Taiwan Defense Overview

Taiwan's defense policy is guided by the objective of maintaining sufficient deterrent capability to prevent conflict while preserving the island's democratic way of life. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) oversees all branches of the Republic of China Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Reserve Command. Defense strategy emphasizes asymmetric capabilities, homeland defense depth, and societal resilience alongside conventional military readiness.

Military Structure and Reform

The ROC Armed Forces underwent a significant structural transformation in the 2010s, transitioning from a conscript-heavy force toward a smaller all-volunteer professional military. The All-Volunteer Force (AVF) initiative aimed to professionalize the armed forces, reduce total personnel, and increase per-soldier training investment. However, recruitment shortfalls and growing regional security concerns prompted a policy reassessment.

In December 2022, President Tsai Ing-wen announced the extension of mandatory military service from four months back to one full year for male citizens born on or after January 1, 2005. The reform took effect in January 2024. The extended service program is designed to produce soldiers with genuine combat capability, covering weapons handling, tactical maneuver, urban warfare basics, and joint operations familiarisation. The MND has also expanded the Reservist Recall Program to ensure that trained veterans maintain operational proficiency through regular refresher exercises.

Defense Budget and Indigenous Capabilities

Taiwan's defense budget has grown consistently in recent years. The 2024 defense appropriation of approximately NT$606.8 billion (roughly USD 19 billion) represents over 2.5% of GDP — the highest level in decades. Significant allocations are directed toward the Force Structure Adjustment Plan, which prioritises anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) systems, precision strike missiles, naval mine warfare, drone fleets, and cyber defense capabilities.

Taiwan's indigenous defense industry, anchored by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), has delivered notable milestones. The Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missile, the Tien Kung III surface-to-air missile system, the Wan Chien cruise missile, and a growing family of loitering munitions and tactical drones are domestically developed. Most prominently, the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program produced its first vessel — the Hai Kun (SS-711) — which was launched in September 2023 at CSBC Corporation's Kaohsiung shipyard, representing a landmark achievement in Taiwan's defense self-reliance strategy.

Civil Defense and Societal Resilience

Beyond the armed forces, Taiwan has invested in building societal resilience as part of its comprehensive defense framework. The annual Wan An civil defense exercise, coordinated by local governments and the Ministry of Interior, tests air raid warning systems, shelter deployment, traffic control, and emergency response across the country. Following the lessons of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan accelerated its civil defense curriculum in schools and workplaces, disseminating public emergency response guides covering actions during missile alerts, power outages, and communications disruptions.

The Disaster Prevention and Protection Act mandates that local governments maintain updated shelter registers, with designated shelters in MRT stations, underground facilities, and reinforced public buildings capable of accommodating millions in major cities. The government has also prioritised energy resilience — including fuel stockpiling and backup power regulations for critical infrastructure — as part of an integrated national security approach that encompasses military, civil, economic, and informational dimensions.

International Defense Relations

Despite Taiwan's complex international legal status — which precludes formal military alliances with most countries — it maintains substantive security relationships with key partners. The United States-Taiwan security relationship is governed by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979, which commits the US to provide Taiwan with defensive arms and maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force that would jeopardise Taiwan's security. Under the TRA framework, the US has approved significant arms sales packages in recent years, including F-16V fighter jet upgrades, M1A2 Abrams tanks, Harpoon coastal defense missile systems, and various air defense and surveillance systems.

Informal security dialogues with Japan, Australia, and European partners have also deepened, reflecting shared interests in maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan participates in international disaster relief exercises and contributes to maritime domain awareness initiatives, leveraging its strategic location in the Western Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taiwan's current conscription policy?

From January 2024, Taiwan extended mandatory military service for male citizens born in 2005 or later from four months to one full year, aimed at producing combat-ready soldiers and strengthening the reserve force.

What is Taiwan's annual defense budget?

Taiwan's 2024 defense budget reached approximately NT$606.8 billion (around USD 19 billion), exceeding 2.5% of GDP and representing a record high in recent decades.

Does Taiwan have its own indigenous defense industry?

Yes. NCSIST develops advanced missile systems and drones, while CSBC Corporation launched the first Indigenous Defense Submarine, Hai Kun, in September 2023.

What is Taiwan's civil defense system?

Taiwan's civil defense system includes shelter networks, annual Wan An exercises, public emergency response education, and an integrated disaster prevention framework coordinated by local governments and the Ministry of Interior.

How does Taiwan cooperate with other countries on defense matters?

Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US provides arms sales and affirms Taiwan's self-defense capacity. Taiwan also maintains informal defense dialogues with Japan, Australia, and European partners.