Taiwan Unveils Seven-Tube Rocket Vehicle Targeting Drones
Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has introduced a 2.75-inch (7-centimeter) Rocket Turret Vehicle capable of taking on drones and small surface threats.
Designed for coast guard operations, the vehicle pairs a seven-tube rocket launcher with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite, giving operators the ability to track and engage fast-moving targets in congested coastal waters.
It also employs 70mm rockets, traditionally carried by aircraft, now adapted for ground-based launches.
The system’s modular design supports multiple warhead types — from high-explosive and steel-ball fragmentation to acoustic or flash rounds — depending on the threat.
The Rocket Turret Vehicle was unveiled during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025 in Taipei.
Fast Engagement
The vehicle is built around a “move, stop, and fire” concept, which enables concealed positioning and quick relocation after engagements.
Once its EO/IR sensor locks onto a target, the onboard fire control computer will generate a ballistic solution, supported by radar cueing or external radar designation for improved accuracy.
The integrated daylight camera, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder also improve detection in cluttered environments, such as harbors and straits.
By pairing radar tracking with visual identification, the system reduces misidentification risks, which in turn preserves ammunition.
Strategic Role
The unveiling comes amid heightened tensions around the Taiwan Strait.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military pressure with frequent naval and air operations in the island’s surrounding waters.
Taipei plans to field the mobile launcher with its Coast Guard, highlighting the need for flexible, responsive defenses.
Fixed batteries often struggle against low-flying drones or small boats operating near ports and energy terminals, making the new vehicle a cost-effective complement to existing missile networks.
Top Photo: Taiwan’s new Rocket Turret Vehicle on display at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025. Photo: Cai Fangyun/Military News Agency
Source: NextGenDefense
