A reported explosion of a Patriot PAC-2 missile during Taiwan’s annual precision live-fire exercise is under investigation by the island’s military. The incident occurred at Jiupeng in Pingtung County, where video footage appeared to show the missile exploding about four seconds after liftoff. Another PAC-2 fired in the same drill functioned normally.
Taiwan’s defense ministry has so far avoided directly commenting on the malfunction. A source familiar with the matter said the reason for the explosion remains unclear. The Air Force Command Headquarters, in a general statement, noted that the Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises were successfully completed, with all events managed according to set procedures.
Officials further confirmed that an evaluation committee has begun analyzing the drill results. The exercise reportedly involved multiple types of munitions and operational scenarios to test the island’s readiness.
Taiwan has previously experienced difficulties with its Patriot missile systems. In 2024, a transport accident damaged Patriot equipment and injured troops. A year earlier, a missile detonated prematurely in a live-fire event, though it was later clarified that the weapon involved was not a PAC-3. The PAC family of air defense missiles has been in Taiwan’s arsenal since 1996.
