The Republic of China Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command held a retirement ceremony for the MIM-23 HAWK ground base air defense missile system on Jun. 29. The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Sun Lien Sheng, the Deputy Commander of the Air Force. Senior Air Force officials, former air defense commanders, and their personnel attended the event to witness the official retirement of the Hawk missile system.
The Hawk missile system has been responsible for the defense of the airspace in the Taiwan Strait for 63 years. It has participated in major exercises and training, including live missile firings, Han Guang live-fire verification, Tianlong air defense emergencies, and mobile operations.
The retirement ceremony took place at the Chang’an Camp. During the ceremony, after Deputy Commander Sun announced the retirement order, the unit seal and military flag were handed over by the platoon leader, symbolizing the formal retirement of the system. Subsequently, the attendees moved to the equipment exhibition area, where they were briefed by designated personnel on the history of the HAWK’s deployment and use in Taiwan. The distinguished guests also took commemorative photos with the missile launchers.
Lt. Gen. Sun stated that the HAWK missile system was the longest-serving air defense missile system in Taiwan and has not only effectively filled the gaps in low-altitude defense but also served as a strategic weapon in defending the airspace of the Taiwan Strait, playing a crucial role.
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