An English-language paper in the Liberty Times group reported on the 4th that Taiwan's defence budget documents revealed the outlines of missile programmes. Items previously classified became partly visible through line-item allocations.

Taiwan's missile forces have been treated as the core pillar of deterrence. The underlying judgement is that achieving defensive effect on a relatively modest budget favours numerous precision strike systems over expensive large platforms.

Two points will dominate review. One is range: greater range increases deterrence but invites the counterargument that it inflames regional conditions. The other is quantity, where unit production cost and storage and maintenance expenses are weighed against long-term budgets.

A second pillar of the request is air defence. Low-altitude interception against drones and cruise missiles has risen in priority over recent years.

The request must pass legislative review before being finalised. With governing and opposition camps at odds over the total and its distribution, the final figure may differ from the submission.