Taiwan Develops Cheap Cruise Missiles Challenging China US Pacific Defense

Cheap, ground-launched cruise missiles are emerging as potentially decisive weapons in a future Pacific conflict, particularly across the Taiwan Strait, where Taiwan is developing inexpensive yet effective munitions inspired by Ukraine's use of similar drones and missiles against Russian forces. Despite the prominence of missiles, recent conflicts like the Falklands War and Ukraine's defense against Russian drone attacks highlight the continued importance of traditional gun-based air defenses, which remain cost-effective and reliable against low-flying threats. The U.S. Army faces challenges in countering drones, debating whether to train all soldiers broadly or establish specialized units for counter-UAV operations, with current training often insufficient and secondary to other tactical priorities. Meanwhile, innovative drone technologies have caused public concern, as evidenced by a private company's acknowledgment that their advanced aircraft were responsible for mysterious sightings in New Jersey, demonstrating the evolving nature of aerial warfare and surveillance. High-level military voices, such as General Petraeus, emphasize the need for Indo-Pacific nations to enhance their defense capabilities and accelerate military transformation, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s drone-centric warfare to address the increasingly complex and multi-dimensional threat environment.