Taiwan has relied on imports for much of the ammunition and missiles it needs for defense. Underlying the plan is the concern that a supply chain swayed by outside conditions could limit sustained combat capability in a crisis.

The ministry said it would produce core materials such as explosives at home to secure stockpiles and raise self-sufficiency in emergencies. Localizing the defense industry is a direction Taiwan has recently emphasized.

The move aligns with a Taiwan defense policy stressing 'self-strengthening' amid regional security tension; Taiwan has pursued indigenous submarines and other self-defense buildups.

Still, producing explosives brings thorny tasks such as safety management, environment and siting, and analysts note that securing facilities and accumulating technology will take time.

Sinophone Bridge Times conveys this as Taiwan's defense-industry policy, noting the backdrop of the debate over defense self-reliance amid the ebb and flow of cross-strait tension.