Taiwan’s military has launched an investigation into the reported explosion of a Patriot PAC-2 missile during its annual precision munitions drill along the southeastern coastline. According to local media, the missile detonated just four seconds after being fired at Jiupeng in Pingtung County. A second PAC-2 launched during the same drill proceeded without any issues.
The defense ministry has yet to issue a direct public statement on the explosion. However, an anonymous military source said the cause of the malfunction remains under examination. In its official remarks, the Air Force Command Headquarters only confirmed that the Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises concluded as planned, with all scenarios handled under standard procedures.
The air force added that a dedicated evaluation committee is reviewing the outcomes of the exercise. While no further details were disclosed, officials stressed that the drills tested a range of munitions and engagement responses.
This is not the first mishap involving Taiwan’s Patriot air defense system. In 2024, a truck carrying Patriot equipment overturned in southern Taiwan, injuring two personnel. In 2023, a missile exploded before reaching its target during a drill, initially thought to be a PAC-3 failure until Lockheed Martin clarified otherwise. Taiwan first procured Patriot missiles in 1996.
