Eye on Disruption

Gaurav Sen

Taiwan employs an asymmetric defence strategy, as stated by the ODC (Overall Defence Concept), to optimize its defence strengths and focus on countering an invading force in its weak coastal zone. The new approach divides Taiwan’s military operations into three distinct phases: force preservation, decisive combat in the coastal area, and the annihilation of the enemy at the landing beach. Taiwan’s prior strategy focused on engaging in combat over the entire Taiwan Strait and achieving victory by wearing down the enemy. Each stage takes place near the shoreline of Taiwan’s military forces to utilize land-based air denial and improved monitoring and reconnaissance capabilities. Admiral Lee adds that the ODC’s definition of winning the war is to prevent the PLA from effectively conquering Taiwan and gaining political authority over it.

Taiwan must abandon the notion that it can engage in a traditional attrition struggle against the PLA. The subsequent sections will provide a detailed explanation of the phases of the ODC, followed by a focus on the distinct roles played by anti-ship missiles and sea mines.

Force Preservation

The primary objective of the ODC is to ensure the preservation and protection of force. Security strategists say that to neutralize Taiwan’s armed forces and deter its populace, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) offensive would commence by imposing a blockade and thereafter launching missile attacks. The ODC requires a substantial quantity of compact, portable, cost-effective systems capable of conducting mission from various location. These systems should employ tactics such as deploying decoys, utilizing camouflage, and employing deception techniques to make it difficult for the enemy to identify targets. Additionally, they should be designed to ensure that enough capabilities remain operational even after initial attacks. China’s increasingly potent ballistic and cruise missile arsenal heightens the importance of Taiwan’s military to withstand and maintain its effectiveness after the initial attacks from the PLA. Additionally, the PLA’s A2/AD capabilities are anticipated to hinder any military intervention from the United States.

Despite Taiwan’s existing expe