Q&A · 1:05:11-1:07:06

Can Taiwan counter missile saturation?

Terrain, launch-site attacks, weather, and the depth of Chinese ammunition stocks all complicate a simple missile-coverage calculation.

Question

How could Taiwanese air defenses cope with saturation by Chinese rocket and missile forces?

Short answer

Attacks on launchers, terrain, firing angles, and finite ammunition stocks complicate saturation. The ability to reach Taiwan does not establish sustained effects against every target.

Notes

Theoretical missile range does not establish that every target can be reached from the necessary angle across mountainous terrain. Attacks on the launchers offer another way to reduce the incoming fire. Weather performance is raised as a question, without a firm conclusion that bad weather would prevent launches. The depth of ammunition stocks also limits how long a high rate of fire can continue. Heavy bombardment could destroy assets that an occupier hoped to control and create further hostility without breaking resistance.