Origins of the Radar Program
During the 1995–96 Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis, the PLA launched several waves of missiles toward Taiwan. Because the ROC Armed Forces lacked sufficient surveillance and detection capability at the time, they were unable to fully track the trajectory of these missiles. In 2003, the Legislative Yuan approved funding to build a long-range early-warning radar system (the AN/FPS-115 PAVE PAWS). Construction was completed in 2012, and the system entered service the following year.
According to available public sources, the Leshan Radar Station was built on Leshan, the highest peak of the Jialili mountain range, at an elevation of about 2,618 meters. Once commissioned, the station was placed under the Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command. Produced by Raytheon, this radar system can exchange intelligence with Japan and the United States (including Alaska). During multiple North Korean ballistic missile tests, the Leshan radar consistently achieved earlier detection than regional partners and shared timely information with allied democracies.
Role of the Long-Range Early-Warning Radar
The concept of long-range early-warning radar originates from the Cold War. The United States built several large radar stations to detect incoming Soviet ICBMs. After the Soviet threat diminished, the primary concern shifted to China’s expanding missile arsenal. To maintain global early-warning coverage, U.S. long-range radars are now deployed in California’s Beale Air Force Base, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Space Force Station, the UK’s RAF Fylingdales, Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, and Taiwan’s Leshan Radar Station. As a de facto U.S. security partner, Taiwan plays an important role in regional intelligence sharing.
Estimated Capabilities
What exactly can Taiwan’s long-range radar do? According to defense reports submitted to the legislature, its maximum detection range extends to roughly 5,000 kilometers—covering Northeast and Southeast Asia. It can monitor PLA activities as far as Xinjiang in the Western Theater Command. Since entering service in 2013, the radar has consistently detected missile launches from North Korea and China one to two minutes earlier than U.S. and Japanese systems, making Taiwan a critical node in regional strategic warning.
Because the radar’s location and size are highly conspicuous, it would be an early target if a Taiwan Strait conflict were to break out. However, the intelligence it provides—such as a seven-minute advance warning before missile impact—is far more valuable than the threat posed by PLA attacks on the facility. During long periods of peacetime, the daily intelligence gathered strengthens Taiwan’s force readiness and enhances its strategic significance.
Future Development
As PLA military activity increases—especially in Taiwan’s southwestern airspace—the regional threat environment continues to deteriorate. In 2021, there were reports that the military was considering building a second long-range early-warning radar in southern Taiwan. Although unconfirmed and no new progress has been announced, Taiwan’s security environment suggests that constructing an additional radar remains necessary. Combined with airborne early-warning platforms, a southern radar station would greatly improve long-range detection and information sharing, further reinforcing Taiwan’s strategic intelligence posture and its unique geopolitical value.
Author: Newcongress
