Missile Tien Kung II

Development of the Tien Kung II began around 1986. The system originated as a derivative of the Tien Kung I, initially utilizing a first-stage booster before evolving into a modified, enlarged standalone missile.

The missile is a surface-to-air system powered by a single-stage dual-thrust solid-fuel rocket motor. Guidance is provided by an inertial system with mid-course updates from a ground-based phased-array radar, transitioning to active radar homing for the terminal phase. The X-band seeker operates in the 28–32 GHz frequency range and utilizes technology acquired from the United States. The system employs the Chang Bai 2 multifunction radar, which entered service in the late 1990s. Internal miniaturization of electronic components allowed for increased fuel capacity and a more powerful motor compared to the preceding version. While designed primarily for intercepting aircraft and other air-breathing targets, the system possesses limited capability against short-range ballistic missiles. Launch platforms include underground silos and mobile vehicles; the missile is compatible with the box launchers used by the Tien Kung I.

A surface-to-surface derivative, designated Tien Chi, utilizes a two-stage booster for use as a short-range ballistic missile. The Tien Kung II has also been modified into a sounding rocket for upper atmospheric research, with multiple launches conducted for the civilian space program between 1998 and 2014.

The system entered service in 1997. It is widely deployed across Taiwan and its outlying territories, including the Pescadores and Dong Ying island. The missile was first publicly tested in May 2002 during the Han Kuang 18 exercise. In addition to dedicated batteries, existing Tien Kung I systems were designated for upgrades to the Tien Kung II standard. At specific locations, such as Dong Ying, the missiles are housed in silos and provide air defense for ballistic missile units. As of 2022, a program began to convert older batteries to the Tien Kung III standard.