of National Defense ultimately decided to pursue the development of indigenous weapons to meet the need.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140920154013/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140915/DEFREG03/309150036/Taiwan-Retires-Hawk-Missiles Taiwan Retires Hawk Missiles]  - Defensenews.com, 15 September 2014</ref>

In 2019 Taiwanese President [[Tsai Ing-wen]] ordered the NCSIST to accelerate mass production of the TK-3 in response to increasing Chinese military power and bellicosity.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wen Kuei-hsiang and |first1=FLor Wang |title=Taiwan president urges faster mass production of missiles |url=http://m.focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201901250020.aspx |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |access-date=18 May 2019 |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518160757/http://m.focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201901250020.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to President Tsai’s request NCSIST completed their quota for TK-3 missile production ahead of schedule in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Kelvin |title=Sky Bow III missiles completed ahead of schedule: Taiwan's defense ministry |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4165123 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |date=31 March 2021 |publisher=Taiwan News |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=31 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331205514/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4165123 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023 the Taiwanese MOD announced plans to build twelve new bases to host TK-3 batteries, six expected to complete before the end of 2025 and six more expected to complete before the end of 2026.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Strong |first1=Matthew |title=Taiwan to station Sky Bow III missiles at 12 new bases |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5024226 |website=taiwannews.com.tw |publisher=Taiwan News |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref>

===Variants===
In late 2016, NCSIST launched a ship-based variant of the Sky Bow III BMD interceptor.  According to NCSIST, the test was conducted from a land-based launcher and "was successful and the data was satisfactory".<ref>[http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/january-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4750-taiwan-s-ncsist-successfully-tested-a-ship-based-variant-of-tien-kung-iii-bmd-interceptor.html Taiwan's NCSIST Successfully Tested a Ship-based Variant of Tien Kung III BMD Interceptor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003419/http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/january-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4750-taiwan-s-ncsist-successfully-tested-a-ship-based-variant-of-tien-kung-iii-bmd-interceptor.html |date=2017-01-03 }} - Navyrecognition.com, 2 January 2017</ref> The ship-based version has a folding tail to fit in [[Mark 41 vertical launch system]] or [[Huayang Vertical Launching System]] and is planned to be deployed on the ROCN's next-generation general-purpose frigates and air defense destroyers as well as possibly retrofitted onto existing vessels.<ref>{{cite web |last1=and Liao Yen-Fan |first1=Michal Thim |title=Taiwan Navy Emphasizing Domestic Shipbuilding Program in Ongoing Maritime Restructure |url=https://news.usni.org/2016/03/25/taiwan-navy-emphasizing-domestic-shipbuilding-program-in-ongoing-maritime-restructure |website=news.usni.org |date=25 March 2016 |publisher=USNI |access-date=3 December 2019 |archive-date=3 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203042321/https://news.usni.org/2016/03/25/taiwan-navy-emphasizing-domestic-shipbuilding-program-in-ongoing-maritime-restructure |url-status=live }}</ref>

===General characteristics===
* Primary Function: [[surface-to-air missile]]
* Power Plant: Solid-fuel rocket motor
* Launch platform: Towed quad launchers 
* Length: 5.498&nbsp;m<ref name=janes1/>
* Diameter: 0.4&nbsp;m<ref name=janes1/>
* Weight: 870&nbsp;kg<ref name=janes1/>
* Top Speed: Mach 7.0<ref name=janes1/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%A4%A9%E5%BC%93%E4%B8%89-%E7%AA%81%E7%A5%9E%E7%A7%98%E7%99%BC%E5%B0%84-%E5%8F%8D%E5%88%B6%E5%85%B1%E8%BB%8D%E5%A8%81%E8%84%85-141029725.html |title=tw.news |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=2019-04-17 |archive-date=2019-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417053331/https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E5%25BC%2593%25E4%25B8%2589-%25E7%25AA%2581%25E7%25A5%259E%25E7%25A7%2598%25E7%2599%25BC%25E5%25B0%2584-%25E5%258F%258D%25E5%2588%25B6%25E5%2585%25B1%25E8%25BB%258D%25E5%25A8%2581%25E8%2584%2585-141029725.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Range: 200&nbsp;km<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/tien-kung-iii-sky-bow-iii-surface-to-air-missile-system/ |title=Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) Surface-to-Air Missile System |access-date=2019-04-17 |archive-date=2019-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417053214/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/tien-kung-iii-sky-bow-iii-surface-to-air-missile-system/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Export===
The TK-3 has seen interest from foreign buyers but as of November 2019 none were confirmed.<ref name="Taiwan News November 2019" />

==Sky Bow IV==
{{Excerpt|Sky Bow IV}}

==See also==
* {{lwc|Sky Spear}}
* [[Sky Sword I]]/[[Antelope air defence system]]/{{lwc|Sea Oryx}}
* {{lwc|MIM-104 Patriot}}
* {{lwc|Aster_(missile_family)}}
* {{lwc|Sayyad-2}}
* {{lwc|Pongae-5}}
* {{lwc|KM-SAM}}
* {{lwc|L-SAM}}
* {{lwc|HQ-9}}
* {{lwc|S-300 missile system}}
* [[Defense industry of Taiwan]]
* [[Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems]]

==References==

===Notes===
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Tien Kung Missiles}}
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/taiwan/skybow-1.htm Sky Bow I article on GlobalSecurity]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/taiwan/skybow-2.htm Sky Bow II article on GlobalSecurity]
* Manufactures' videos [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQtGwQSTYow][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKTdlkYbaDQ][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbUS97WbByE]

{{Military of the Republic of China}}
{{Republic of China Air Force}}
{{National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) aircraft}}

[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the Republic of China]]
[[Category:Missile defense]]
[[Category:Anti-ballistic missiles of Taiwan]]
[[Category:Space program of Taiwan]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:20th-century surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:NCSIST missiles]]