Wan Chien

The Wan Chien (Chinese: 萬劍; Tâi-lô: Bān-kiàm; lit. 'ten thousand swords') is an air to ground cruise missile developed and produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) of Taiwan.^[2][3][4][5]

Wan Chien
IDF with Wan Chien
Type	Air-launched cruise missile Air-to-ground missile
Place of origin	Taiwan
Service history
In service	2011 – present
Used by	Republic of China Air Force
Production history
Manufacturer	National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Specifications
Mass	650 kg (1,433 lb)
Length	350 cm (138 in)
Diameter	610 mm (24 in)
Wingspan	1,500 mm (59 in)
Warhead	350kg of submunitions
Engine	Turbofan
Operational range	240 km (130 nmi) 400 km (220 nmi) (Upgraded version)[1]
Maximum speed	subsonic
Guidance system	GPS and inertial guidance

Design and development

It partly resembles the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon and the Storm Shadow. Serial production was expected to start in 2015.^[2][6] Full operational capability was declared in 2018. It is functional in both a ground strike role and a naval strike role.^[7] The codename for the development and initial production of the Wan Chien was "Project God’s Axe" (神斧).^[8]

After the completion of initial production NCSIST began working on a long range variant with a 400km range.^[8]

Service history

The Wan Chien entered service in 2011. The primary launch platform is the AIDC F-CK-1 C/D.^[9]

In 2022 annual production was approximately 50 missiles a year. Production was expected to end in 2024 but in 2023 funds were allocated to extend production of the improved version through 2028. ^[10]

General characteristics

• Platform: Aircraft launched
• Engine: Turbine^[11]
• Range: 200 km,^[2] 240 km^[9]
• Guidance: GPS enabled^[11]

See also

• Hsiung Feng II – (Taiwan)
• AGM-158 JASSM – (United States)
• Storm Shadow – (France, United Kingdom)
• Taurus KEPD 350 – (Sweden, Germany)
• Ra'ad – (Pakistan)