The recordWhat this system is, where it comes from, who operates it and which of Vigil’s modules it is relevant to — with the evidence each of those rests on.
Record
Conflict relevance
This is the catalogue's single record for this system. It is relevant to the module below; each module's Force Atlas shows how it is used there.
Operators
United States and the Taiwan Strait: Supplied through Taiwan Relations Act arms sales
Battlefield role
Terminal defence against ballistic and air-breathing threats, forming the upper tier of a layered system alongside indigenous Tien Kung interceptors.
Strengths
A mature, combat-proven system with demonstrated capability against ballistic threats, and interoperable with the wider US-supplied architecture Taiwan operates.
Limitations
Interceptor inventory is the binding constraint in any layered defence, and inventories are expensive, slow to build and — for Taiwan — dependent on a foreign supplier whose delivery timelines have been uncertain during 2026. Air defence complicates and imposes cost; it does not confer immunity, and this module avoids framing it as a shield.
Campaign relevance
Derived: a participant organisation in these campaigns carries a typed equipment association with this system. That is not the same as documented use of the system in the campaign itself.
- Sustained pressure below the threshold Intensifying since 2020
via ROC Air Force (Documented, moderate confidence)
Branch & service operators
- ROC Air Force Documented
Assessed as of2026-07Last reviewed2026-07-20