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10. October 2025
Taiwan Unveils Ambitious 7-Tube Rocket Vehicle to Counter Drone Threats and Small Surface Targets
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has unveiled a cutting-edge 2.75-inch (7-centimeter) Rocket Turret Vehicle designed specifically to counter the growing threat of drones and small surface targets in congested coastal waters. The innovative vehicle made its debut at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025.
The Rocket Turret Vehicle is equipped with a seven-tube rocket launcher that can fire 70mm rockets traditionally used by aircraft. This adaptation enables the system to engage fast-moving targets in complex maritime environments, where conventional missile systems often struggle to operate effectively. The vehicle’s modular design allows for multiple warhead types, including high-explosive fragmentation rounds, steel-ball penetration rounds, acoustic rounds, and flash rounds.
These interchangeable warheads enable operators to tailor their response to specific threats, from anti-ship missiles to small boats operating near ports and energy terminals. One of the vehicle’s most impressive features is its advanced sensor suite, which includes an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system, a daylight camera, a thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder.
This comprehensive sensor array allows operators to detect and track targets in cluttered environments, such as harbors and straits, while reducing the risk of misidentification. The vehicle’s “move, stop, and fire” concept enables concealed positioning and quick relocation after engagements, making it an ideal solution for coast guard operations. The onboard fire control computer generates a ballistic solution supported by radar cueing or external radar designation for improved accuracy.
The Rocket Turret Vehicle offers several advantages over existing missile networks, including fixed batteries that often struggle against low-flying drones or small boats operating near ports and energy terminals. The new vehicle provides a cost-effective complement to these systems, offering flexible and responsive defenses in a rapidly changing security environment. Taiwan’s Coast Guard is well-positioned to benefit from the Rocket Turret Vehicle’s advanced capabilities.
With its extensive coastline and complex maritime traffic, Taiwan faces unique challenges in defending against drone threats. The new vehicle’s ability to engage fast-moving targets in congested waters will provide a significant boost to the Coast Guard’s operational effectiveness. Despite budget constraints and trade tensions with China, Taipei has continued to prioritize research and development in key areas, including missile systems and cyber security.
The success of the Rocket Turret Vehicle will depend on its effective deployment and integration into existing defense networks. However, given its cutting-edge technology and modular design, it is likely that this innovative system will prove a valuable asset for Taiwan’s national security strategy.
Taiwan’s commitment to investing in its defense capabilities is evident in the development of the Rocket Turret Vehicle. The new system underscores Taipei’s determination to protect its sovereignty and ensure regional stability in an increasingly complex security environment. By providing a flexible and responsive solution to drone threats and small surface targets, the Rocket Turret Vehicle represents a significant step forward in the development of Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
The unveiling of the Rocket Turret Vehicle highlights the country’s efforts to enhance its national defense capabilities despite challenges posed by budget constraints and trade tensions with China. With the new system, Taiwan is taking proactive steps to address emerging security threats and maintain its regional influence. The success of the Rocket Turret Vehicle will depend on its effective deployment and integration into existing defense networks, but its potential to provide a significant boost to Taiwan’s operational effectiveness makes it an exciting development in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities.