President William Lai announced plans for a new “T-Dome” air defense system during his Double Ten National Day speech, outlining a major boost to Taiwan’s defense budget and long-term security goals. The government will propose a special national defense budget by year’s end, with defense spending set to exceed 3 percent of GDP next year and rise to 5 percent by 2030.
Lai said the new budget focuses on three main objectives. The first is to accelerate the creation of a multi-layer “T-Dome” air defense network with advanced detection and interception capabilities. The second goal is to integrate artificial intelligence and high technology to develop a “smart” defense combat system that strengthens Taiwan’s asymmetric deterrence strategy. The third objective is to invest in innovative defense technologies and enhance cooperation with allied nations to expand Taiwan’s defense industry.
He added that the plan also aims to reinforce domestic supply chains through local research, design, and production, ensuring greater resilience in military equipment and strengthening the defense manufacturing sector. Lai emphasized that Taiwan seeks to become a trusted partner to democratic allies and to collectively resist reliance on the “red supply chain.”
Reaffirming his commitment to peace through strength, Lai said Taiwan would continue safeguarding the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait while promoting regional stability. He called on China to abandon the use of force or coercion, urging mutual efforts to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Lai reminded the world of the importance of unity against aggression and praised Taiwan’s democratic progress, declaring that the nation has fully emerged from the shadow of authoritarian rule.